It isn't because Lollobrigida has won that third sprint.

They all look a bit annoyed with each other because they're knocking into one another because of how bunched up they are ...

Emma Smith
BBC Sport at Milano Speed Skating Stadium

Francesca Lollobrigida has pedigree in this event, earning mass start bronze in 2022. A third medal at her home Games is not out of the question.

And having earned Italy's first medal of 2026, she could well win their last.

They have caught Myers and they are now all really bunched.

All I can see is a sea of blue helmets!

Image source, Getty Images

USA's Greta Myers has broken out from the rest of the pack and is a good 3/4 lap ahead of the rest.

An interesting tactic.

That was a fast sprint lap.

Canada's Ivanie Blondin gets the maximum sprint points, followed by Francesca Lollobrigida.

They're off! Their ability to all skate in a train fascinates me.

Time for the second-semi.

There's lots of noise and fuss for Italy's Francesca Lollobrigida.

Emma Smith
BBC Sport at Milano Speed Skating Stadium

Marina Zueva, an Independent Neutral Athlete at these Games, finishes 11th in the first semi-final and will not progress.

So far none of the AIN athletes - representatives of countries banned by the IOC - have won an event at Milan-Cortina 2026.

Talk about a sprint finish.

Ayano Sato of Japan cam through the pack to cross the line first, followed by Yang Binyu and Mia Kilburg of the USA.

All the big names are into the final.

2 laps to go!

The tempo has been upped and the pack has split into three groups.

And just like that Kaitlyn McGregor of Switzerland has made a break for it. She's leading the chasing pack.

I love how the coaches are giving instructions as they go round. By the time they've got half-way through their sentence they're gone again!

Mia Kilburg of the USA has won the second sprint.

It's still fairly cagey at this point.

Yang Binyu of China takes the maximum points for that sprint lap.

11 laps to go!

It's very steady so far, with no one wanting to break.

The first sprint lap is round the corner though.

The skaters have just been introduced to the crowd ahead of the first semi-final and now they are off!

Image source, Getty Images

Italy's Francesca Lollobrigida is expected to push Marijke Groenewoud all the way.

The double gold medalist from these Games won mass start bronze in 2022 and as this is her final competitive event before retiring, you would expect her to want to go out with a stellar performance.

Mamma Mia is being blared out around the arena. TUNE.

Image source, Getty Images

A potentially decisive moment in the women's curling bronze medal match as Canada score three in the sixth end.

They lead 5-3 and the American team will need to find something in response quickly.

Image source, Getty Images

Three-time world champion Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands is hard to look past in this event, but it is a quick turnaround for the 27-year-old who only competed in the 1500m on Friday.

She's had a busy Games, competing in the 3000m and team pursuit too so it will come down to how much she has left in the tank.

The women's mass start semi-finals get under way shortly.

But before then, the audience are being treated to another light show.

The Italians love them. Me not so so much after 15 days.