What is the team sprint in speed skating?
I · Intermediate · Team, mass start and combined events · 2 of 3In the team sprint, a team skates as many laps as it has members. Each skater leads one lap, then pulls out at a marked changeover zone, and the last skater finishes alone. In relays, teams of two to four hand over inside a marked exchange zone; a handover outside it disqualifies the team.
How it works
- Team sprint length: one lap per team member.
- Legs: the lead skater leads a lap, then drops out.
- Changeover: from the start of the finishing straight to the next curve.
- Showing the change: the lead moves to the outer lane and stands up.
- Team sprint time: when the last skater reaches the line.
- Relays: two to four skaters; legs of 400 m or 800 m recommended.
- Exchange zone: 40 m, 50 m to 100 m or 75 m, by format.
- Outside the zone: the team is disqualified.
The glossary has the team sprint, the long track relay, the relay, the disciplines and events, the official time and the disqualification.
Tricky cases
The lead skater does not move out at the changeover. What happens?
They must show they have left, by moving out and standing up.
Can a relay skater be touched before the exchange zone?
In format C, yes, but the actual exchange must happen inside the zone.
Is the mixed relay held at World Championships?
Yes, as a team race for women and men.
Can skaters change lanes during a relay exchange?
Not in format C; exchanges must not interfere with other teams.
Why the rule exists
A set changeover zone makes the handover a skill and keeps it visible to officials. Requiring the lead to stand up makes it plain that they have left the race.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Format A relay | Two teams in pairs, 40 m zone | ISU 256 (3.2) |
| Format B relay | Up to four teams, 75 m zone | ISU 256 (3.3) |
| Format C relay | Up to four teams, 50 m or 100 m zone | ISU 256 (3.4) |
From the rule book
ISU, Sports Rules: Speed Skating (as of 12 June 2026), rules 201, 256 (2) to (4) and 265 (7), (8). Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the ISU Sports Rules, updated each season with ISU Communications.