How much training do bobsleigh crews get?
A · Advanced · The race · 1 of 3Before a race, each pilot must complete two crash-free training heats per discipline; the Olympics and World Championships offer six. Crews may walk the track only at set times, never on race days. Forerunning pilot sleds test the track before each heat, and crews may not slide on other tracks during the competition.
How it works
- Minimum: two crash-free training heats per discipline.
- Olympics and World Championships: six official training heats in each discipline.
- World Cup: up to four heats per discipline for each pilot.
- Other tracks: no sliding elsewhere during the competition, except in the first week of a two-week event.
- Track walks: at set times; none on race days; never during a heat.
- Pilot sleds: at least three, five at the Olympics and World Championships.
- Last training day: at race time where possible, with race-like ice.
- New tracks: many training heats must be offered before Olympic racing.
The glossary has the official training, the pilot sled, the track, the crash rules, the run and the line.
Tricky cases
A crew crashes in its second training heat. Can it race?
Only after another heat without a crash, if one is available.
Can a crew walk the track the morning of the race?
No. There are no track walks on race days.
Can a pilot train on another track during a World Cup week?
No, except in the first week of a two-week competition.
What is a pilot sled?
A forerunning sled that tests the track before a heat; it may count as a race heat if a crew is used.
Why the rule exists
Tracks are dangerous at speed, so crews must show they can get down safely before racing. Set track walks let everyone study the curves equally.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Olympics, World Championships | Six training heats each | IBSF 10.1.1 |
| World Cup | Up to four per pilot and discipline | IBSF 10.1.2 |
| Sanctioned races | At least three training heats | IBSF 10.1.4 |
From the rule book
IBSF, International Rules Bobsleigh (September 2026), articles 1.4, 10, 10.1 to 10.3, 10.6.7 and 10.6.13. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBSF International Rules, issued each season.