A total of forty speed skaters could qualify for this distance, with a maximum of four skaters per country. The top 20 of the men's 500 metres World Cup standings after World Cup 4 in Berlin secured a spot for their country. Then the additional 20 spots were awarded based on a time ranking of all times skated in the World Cup and the 2014 World Sprint Speed Skating Championships. A reserve list was also made.[4]
Michel Mulder celebrating his victoryThe twins Michel Mulder and Ronald Mulder finished first and thirdJan Smeekens thought temporarily that he had won the gold medal. Later his time was adjusted and he finished secondMichel Mulder is unsure who won the gold medal