FIS has developed proposals on how cross-country skiing could be changed in the future. SVT’s expert, Anders Blomquist, is critical of several of the suggestions.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation – FIS, currently has a survey on its website where the public can share their views. The results of the survey will help FIS shape the future World Cup experience. Work is underway to increase the value of the product and attract more spectators to the competitions again.

“We want to know what the fans really want — what they like and don’t. We’re looking at everything from innovative possibilities, like integrating live data or new engaging content, to the content of the disciplines themselves,” says FIS Head of Innovation Benjamin Stoll.

Already ahead of the upcoming season, FIS has made changes to the competition format. The relays are being scrapped from the World Cup, and a new format — 5-kilometer mass start with heats — is being introduced.

Also Read: FIS scraps relays – Introduces brand new format in the World Cup

“Not much love for skiing”

There are proposals across all sports governed by FIS, but for cross-country skiing specifically, seven proposals have been listed.

SVT’s expert Anders Blomquist strongly criticizes several of the suggestions.

“You have to respect that development work is difficult, and sometimes you go quite wrong when thinking broadly. But when it comes to the proposals I’m seeing now, I think the thinking is very, very wrong,” he told SVT Sport, adding:
“I think: ‘Wow, there’s not much love for skiing here.’”

One proposal in particular upsets Blomquist: handicaps in sprint races, similar to golf.

“It’s so stupid you think it’s an actual joke,” he told SVT Sport.

Positive about one proposal

However, there is one out of the seven proposals that the expert supports and thinks should be implemented.

“The idea of night races is great. The lighting has been fantastic the times it’s been done. The TV schedule works well, and many people can follow the races. I think it’s spot on — something that should have been developed a long, long time ago.”

FIS’s proposals for changes in cross-country skiing:

• Distance pursuit with restart
  After first 10km, top 30 athletes go into holding zone based on their finish time. After 8–10 minutes the race re-starts for the final 10km with the gaps from the first 10km.
• Night races
• More point-to-point races (A to B)
  Instead of doing multiple laps on a loop, skiers race from one location to another — as is common in, for example, Ski Classics.
• Head-to-head chase format
  Based on qualifying time, pair skiers. The first skier gets 15 seconds head start. If the pursuer catches them they win, if not the front skier advances.
• Skill Loop Challenges
  Short loop courses with mini-obstacles or skill elements, skiers get bonus seconds based on speed and control voted by fans.
• Elimination competition
  The last skier/last ten skiers each lap get eliminated from the race.
• Time handicap sprints
  Athletes get a handicap based on World Cup points (similar to golf), first skier to cross the line wins.

Read More: FIS announces prize money increase for World Cup events starting in 2025/2026

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