Cross-country skiing at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 is a race on prepared snow tracks. Skiers must follow marked trails and use two main styles called classic and freestyle skating. In classic style, skis move straight in set tracks. In freestyle, skiers move like skaters. Races can start together or one by one. Athletes must follow technique rules and course paths, or they can get penalties or be disqualified.
Cross Country Skiing Events at Winter Olympics 2026
Skiathlon 10km + 10km
In this race, all skiers start together. First, they ski 10 km using classic style, then change skis quickly and ski another 10 km using freestyle skating style to finish.
Mass start 50km
This is a very long-distance race where everyone starts at the same time. Skiers use classic technique only and must manage speed and stamina carefully for the full 50 km course.
Individual sprint
This event begins with a short time trial round. The fastest skiers qualify, then race again in small knockout heats. Only the top finishers in each heat move to the next rounds.
Team sprint
This race is done by teams of two skiers. They take turns skiing short laps again and again. It uses the freestyle technique, and the timing of each changeover is very important.
Relay 4 x 7.5km
Each team has four skiers, and each skier skis 7.5 km. The first two legs use classic technique, and the last two legs use freestyle technique to complete the full relay race.
Cross Country Skiing Rules at Winter Olympics 2026
Race styles used
Cross-country ski races are marked as classic or freestyle. In classic races, skis must stay parallel inside track grooves, and skating moves are not allowed. In freestyle races, skiers can use any movement style they want.
Breaking style rules
If a skier uses skating moves during a classic race, it breaks the rules. Even if they finish first, they can get time penalties or be disqualified. Judges watch technique closely during the full race.
Following the race route
All racers must follow the marked course and pass every checkpoint in order. If someone goes the wrong way or skips a section, they must go back to the same mistake point and continue correctly.
How races begin
Some races use interval starts where skiers begin one by one, usually about 30 seconds apart. Other races use mass starts where everyone begins together. Strategy changes depending on which start format is used.
Team changeover rule
In relay team races, the next skier can only start after a physical tag from their teammate. This tag must happen inside a special exchange zone area, or the team can get a penalty.
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