What is a bobsleigh?
- Published on 21/02/2026 10:16
Spectacular and ultra-technical winter sport, bobsleigh is an Olympic discipline that combines power, precision, and cutting-edge engineering.
Included in the Winter Games program since 1924, bobsleigh involves racing down an icy track in a streamlined vehicle capable of reaching over 130 km/h. Simple in principle, very complex in practice!
Organized by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF), the discipline comes in several formats: two-man bobsleigh, four-man bobsleigh, and monobob (a women’s event introduced at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games). Each team competes in multiple timed runs on a refrigerated track measuring 1,200 to 1,700 meters long, marked by steep turns and technical sections.
A High-Precision Machine
Bobsleigh — or “bob” — is a concentration of engineering. Its shell is made from composite materials (carbon fibers and epoxy resins) to provide an excellent balance between structural rigidity and minimal weight. The regulations set a maximum total weight: about 390 kg for a two-man male bob, crew included, and up to 630 kg for a four-man bob.
The chassis incorporates four polished steel blades, called “runners,” whose profile and finish directly affect the quality of the glide. The two front runners are directional, controlled by the pilot via a mechanical cable system connected to a steering ring. The rear runners are fixed, ensuring stability at high speeds.
Aerodynamics plays a key role: the streamlined shape reduces drag, while the position of the athletes, with heads tucked in and shoulders aligned, limits flow disruptions. The start is critical: teammates push the bob for about fifty meters before jumping on board in a perfectly synchronized movement.
You might be interestedin this article:
At the intersection of fluid mechanics, materials science, and athletic performance, bobsleigh is much more than just a downhill run on ice: it’s a race against the clock where every millisecond is earned in the lab as well as on the track.
ALSO READ: Valention Rossi shines at the Olympics
This page is translated from the original post "C’est quoi un bobsleigh ?" in French.
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
