How do para cross-country relays work?
I · Intermediate · Racing · 4 of 4Relay teams of two to four ski four 2.5 km legs, classical on legs one and three, free on two and four. The team's percentages must total no more than 335 in a mixed relay or 375 in an open relay, with discounts for women and sit-skiers. No touch is needed at the exchange.
How it works
- Team: two to four skiers.
- Legs: four of 2.5 km.
- Technique: classic legs 1 and 3, free 2 and 4.
- Mixed cap: 335%.
- Open cap: 375%.
- Discounts: women and sit-skiers.
- Exchange: no contact; stationary start.
- Early start: at least 30 seconds penalty.
The glossary has the mixed relay and open relay, the relay options, the combined relay percentage, the relay exchange, the lapped relay teams and the bibs.
Tricky cases
A team is lapped. Result?
It stops and is ranked by its last split.
Must the skiers touch at the exchange?
No.
How many teams per nation at the Paralympics?
One per relay.
Which leg wears red?
The first.
Why the rule exists
The percentage cap forces teams to use athletes with greater impairments.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed | 335% | R 12327.1.2 |
| Open | 375% | R 12327.1.3 |
| Option B | Sitting legs first | R 12327.1.1 |
From the rule book
FIS, International Competition Rules, Para Cross-Country (9 July 2026), articles 12314.7, 12327 and 12343.14. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: FIS ICR Para Cross-Country and Para Nordic Classification Rules.