A new elimination race format inspired by inline skating is set to replace the mass start event in speed skating, aiming to improve safety and race dynamics.
The ice skating event borrows many of its rules from inline skating, where elimination races often feature pelotons of around 40 riders. On inline skates, riders sometimes have only about six meters of track width, whereas on ice the width exceeds ten meters. This allows the peloton in ice skating to spread out more, potentially reducing congestion and pressure on the skaters.
Hanjo Heideman, a member of the International Skating Union’s (ISU) Technical Committee, explained that the elimination race format was tested four times last year in junior competitions without significant safety issues. Feedback from athletes and coaches was generally positive. One adjustment made following these tests was to conduct eliminations at the finish of the 1000 meter distance, rather than at the finish line used for other distances, helping to prevent eliminations from occurring immediately preceding a curve.
Heideman noted that concerns are natural when new formats are introduced. He recalled that the mass start itself faced safety criticisms when it was introduced fifteen years ago. The Technical Committee is now finalizing the proposal. Once the ISU president and vice president approve it, the elimination race format will replace the mass start in the upcoming season. Heideman emphasized that the season following the Olympic Games is the most suitable time to introduce new event formats.
schaatsen.nl is the original source of this report from the Netherlands.
