Ski Classics, the long-distance ski championship, launched a QCI, Quota Country Index, based program. The goal is to enhance participation and top results from more nationalities. With the program, Ski Classics aims to increase the visibility and interest in countries beyond the traditional powerhouses of cross-country skiing.

The decision to implement the Quota Country Index comes as Ski Classics recognizes the dominance of Norway and Sweden in the sport, with a QCI of more than 46% and 31%, respectively. By introducing the new program, Ski Classics aims to create long-term opportunities for emerging nations in skiing and foster the growth of long-distance skiing internationally.

“15 years ago, during the birth of Ski Classics, we saw an underrepresentation of female and younger athletes in the Tour and its Pro Teams. We can see positive results, where for example, female representation has risen from a low 15% to close to 40% over the years, even if we will not be happy and will continue to work until we have 50% of each gender. However, the long-term program worked, and we have now decided to set up a new long-term program with the aim of increasing the representation and performance of athletes from more nations. The QCI is our way to be able to measure it over time,” says David Nilsson, Director of Ski Classics.

QCI

The QCI, Quota Country Index, measures the performance and representation of athletes and Pro Teams from different nations in different aspects. It considers the number of Pro Teams, Pro Team athletes, podiums places, SC leader bib points, top 50 places, season prize money, and event prize money, and aims to gradually expand the presence of emerging nations in Ski Classics competitions.

Countries with a QCI above 10% are considered established, while those below 10% are categorized as emerging. This classification ensures a targeted approach to nurturing cross-country skiing talent in nations with untapped potential.

Rules

The first two rules launched from the program are:

• Pro Teams participating in Ski Classics events will be allowed to register a total of 10 athletes, with a maximum of 9 athletes from established nations. This rule, over time, provides the opportunity for athletes from emerging countries to be part of and compete in leading Pro Teams and learn about training and material. The knowledge will then, via the athletes, be transferred to other athletes and teams in the person’s country.

• The other incentive is to higher value the performance of athletes from emerging nations for the Pro Team competition. The best skier from an emerging country in each Pro Team will receive a 50% bonus in Champion points in the Pro Team competition during each event, mirroring the approach previously taken in the Ski Classics Youth competition.

There will also be more soft rules implemented, such as having representation of athletes from emerging countries in press conferences and pre-race gatherings.

“This QCI-based initiative represents Ski Classics’ commitment to try to take its share for the long-term development of cross-country skiing. By broadening the sport’s horizons and actively nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds, Ski Classics aims to, over time, create a bigger sport and increase the number of people around the world that shares our passion for cross-country skiing. We start with the two rules described above but have more coming…” concludes David Nilsson. 

For more information about Ski Classics, please visit skiclassics.com.

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