Milan, Italy – The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the speed skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, as Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands and Stijn van de Bunt also of the Netherlands have secured their places in the men’s mass start final. The event, scheduled for at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, promises a captivating showdown, with American Jordan Stolz also poised to compete.
Bergsma, a seasoned veteran at 40 years old, navigated the first semi-final with precision, finishing seventh and earning a spot in the final. His qualification wasn’t without a moment of suspense, as he awaited confirmation that his accumulated points were sufficient to place him among the top eight. The Dutch skater currently leads the mass-start standings in the 2025-26 ISU Speed Skating World Cup, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the season.
Van de Bunt also advanced through the semi-finals, securing his place alongside his compatriot. The duo’s presence in the final adds a significant Dutch contingent to the competition, raising expectations for a strong performance.
The competition isn’t solely a Dutch affair, however. Jordan Stolz, representing the United States, also qualified for the final, adding another dimension to the race. Stolz has already made a significant impact at these Olympics, setting an Olympic record in the 1000m and securing gold medals in both the 1000m and 500m sprints. He recently added a silver medal in the 1500m, showcasing his versatility across different distances.
The semi-final heats were fiercely contested. Antoine Gélinas-Beaulieu of Canada topped the first heat with 60 points, followed by Shomu Sasaki of Japan (40 points) and Chung Jae-won of South Korea (21 points). In the second heat, Timothy Loubineaud of France led with 61 points, with Wu Yu of China (40 points) and Stijn van de Bunt (24 points) also securing their places in the final.
Several other notable skaters competed in the semi-finals, but fell short of qualifying for the final round. Daniele Di Stefano of Italy, Li Wenhao of China, Vladimir Semirunniy of Poland, Sigurd Holbø Dyrset of Norway, Felix Maly of Germany, and Alexander Farthofer of Austria all competed in the first heat but did not advance. Similarly, Andrea Giovannini of Italy, the 2025 world champion in mass start, qualified but his final standing is currently unavailable.
The mass start event differs from traditional speed skating races. Instead of individual time trials, all skaters begin simultaneously in a 16-lap race. The outcome isn’t solely determined by the fastest time; skaters accumulate points during three intermediate sprints after laps 4, 8, and 12, with the final sprint occurring on the 16th lap. This format introduces a tactical element, rewarding both speed and strategic positioning.
Notably absent from the competition is Lee Seung-hoon, the bronze medalist from the previous Olympics, who did not qualify for this year’s event. Bart Swings, the defending champion, has successfully qualified and will be looking to defend his title.
The men’s mass start final is scheduled to begin at on NBC, following the semi-finals which air on USA Network at . For those without cable access, DIRECTV offers a five-day free trial, providing access to both USA Network, and NBC. Alternatively, a subscription to Peacock, starting at $10.99 per month, will also provide coverage of the event.
With Bergsma’s World Cup lead, Stolz’s recent Olympic successes, and the presence of the defending champion Swings, the men’s mass start final promises to be a highlight of the 2026 Winter Olympics, showcasing a blend of experience, emerging talent, and strategic racing.
