The first round was started on 5 August at 12:31.[5]
First round heats will be 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 winners of heats three and four advance to the gold medal race. The remaining six teams will be ranked on time, from which the top two proceed to the bronze medal race.