Emma Smith
BBC Sport at Milano Speed Skating Stadium

My favourite part of that first semi-final was Denmark's Viktor Hold Thorup, who used clever tactics to book his place in the final.

Thorup hung at the back of the field for the first half of the race, a long way behind the back. Then, at the start of the ninth lap, he sped up and undercut the entire field on a corner.

Although he was nearly caught, Thorup built up enough of a lead to win the sprint and claim three points.

Those points are enough to earn eighth place in the semi, with the top eight going into the medal race.

Time for the second semi-final now.

Bart Swings of Belgium and Italy's Andrea Giovannini are in this group.

Emma Smith
BBC Sport at Milano Speed Skating Stadium

Three Zambonis - the vehicles which look like sit-on lawnmowers that they use for ice cleaning - have done a lap of the track to prepare it for the next race.

Zamboni Racing for French Alps 2030, anyone?

Canada's Antoine Gelinas-Beaulieu was first across the line, followed by Shomu Sasaki of Japan and South Korea's Chung Jae-won in third. They automatically progress to the final.

The points from the sprints have been added up for the other five qualifying positions and USA's Jordan Stolz progresses in fourth.

The first men's mass start semi-final is under way ...

Emma Smith
BBC Sport at Milano Speed Skating Stadium

As always at speed skating, there is a significant Dutch presence both among the medal contenders and in the stands.

Once again the temporary bleachers here in Rho Fieramilano feature plenty of noisy, orange-clad supporters.

They will have been boosted by the news earlier today that the Netherlands could host the speed skating events at the 2030 Olympics, after organisers confirmed they will be held in Turin or Heerenveen.

Image source, Getty Images

That was a superb performance from Michelon on her Olympic debut to add gold to her 4 x 6km relay title and 7.5km sprint silver.

She overcame two shooting penalty loops and had to deal with tricky conditions but the world championship silver medallist showed her class.

Result

1. Oceane Michelon (France) 37 minutes 18.1 seconds

2. Julia Simon (France) 37.24.7

3. Tereza Vobornikova (Czechia) 37:25.5

Image source, Getty Images

Jordan Stolz of the USA could win his fourth medal of the Games after picking up double gold in the 500m and 1000m and 1500m silver.

He's had two days to recover since that silver, so he is one to watch for a podium place.

As is Bart Swings of Belgium, who is an Olympic silver medalist in mass start and a two-time world champion. This is his favourite event and specialism too.

But it will be Andrea Giovannini who the Italian crowd will be backing as he goes for his second gold of the Games after winning the team pursuit the other day. The 32-year-old is the designated lead skater in the second semi-final based on his impressive World Cup season so far.

Emma Smith
BBC Sport at Milano Speed Skating Stadium

We have been treated pre-event to a drumming performance by a local youth group.

They were excellent, and it made a refreshing change from the usual pumping pop music.

Even Games mascot Tina got involved, the scamp.

Image source, Getty Images

Oceane Michelon gets past Tereza Vobornikova and it looks like gold for France.

Simon also gets past the Czechia woman and is on track for silver.

Not much to report from the women's bronze medal match in terms of big scoring.

USA have had the hammer twice and scored one on each occasion. Canada have had it once and scored one.

How does mass start work, I hear you ask?

Competitors begin simultaneously and skate 16 laps. The first lap is a warm-up, during which it is forbidden to overtake the designated lead skater.

For these semi-finals the designated skater is based on World Cup ranking.

If you are lapped then you must withdraw immediately.

Crossing the line, first, second or third guarantees a final position but the other rankings are determined by a points system. Intermediate sprints are held after the fourth, eighth and 12th lap with three points awarded for finishing first in a sprint, two for second and one for third.

Don't worry, it's a lot clearer when it's happening!

Tereza Vobornikova is working hard up the hill to try to hold off Oceane Michelon.

Will she win gold for Czechia?

Emma Smith
BBC Sport at Milano Speed Skating Stadium

Welcome to the final speed skating event of Milan-Cortina 2026, and potentially the most dramatic.

The mass start is the only individual event in which speed skaters compete directly against each other across the wide track. The top eight from each semi-final progress to the final.

There are two semi-finals, with the top eight in each progressing to the medal races - the men's is at 1540 GMT, the women's at 1615 GMT.

As we reach the closing stages, Vobornikova leads from Magnusson with Michelon and Simon battling for third.

Rob Walker
Biathlon and cross-country co-commentator on BBC One

Image source, Getty Images

This is going to come down to an absolutely burner on the last lap.

Michelon had enough of a lead that she's still in touch [after a penalty loop] but Simon is right back in the shape-up.

It can all unravel so quickly.

Oceane Michelon of France misses one of her shots and needs to do a penalty lap but still is in contention

Tereza Vobornikova of Czechia and Sweden's Anna Magnusson are the new pacesetters but Julia SImon is back challenging after a clear round. Big drama.

Rob Walker
Biathlon and cross-country co-commentator on BBC One

Image source, Getty Images

Nothing is certain in this event - other than that drama is guaranteed at the last shooting range.