FIS Cross-Country committee discusses World Cup calendar and rule changes in Zurich

The Cross-Country committee at the FIS Autumn Meetings in Zurich (SUI) covered numerous topics, from youth participation to potential rule changes for World Cup events.

The 2025-26 World Cup calendar, first presented at the Spring Meetings in Vilamoura (POR), was subject to minor changes. The stop in Trondheim (NOR) from December 5-7 will now comprise a Sprint Classic followed by a 20km Skiathlon, and a 10km Interval Start Free.

Stage Three of the 20th Tour de Ski has been confirmed as adopting the new Heat Mass Start format, where 20-25 skiers will start together in separate heats. Allocation of competitors to heats will be based on the overall Tour de Ski standings after Heat Two. This format will be evaluated at the end of the season.

Stage Four of the Tour de Ski, the Pursuit Classic in Toblach (ITA), has been lengthened from 15km to 20km. The starting order will also be based on the overall standings after Stage Two.

Finally, there is a change in technique for Lahti (FIN) on March 8, with the 10km Interval Start now a Classic race as opposed to Free.

This summer’s Rollerski World Cup was a huge success with a record 35 nations taking part. No fewer than 154 men and 96 women scored World Cup points while, in the junior ranks, 95 men and 55 women tallied Junior World Cup points.

The highlight was the third round in Rome (ITA) with the Colosseum providing a stunning backdrop. There was also a first Roller Ski Asian Cup with more than 240 athletes from 12 countries taking part.

Martins Niklass has decided to step down as Rollerski World Cup Coordinator, but continues as Chairman of the Roller Skiing sub-committee.

The sub-committee for Rules and Control has been working on a new sanction for obstruction in head-to-head competitions. This is being evaluated with a view to coming into force in the 2026-27 season.

The committee will finalize details of the new rule and analyze applicable situations during the upcoming season. Final approval will be discussed in spring 2026.

Adjustments concerning sportsmanlike and unsportsmanlike conduct have been made to the International Competition Rules, while education guidelines for FIS technical officials were approved.

Away from the upper echelons of Cross-Country, the Popular Skiing sub-committee announced a promotion campaign to be prepared with FIS to educate competitors in matters of technique, i.e. To avoid skating in Classic events, and to understand the role of the jury.

A number of initiatives were discussed by the Youth & Children sub-committee including a ‘Youth Coach’ project that focuses on basic training, and a ‘Train the Trainers’ campaign. Also announced were quarterly Youth/Junior coaching webinars starting in October aimed at coaches and successful athletes.

An update was given on the Junior World Ski Championships and Under-23 World Ski Championships for 2026 and beyond, with a focus on suitable courses for youth and junior categories.

Youth & Children sub-committee Chairwoman Satu Kalajainen has also chosen to leave her post. We thank her for her contribution, and wish her the best for the future.