What is Bobsled?
Bobsled is a winter sport where teams ride specialized sleds down narrow, icy tracks. The sport combines explosive speed at the start with precise steering through curves. Teams can reach speeds over 150 km/h (93 mph). Gravity does most of the work, but the start and steering make the difference.
Event Types
Two-Man (Two-Woman) Bobsled
A pilot and brakeman work together. The pilot steers the sled using ropes connected to the front runners. The brakeman helps push at the start and operates the brakes at the finish. Both athletes must push the sled at maximum speed before jumping in.
Four-Man Bobsled
Four athletes ride together: pilot, two push athletes, and brakeman. The larger crew generates more push speed at the start. More mass also means more momentum through the course. Four-man is traditionally the premier bobsled event.
Monobob
A single athlete pilots the sled alone. Monobob was added to give smaller nations a chance to compete. Athletes must push, jump in, and steer all by themselves. It tests individual skill rather than team coordination.
The Start
The start is critical. Teams push the sled as fast as possible for about 50 meters before jumping in. A strong start can make up several tenths of a second. Many bobsled athletes come from sprinting or other explosive sports. Former football players and track athletes often transition to bobsled.
The Track
Bobsled tracks feature steep drops, banked turns, and high-g curves. Ice conditions change throughout the day as temperatures shift. Early starters often face harder ice. Later starters deal with grooved, worn ice. Track knowledge is essential for pilots.
Track Features
- Straight sections: Build maximum speed
- Curves: Proper line is essential to maintain speed
- Labyrinth: Series of quick turns requiring precise steering
- Kreisel: 360-degree turn with extreme g-forces
The Sled
Modern bobsleds are engineering marvels. The shell is aerodynamic to reduce drag. Runners are polished to minimize friction. Teams spend hours preparing their runners before races. Temperature affects which runner preparation works best.
Scoring
Times are measured to the hundredth of a second. Competitions have multiple runs (usually four). All run times are added together. The team with the lowest total time wins. Margins are often tiny - less than a tenth of a second can separate medals.
Comparison to Other Sliding Sports
Bobsled differs from luge in key ways. In luge, athletes ride feet-first on their backs. In bobsled, athletes sit upright in an enclosed sled. Skeleton is another sliding sport where athletes ride face-down on a small sled.
Famous Tracks
Lake Placid in the United States has hosted major competitions. Whistler in Canada and Altenberg in Germany are also world-class venues. Each track has unique characteristics that favor different teams.
Key Skills
Successful bobsled teams need:
- Sprint speed: Fast starts are essential
- Power: Pushing a heavy sled requires strength
- Steering precision: Small mistakes cost time
- Communication: Teams must work as one
- Courage: High speeds demand mental strength