How is the bobsleigh start order decided?
B · Beginner · The race · 3 of 4Start numbers come from the IBSF ranking list. At the Olympics the top 10 pilots choose numbers 1 to 10; at World Cups they are drawn for numbers 4 to 13. Later heats run in reverse order of the standings for the leading group, so the leader goes last of them. Only crews that finish the final heat are ranked.
How it works
- First heat: from start number 1 to the end.
- Two-heat races: second heat from 20th back to 1st by first-heat ranking.
- Four-heat races: heats two and three from 25th back to 1st, then 26th on; heat four from 20th back to 1st.
- Olympics: the top 10 ranked pilots choose numbers 1 to 10.
- World Cup: the top 10 are drawn for numbers 4 to 13; numbers 1 to 3 are drawn from the last 10 ranked.
- Ties in a heat: the higher bib starts first next time.
- Reduction: the field may be cut before later heats if the track cannot take everyone.
- Final heat: a crew that does not start or is disqualified gets no final ranking.
The glossary has the start ranking, the ranking list, the run, the total time, the DNS and the DSQ.
Tricky cases
The leader after three heats. When do they start the fourth?
20th in the reverse order, the last of the top 20.
A crew misses the final heat. Do they keep their place?
No. They get no final ranking and those below move up.
How few crews can a race have and still give points?
At least six crews from two nations.
Can a race count after one heat?
Yes. At least one heat makes a race valid if the rest are lost to force majeure.
Why the rule exists
Ice gets faster or slower through a heat, so the order matters. Reversing the leaders spreads that luck and builds tension at the end.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Olympics | Top 10 choose numbers | IBSF 10.6.3 |
| World Championships | World Cup ranking order | IBSF 10.6.3 |
| World Cup | Top 10 drawn for 4 to 13 | IBSF 10.6.3 |
From the rule book
IBSF, International Rules Bobsleigh (September 2026), articles 10.6.1 to 10.6.3, 10.6.9 and 10.6.15. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBSF International Rules, issued each season.