While most cross-country skiers get through the season with clean technique and impeccable sportsmanship, a few find themselves skating close to the edge—sometimes literally.

There are always a few who like to test the limits—intentionally or not. And yes, some athletes have been seeing a bit more yellow than others.

While verbal warnings are like the FIS version of a stern look from your mum, written reprimands—those bright yellow cards—are another story. Stack up a couple, and you might find yourself out of the results entirely.

Here are some of the top contenders for this season’s “bad behaviour” leaderboard:

Max Novak: King of the Carded

The undisputed leader of the pack this year is Ski Classics Pro Tour athlete Max Novak. With four yellow cards to his name, Novak has earned not one but two disqualifications—in Orsa and the prestigious Birkebeinerrennet. Whether it’s a case of pushing the limits or pushing his luck, one thing’s certain: Max isn’t one to fade quietly into the results sheet.

Petter Northug: The Comeback Bad Boy

Did anyone really expect Petter Northug to return to racing and not stir things up? The Norwegian legend lived up to his infamous reputation with two yellow cards and a DSQ at Marcialonga. Just to round things out, he looked to have received a 15-minute time penalty at the Birkebeiner.

Ebba Andersson: Oslo Oops

Usually the picture of technical perfection, Sweden’s Ebba Andersson had a rare misstep this season with two yellow cards that led to a DSQ at the World Cup in Oslo.

Honorable Mention: Frida Karlsson (Last Season)

Frida Karlsson has kept herself squeaky clean this year, but let’s not forget the 23/24 season. Two yellow cards led to her DSQ in Lahti.

Which Nation Leads the Naughty List?

While FIS doesn’t publish a leaderboard of yellow cards and verbal warnings by nation, one might reasonably speculate that Sweden could be the unofficial frontrunner this season. Between Novak’s card collection, Ebba’s Oslo moment, and Frida’s previous brush with disqualification, the Swedish have been making waves for more than just podium finishes.

That said, Norway could be in hot pursuit. Northug’s antics alone have stacked up enough infractions to make any race jury nervous.

And let’s not forget: we only see the yellow cards listed in official results on the FIS website. Verbal warnings—often given for technique violations, risky overtaking, or creative course navigation—are not public. Which means there may be many more athletes brushing up against the rulebook without ever officially making the list.

So if you think someone’s missing from this lineup… they might be.

What Actually Gets You Carded?

• Technique violations – most often in classic, when double-poling gets a little too freestyle.
• Course infractions – like cutting corners (literally).
• Obstruction – a.k.a. making yourself very hard to pass.
• Risky behaviour – think downhill chaos, pole tangles, and general carnage.

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