Italy's Bobsled Tradition Returns to Cortina d'Ampezzo
Locales: Lombardy, Valle d'Aosta, ITALY

A Historic Return: Italy and Bobsled
Italy has a rich tradition in bobsled, dating back to the early days of the sport. The Cortina d'Ampezzo track, specifically, has hosted Olympic bobsled competitions before, most notably in 1956. The renovation and modernization of the track for the 2026 games ensure it meets the highest safety and performance standards, offering a challenging and exciting course for athletes. The track's design emphasizes both speed and technical skill, requiring pilots to navigate a series of hairpin turns and high-speed straights with precision.
The Bobsled Schedule: Dates and Times
The bobsled competition will span six days, beginning with the Women's Monobob on February 18th and culminating with the Men's Four-Man event on February 23rd. Here's a detailed schedule, listing local times (Milan/Cortina):
- February 18, 2026: Women's Monobob - 11:00 a.m.
- February 19, 2026: Women's Monobob - 2:00 p.m.
- February 20, 2026: Men's Two-Man - 11:00 a.m.
- February 21, 2026: Men's Two-Man - 2:00 p.m.
- February 22, 2026: Men's Four-Man - 11:00 a.m.
- February 23, 2026: Men's Four-Man - 2:00 p.m.
For viewers in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone, these times translate to early morning viewing opportunities, starting at 6:00 a.m. EST. A full viewing guide for EST is listed below:
- Feb. 18, 2026: 6:00 a.m. EST - NBC/Peacock
- Feb. 19, 2026: 9:00 a.m. EST - NBC/Peacock
- Feb. 20, 2026: 6:00 a.m. EST - NBC/Peacock
- Feb. 21, 2026: 9:00 a.m. EST - NBC/Peacock
- Feb. 22, 2026: 6:00 a.m. EST - NBC/Peacock
- Feb. 23, 2026: 9:00 a.m. EST - NBC/Peacock
Understanding the Disciplines
Bobsled encompasses several distinct disciplines, each requiring unique skills and strategies. The Women's Monobob is a relatively recent addition to the Olympic program, debuting at the 2022 Winter Olympics. It features a single-driver, single-athlete sled, demanding exceptional piloting skills and physical strength. The Men's Two-Man and Men's Four-Man events are the traditional bobsled formats. In these events, the driver steers the sled while the crew (one in two-man, three in four-man) work in synchronicity to push the sled at the start and then adopt aerodynamic positions to minimize drag.
How to Watch: NBC and Peacock
For U.S. viewers, NBC will provide live television coverage of the bobsled events. Additionally, Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service, will offer live streaming of all competitions. This dual-platform approach ensures broad accessibility for fans, allowing them to choose their preferred viewing method. Peacock will likely also feature replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, enriching the viewing experience.
What to Expect in 2026
The 2026 Olympic bobsled competition promises to be a spectacle of speed, skill, and teamwork. Expect fierce competition from established bobsled nations like Germany, Canada, and the United States, as well as emerging talent from countries investing in the sport. The modernized Cortina track will undoubtedly present a challenge, potentially leading to unpredictable results and thrilling finishes. With both NBC and Peacock offering comprehensive coverage, fans will have ample opportunities to witness the excitement and drama of bobsled at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics/news/olympics-bobsled-schedule-channels-streams-watch-milan-2026/e3adef57caac01ccc428d876 ]