What is a para mass start?
I · Intermediate · Racing · 2 of 4In an interval start, skiers leave every 30 seconds and calculated time decides; the Paralympic race is 10 km. In a para mass start, start gaps come from an earlier race so more impaired classes go first, and the first across the line wins; the Paralympic race is 20 km.
How it works
- Interval: 30-second gaps.
- Ranking: calculated time.
- Paralympic interval: 10 km.
- Para mass start: pursuit from earlier results.
- Winner: first across the line.
- Paralympic mass start: 20 km.
- Start window: 3 seconds either way.
- Cold: cancelled below minus 20 degrees C.
The glossary has the interval start race, the para mass start, the pursuit start, the start window, the basic time and the temperature limit.
Tricky cases
A skier starts 4 seconds early. Result?
A false start, reported to the jury.
Can a vision impaired skier be held at a pursuit start?
Yes, by a team member or official.
How is the mass start order set?
From the earlier interval race.
Is there an electronic start gate in pursuits?
No. A large clock instead.
Why the rule exists
Pursuit starts turn factored results into a head-to-head race spectators can follow.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Interval | Calculated time | R 12321 |
| Mass start | Real time | R 12322 |
| Cold | Below minus 20 | R 12315.9 |
From the rule book
FIS, International Competition Rules, Para Cross-Country (9 July 2026), articles 12310, 12315, 12316, 12321 and 12322. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: FIS ICR Para Cross-Country and Para Nordic Classification Rules.