How does a para cross-country sprint work?
I · Intermediate · Racing · 3 of 4A sprint opens with a qualification ranked by calculated time. Qualifiers then race heats from pursuit starts, first across the line winning. With 12 or more finishers, sitting and standing skiers race two semi-finals of six, the top three reaching a final of six; vision impaired heats are of four.
How it works
- Qualification: interval, calculated time.
- Heats: pursuit starts, real time.
- Sitting course: 0.6 to 1.2 km.
- Standing and VI: 0.8 to 1.6 km.
- Semi-finals: two of six; top three advance.
- VI semi-finals: four; top two advance.
- Final: six; four for VI.
- Lanes: chosen by qualifying rank.
The glossary has the sprint, the sprint heats, the obstruction, the calculated time, the course width categories and the bibs.
Tricky cases
An athlete is obstructed in a heat. What can happen?
The obstructer may be disqualified and the victim advanced.
Who picks lanes first?
The best qualifier.
How wide is a sprint course?
6 to 12 m.
Do VI skiers race in sixes?
No. Fours.
Why the rule exists
Pursuit starts in heats let classes mix fairly in head-to-head racing.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sitting | Shorter course | R 12310.1 |
| VI | Heats of four | R 12325.3.6 |
| Obstruction | Possible DSQ | R 12343.9 |
From the rule book
FIS, International Competition Rules, Para Cross-Country (9 July 2026), articles 12310, 12311, 12325 and 12343.9. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: FIS ICR Para Cross-Country and Para Nordic Classification Rules.