Cross-Country Skiing at Milan Cortina: Events, Rules, Team USA

Cross-country skiing at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics is one of the Games’ most demanding endurance sports. For men and women the longest races exceed a runner’s marathon. Several events are scheduled to air this weekend on NBC and Peacock. Milan Cortina features six events for each gender: the skiathlon (20 km, split between 10 km classic and 10 km freestyle); the individual sprint (classical, 1,585 meters); the 10 km freestyle (interval start); the 4x7.5 km relay (mass start with two classic and two freestyle legs); the team sprint (freestyle, teams of two alternating laps); and the 50 km classical (mass start, roughly 31 miles).

All events carry specific rules: competitors must follow the marked course and pass control points, and if they go off course they must return to the point of error while ensuring safety. Athletes must cover the distance using only their own propulsion. Classical competitions require classical technique, and interval starts will be sanctioned for skating in classical races.

Obstruction is forbidden.

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