Ice in speed skating is known for its extreme coldness and hardness, making it one of the most challenging surfaces in the Winter Olympics. For the first time in history, the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games will see Olympic speed skaters competing for gold on a temporary indoor rink. To ensure optimal performance, Olympic officials enlisted the expertise of ice master Mark Messer, a seasoned veteran with six previous Olympic speed skating tracks under his belt, including the renowned Olympic Oval in Calgary.
Messer, who has been meticulously crafting the ice at the new Speed Skating Stadium in Rho, just north of Milan, described this project as one of his most challenging endeavors. Speed skating ice demands a perfect balance of hardness, coldness, and cleanliness to enable maximum speed and precision for the skaters, as any impurities can compromise their 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 highlighted the pleasure of skating on well-prepared ice, where the right balance of hardness and smoothness is crucial for optimal performance.
Messer’s meticulous process involves carefully layering water on the ice surface, painting it white, and adding lanes to create the perfect speed skating track. Maintaining the purity and smoothness of the ice is paramount, as any dirt or imperfections can impede the skaters’ glide and speed. The Zamboni ice resurfacing machine plays a vital role in ensuring the track remains clean and smooth throughout the competitions.
Despite the challenges of creating a temporary rink, Messer and his team are focused on fine-tuning the ice conditions to provide the best possible experience for the skaters. With the upcoming training sessions and events, they are working diligently to adjust air and ice temperatures to meet the needs of both athletes and spectators. The final preparations are underway to ensure that all skaters have equal and optimal conditions for their performances on the ice.