How do time trials work in roller speed skating?
B · Beginner · Races and courses · 3 of 4In a time trial the clock decides. In the 300 m individual time trial each skater starts alone from a box. The 200 m dual time trial is raced two at a time on a track, the best 12 going to the final. In the team time trial three skaters race together and the time is taken on the second.
How it works
- 300 m time trial: one skater, starting within a 70 cm box.
- Time to start: 15 seconds after the starter's signal.
- 200 m dual time trial: two at a time; start and finish mid-straight.
- 200 m final: best 12 times (8 with 15 or fewer skaters); best time wins.
- Team time trial: three skaters; time taken on the second over the line.
- False starts: in the 300 m, one in the heat and one in the final.
- Ties for medals: the trial is repeated.
- Timing failure: in the 200 m, only that skater repeats.
The glossary has the time trial, the 200 m dual time trial, the timekeeping, the photo finish, the start line and finish line and the false start (FS).
Tricky cases
A 300 m skater's skate rolls over the back line before going. Fault?
Yes. Crossing the back line is a false start.
Two skaters tie for bronze in a time trial. What happens?
The trial is repeated; if still level to the thousandth, the nation's ranking decides.
The timing fails for one skater in a 200 m heat. Do both repeat?
No. From 2026 only that skater repeats.
When is the team time taken?
When the second skater crosses the line.
Why the rule exists
Racing alone or in pairs measures pure speed without pack tactics. Repeating a tied trial keeps medals decided by skating.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 300 m | Starts alone from a box | Art 128 |
| 200 m | Two at a time | Art 112 |
| Team | Time on the second skater | Art 111.3 |
From the rule book
World Skate, Speed Rulebook 2026, Articles 110 to 112, 127.1k, 128, 145 and 160.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Skate Speed Rulebook 2026.