First round heats were held as follows:
Heat 1: 6th v 7th fastest
Heat 2: 5th v 8th fastest
Heat 3: 2nd v 3rd fastest
Heat 4: 1st v 4th fastest
The four fastest qualifiers were placed in heats 3 and 4, while the next four were placed in heats 1 and 2.
The winners of heats 3 and 4 qualify for the gold medal race, while the two fastest remaining teams, regardless of heat, progress to the bronze medal race.[4]