Elimination Mass Start (2026/2027)

SkatingApp provides official 2026/2027 elimination schedule presets for Senior and Junior/Neo-Senior Mass Start races with 9–24 starters. Other field sizes can use a custom elimination schedule.

Configure the race

1. Create an elimination Mass Start competition and complete its start list.
2. In the competition's elimination configuration, choose Senior or Junior/Neo and the variant matching the start-list count. Select Generate to copy the preset into the competition. If no preset covers the field, create and review a custom schedule.
3. Check the total laps, finalist count, and elimination rounds shown in the editor, then save the competition. The standard Senior preset has 16 laps; the Junior/Neo preset has 12. Some smaller fields have four finalists, as specified by the official tables.
4. Confirm the start list still has the configured number of skaters before opening timing. A mismatch blocks the timing session.

The saved competition schedule is a snapshot. Changing a reusable preset does not silently change a customized schedule or a race that already has timing evidence. Review any competition configured with the earlier draft, especially if it was customized or timed. Select the official preset and save it after the responsible official confirms the schedule. Changing a schedule with timing evidence requires careful review and reopening timing interfaces so each workstation loads the new snapshot.

During the race

• Start at the 500 m start line. The 1000 m finish line is used for eliminations; the final sprint ends at the 500 m/main finish line.
• The bell is sounded on the lap before an elimination. The number eliminated at each stage comes from the saved schedule and original starting-field size.
• Transponder timing establishes positions at each elimination. SkatingApp calculates eliminations from official laps selected by the Master Clock. If skaters tie at the elimination boundary, all tied skaters are eliminated and the following round compensates toward the scheduled field size.
• An overtaken skater stays in the race until eliminated. An eliminated skater must leave immediately, move to the outer part of the track, and enter the coaches' box. The Referee decides disqualifications.
• The remaining skaters are ranked by the final sprint. Eliminated skaters are ranked by their elimination position; a tied passage uses the previous intermediate split. Skaters who abandon are ranked by completed laps and, on the same lap, their last intermediate split.

Photo finish and/or transponders verify the final sprint. Check the official results and any unresolved ties before publishing them.

Equipment, safety, and restart

The competition requires a full-body racing or underwear suit at cut-resistant level 3, transponders on the front of both ankles, numbered helmet covers, and a vibrating bracelet paired to the transponders. The bracelet and two trackside boards inform an eliminated skater. An eliminated skater who does not leave within one full lap is disqualified by the Referee. Officials check equipment and operate the notification systems; SkatingApp does not automate them.

The Referee controls safety stops and restarts. The official communication contains both a general full-distance fresh-start provision and an elimination-specific provision based on the last elimination lap plus one extra lap. Follow the Referee's decision and reconfigure the race as directed. SkatingApp does not automatically resume or shorten a stopped race.

Semi-final seeding, qualification, advancement, and replacement are managed by officials outside this race-control workflow. Short Mass Start is not covered here.

For the detailed rules and schedule tables, see ISU Communication No. 2821, Mass Start and Team Races at ISU Speed Skating Events (1 September 2026).