mass start speed skating

Mass start speed skating is a race where multiple skaters compete simultaneously over a set distance, typically on a long oval ice rink. Unlike traditional time-trial speed skating, where athletes race alone against the clock, in the mass start, skaters must navigate among each other, strategize, and occasionally break away from the pack. The race combines endurance, speed, and tactics, with the final winner determined by who crosses the finish line first. It emphasizes not just raw speed but also racing intelligence and positioning, making it a dynamic and exciting event for both competitors and spectators.