Dutch Speed Skaters Advance to Mass Start Final at Olympic Winter Games
Milaan/Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Jorrit Bergsma and Stijn van de Bunt of the Netherlands have both qualified for the final of the men’s mass start speed skating event at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, currently underway in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The duo’s success comes amidst a flurry of action on the fifteenth day of competition, which also saw a gold medal win for France’s Océane Michelon in the biathlon mass start and the continued dominance of Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who has now surpassed Harald Heiden’s record for most medals won at a single Winter Olympics edition. The competition is being broadcast live on NPO 1 and via livestream.
Bergsma, a seasoned veteran at 40 years old, secured his spot in the final by finishing seventh in his first semi-final heat. According to reports from sportnieuws.nl, he faced a tense wait to confirm his qualification, needing to accumulate enough points from intermediate sprints to be among the top eight skaters advancing to the medal round. Van de Bunt demonstrated strong form, launching a decisive breakaway mid-race alongside only one competitor, Metodej Jilek, the reigning Olympic champion in the 10km event. This strategic move allowed Van de Bunt to collect valuable points from two sprint laps, guaranteeing his place in the final.
Biathlon Gold for France’s Michelon
The day’s events weren’t solely focused on speed skating. In biathlon, Océane Michelon of France claimed the gold medal in the women’s mass start, adding to her earlier gold in the mixed relay. The race unfolded with dramatic shifts in the lead, as competitors battled both on the course and at the shooting range. Dorothea Wierer, competing on home soil in Rasen-Antholz, briefly threatened for a medal but missed two targets in one shooting round. Julia Simon also faltered during a shooting round, allowing Michelon to seize the lead and ultimately secure the victory. Tereza Voborniková of the Czech Republic took home the bronze medal. NOS Sport provides detailed coverage of the event.
Klæbo Makes Olympic History
Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo continues to rewrite the record books at these Winter Games. With his latest victories, Klæbo has surpassed the previous record of most medals won at a single Winter Olympics, previously held by Harald Heiden. This achievement underscores Klæbo’s exceptional talent and dominance in the sport. The exact number of medals Klæbo has won as of February 21, 2026, is not specified in the available sources, but his surpassing of Heiden’s record is confirmed.
Dutch Bobsleigh Team Finishes 13th
In bobsleigh, the Dutch four-man bob team, piloted by Wesselink, completed the first two runs of the competition and currently sits in 13th place. The team recorded a tenth-fastest time in their second run, clocking in at 1:47. Further runs will determine their final standing in the event.
Looking Ahead: Curling Final and Mass Start Races
The Olympic action continues today with the men’s curling final scheduled for 19:05 local time, pitting the United Kingdom against Canada. The highly anticipated mass start races in speed skating, featuring Bergsma and Van de Bunt for the Netherlands, are set to begin at 15:00 local time. Marijke Groenewoud is also expected to compete for the Netherlands in the women’s mass start. AD.nl is providing live updates throughout the day.
What is the Mass Start in Speed Skating?
The mass start is a relatively novel addition to the Olympic speed skating program, designed to add excitement and unpredictability to the sport. Unlike traditional distance races, the mass start involves all skaters starting simultaneously and completing a set number of laps. Intermediate sprints are held throughout the race, awarding points to the top finishers. These points contribute to the overall standings and determine who advances to the final. The final is a head-to-head battle for the medals, often characterized by tactical maneuvering and a thrilling sprint to the finish line.
The Significance of Bergsma and Van de Bunt’s Qualification
The qualification of both Jorrit Bergsma and Stijn van de Bunt represents a significant achievement for the Dutch speed skating team. Bergsma’s experience and tactical acumen make him a strong contender for a medal, while Van de Bunt’s aggressive racing style and recent form suggest he could also challenge for a podium finish. Their presence in the final adds to the Netherlands’ medal hopes and promises an exciting race for Dutch fans.
The Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo continue to deliver captivating moments and fierce competition. As the games progress, athletes from around the world are striving for glory and the Dutch team is firmly in contention for medals across multiple disciplines.
The next major event to watch is the men’s mass start final, where Jorrit Bergsma and Stijn van de Bunt will aim to secure a place on the podium. Stay tuned for further updates and results from the Olympic Winter Games.
What are your predictions for the mass start final? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow sports enthusiasts!