Demystifying Cross-Country Skiing Race Formats
Cross-country skiing events encompass a wide range of formats, varying by distance, start method, technique (classic skiing vs. freestyle), and competition style. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating array of formats utilized in the FIS Cross-country World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Interval race/individual start refers to a type of cross-country skiing competition where skiers start the race individually at regular intervals. In this format, skiers race against the clock rather than directly against other competitors, aiming for the fastest overall time. The intervals between the start times are typically determined based on the skiers' previous results or rankings, with faster skiers starting later to create fair competition. Interval races are often used in cross-country skiing to ensure that each competitor has a fair chance to perform their best without interference from other racers. The individual start format also allows for accurate timing and recording of each skier's performance.
In mass start events, all skiers start the race simultaneously, vying to be the first to cross the finish line. A prime example of a mass start event in the Olympics is the 50km men's and 30km women's freestyle race held on the final day of the Games, akin to the marathon in the summer Olympics.
Pursuit consists of two races: one skate and one classic. The first race, usually in the classic style, features an individual start with times recorded relative to the first-place finisher. The second race uses the other ski technique and starts based on the time lag from the leading racer. Competitors aim to catch those ahead of them, striving to improve their position. The winner is the individual with the lowest combined time over the two races and will be the person who comes in first in the second race.
The sprint competition format is XC ski racing with a twist of a playoff format. A qualification round opens this event with skiers attacking the course one at a time, and the top 30 advance to the quarterfinals. Things get interesting in the quarterfinals when the field is divided into groups of six across five heats. A total of 10 skiers – the first- and second-place finishers in the quarterfinal heats, plus two lucky losers – will automatically advance to the semifinals. Lucky losers are those skiers with the two best times from the quarterfinal heats but did not finish in the top two in their races. In two semifinal heats, the top two finishers automatically advance to the final, with a shot at winning a medal. Two more lucky losers, those skiers with the fifth- and sixth-fastest semifinal times, also advance to the final.
Team sprints involve pairs of skiers racing as a unit in men's, women's, or mixed teams. One skier races out on the course while the teammate attempts to stay loose for their next go-round until the finish. The competition begins with two semifinal races. The top two finishing teams advance to the final, along with six more lucky losers.
Skiathlon is a test for athletes in both cross-country skiing techniques: classic and freestyle. It combines these two racing styles into one brutal, contiguous event. The first half is skied in the classic technique, and the second using freestyle. Only in skiathlon can you see athletes quickly swap the classic skis and poles for skating skis and poles midway through the race.
In the relay, four athletes race as a team, and in mixed relay, men and women team up. The first two legs of the relay are skied using the classic technique, while the final two are raced skating, requiring teams to carefully set their team lineup. With no way to carry or even pass a baton to the next skier while holding ski poles, cross-country athletes tag their teammates inside an exchange zone to make the switch between legs of the race. Relays are started in a mass start format.
The 2023/24 FIS Cross-Country World Cup events will have equal distances for women and men for the first time, with distances of 10 km, 20 km, and 50 km, plus the skiathlon at 20 km. This change extends to all International Ski Federation (FIS) sanctioned races and Olympics in Milano Cortina in 2026. The World Cup season will start on November 24, 2023, in Ruka, Finland, with the classic sprint and conclude on March 17, 2024, in Falun, Sweden, with the 20 km freestyle mass start event.
World Cup races details, medalists, and standings can be found here
