Special Tour de Ski format, and return of Holmenkollen 50km
Jun 26, 2025·Cross-Country
The 2025/2026 season is packed with exciting highlights. Not only it is an Olympic year, but it also features a new special Tour de Ski format and the return of the iconic 50 km race in Holmenkollen. For the first time, both men and women will compete over the full 50 km distance on the same day. With so many changes on the horizon, it's time to take a closer look at these two key formats.
Heats Mass Start
To mark the 20th edition of the Tour de Ski, there will be a new race format, for Stage 3 in Toblach (ITA). It is named Heats Mass start and will have its premier on the New Years eve. There are still some details that are being working on throughout the summer but here is the main concept for the race:
· There will be 4 heats for each gender.
· Around 20-25 athletes per gender goes in one heat, depending on the total number of athletes.
· Each heat starts at a different starting time as Mass Start competition.
· Another heat starts when the previous one is in the finish.
· The best time from all the heats, is the winner.
Oslo 50 km
Returning to the schedule after a one-year absence, the 50 km Mass Start in Holmenkollen, Oslo (NOR) is once again set to be one of the highlights of the World Cup season. Known for its electric atmosphere and thousands of passionate spectators lining along the course, this iconic race promises a memorable day of racing.
For the 2025/2026 season, both the Men’s and Women’s 50 km races are scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 14—a historic and action-packed format. The men will start first, followed by a 45-minute gap before the women begin. This means that, for part of the day, both men and women will be on the course at the same time.
Spectators will have the chance to see the athletes pass by 12 times throughout the event, with over three hours of non-stop cross-country skiing, making it a true celebration of endurance, strategy, and excitement in one of the sport’s most legendary venues.
