World Cup rules update

Before the FIS Cross-Country World Cup season gets underway in Ruka here is a short overview of the most important rule changes for the upcoming winter.

World Cup prize money distribution

Based on the athletes’ proposal the Sub-Committee for World & Continental Cup approved new prize money distribution split at individual World Cup and stage World Cup competitions. From the upcoming season top 20 athletes will receive the prize money with the total amount being unchanged. Updated rules .

Bonus seconds at FIS Tour de Ski

Bonus seconds in the FIS Tour de Ski have been changed in the sprint competitions. The maximum bonus seconds for the victory is still 60 seconds, however, the split for top 30 athletes is new to reflect the efforts of athletes competing in the final heats. Complete split .

Team Sprint

The team sprint qualification criteria for the final has been modified. From the upcoming season two best teams from each semi-final will qualify to the final, additionally six fastest teams by time will get a spot in the team sprint final.

FIS Cross-Country World Cup Start quota

The start quota in stage events was changed. In stage events (Ruka / Lillehammer Triple, FIS Tour de Ski FIS World Cup Final) top 20 athletes in the current Sprint World Cup standing can start in addition to the normal quota.
 
Classic technique and technique zones

The Cross-Country Committee unanimously supported the continuation of measures for preservation of classical technique. Last season technique zones were successfully tested on different competition levels. The Cross-Country Committee approved to continue with technique zones and extend its usage also to the FIS Cross-Country World Cup (when necessary and decided by the Jury).

Definition of turning technique was refined. In addition, starting from the upcoming winter, areas where turning technique is allowed will be clearly marked on the snow.