Bottom Line Up Front: As the 2026 Milano Cortina Games conclude, the men’s mass start finals have cemented their status as the premier broadcast product of the Winter Olympics. While Netherlands’ Jorrit Bergsma (Speed Skating) and Norway’s Johannes Dale-Skjevdal (Biathlon) claimed gold in thrilling fashion, the real victory belongs to the format itself—driving higher viewer retention and sponsorship ROI than traditional time trials.

The Results: A Triumph of Tactics Over Time

According to reporting from various news agencies, the final weekend of the 2026 Games saw historic upsets and tactical masterclasses in the men’s mass start events:

• Speed Skating: In a stunning display of longevity, 40-year-old Jorrit Bergsma (NED) secured gold after an early breakaway that decimated the field. Viktor Hald Thorup won a rare silver for Denmark, with Italy’s Andrea Giovannini taking bronze on home ice.
• Biathlon: Johannes Dale-Skjevdal (NOR) shot a perfect 20/20 to claim gold, holding off teammate Sturla Holm Lægreid. France’s Quentin Fillon Maillet secured bronze, solidifying his status as a biathlon legend.
• Cross-Country: Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (NOR) won the grueling 50km mass start, capturing his record-breaking sixth gold medal of the games.

The Business of Chaos: Why Mass Starts Matter

Sources indicate that broadcasters and sponsors are increasingly pivoting toward mass start formats over traditional individual interval starts. The reasons are purely financial and logistical:

1. The “Logo Time” Multiplier

Unlike individual time trials where an athlete flashes past a camera for seconds, mass starts keep a pack of skiers or skaters on screen for 15-45 minutes continuously. For sponsors like Red Bull, Salomon, and Rossignol, this exponential increase in “logo time” per broadcast hour significantly boosts Return on Ad Spend (ROAS).

2. Broadcast Retention Rates

The “accordion effect”—where packs compress and expand—creates constant visual drama that retains casual viewers. Reporting suggests that mass start events see significantly lower channel-switching rates compared to the repetitive nature of interval starts, making them a lucrative slot for premium advertising.

3. Technological Innovation

The chaos of 20+ athletes moving at high speeds has forced a revolution in tracking technology. Broadcasters now rely on real-time transponders and AI-driven overlays to track athletes in the pack, a technology stack that is rapidly being adapted for consumer fitness markets.

Key Takeaways for the Canadian Market

• Viewer Trends: Canadian audiences are trending toward high-contact, high-stakes winter formats, mirroring the popularity of Short Track.
• Gear Evolution: The tactical demand of mass starts is driving sales in agile, high-aerodynamic gear rather than just pure speed equipment.
• Broadcast Tech: Expect to see the “player tracking” tech from these finals implemented in upcoming NHL broadcasts.

FAQ

Q: Why are mass starts considered more commercially viable than time trials?
A: They offer continuous screen time for sponsors and a simple “first to cross the line wins” narrative that is easier for casual viewers to understand than complex time splits.

Q: How did 40-year-old Jorrit Bergsma win the Speed Skating Mass Start?
A: He utilized superior tactical experience, launching an early breakaway that the younger, more explosive pack failed to chase down until it was too late.

Q: Did Canada medal in the Mass Start events?
A: While the men’s field was dominated by European nations, sources confirm Canada’s Ivanie Blondin secured a silver medal in the Women’s Mass Start, underscoring the nation’s strength in this tactical format.

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Tags: Winter Olympics 2026, Sports Sponsorship, Broadcast Technology