The contacts in a potential type starting relay are normally closed.

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A potential-type starting relay uses a contact set that is normally closed, so the starting winding is included in the circuit during the initial starting phase. As the motor speeds up, the potential sensed by the relay changes and the relay releases, causing the contact to open and disconnect the starting winding. This lets the motor accelerate with the start winding active, and then removes it automatically once running speed is reached. The other options don’t fit because the starting winding needs to be connected during start and only removed after speed is sufficient; saying the contacts are open at start or that they are normally open would not accomplish the same automatic disconnect behavior.