The ice used for speed skating at the Olympics is renowned for its extreme coldness and hardness. However, for the first time, Olympic speed skaters will be competing for gold on a temporary indoor rink at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games. To ensure optimal performance, ice master Mark Messer, a seasoned expert in Olympic speed skating tracks, has been meticulously crafting the ice at the new Speed Skating Stadium in Rho, just north of Milan.
Messer, who previously managed the renowned Olympic Oval in Calgary, known for setting numerous speed skating records, described the current project as one of his most challenging endeavors in icemaking. The key to perfect speed skating ice lies in its hardness, coldness, and cleanliness, ensuring a smooth surface free of any impurities that could hinder skaters’ performance.
Enrico Fabris, a former Olympic gold medalist turned deputy sports manager at the speed skating venue, emphasized the importance of consistent and fast ice conditions for all skaters. He noted that skating on high-quality ice enhances the overall experience for athletes.
The meticulous process of creating the speed skating ice involves applying multiple layers of water, painting the surface white, and adding lane markings. Messer and his team carefully monitor the ice thickness and quality to ensure it meets the required standards. The Zamboni ice resurfacing machine plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and smooth track for the skaters.
Despite facing challenges such as maintaining the right ice thickness and consistency, Messer remains focused on fine-tuning the ice conditions for the upcoming Olympic events. With the pressure of limited time for adjustments, the team aims to provide all skaters with equal and optimal ice conditions during the competitions.
The recent test event at the speed skating venue provided valuable insights for further adjustments, with the next significant test scheduled for the Olympians’ training session on Jan. 31. Messer emphasized the importance of meticulous adjustments to air temperature, humidity, and ice conditions to ensure a fair and top-quality ice surface for all competitors.
