What are the classic technique rules in Cross-Country Skiing?

Section 5: Rules of Play

Skating movements strictly prohibited on flat and uphill terrain; both skis must remain in the set tracks
Herringbone (V-step without glide) permitted on steep uphills only
Snowplow permitted for downhill braking
Stepping out of the track to pass is permitted; the overtaking skier must return to a track after passing
Double-poling (using only arms without kick) is permitted as a classic technique
Technique violations detected by controllers stationed along the course with video equipment

Any technique permitted, including skating (V-skate, marathon skate) and classic movements
No set tracks on the course; athletes choose their own line within the groomed corridor
Overtaking: the athlete being overtaken must yield the preferred line when the faster athlete comes alongside

First half raced in classic technique; second half in free technique (ICR 323.1)
Transition zone: athletes remove classic skis and boots, switch to skating equipment in a designated pit box. No time added; clock runs continuously.
Per ICR 343.12.5 (June 2026 edition), each competitor may have only one pair of replacement skis in the pit box, and the replacement skis must be placed in the pit box before the competition unless the Jury directs otherwise.
Athletes must complete the classic leg before entering the transition zone

Men and women (ICR 327.1.1–327.1.2): Relay teams consist of four competitors; the first two legs are raced in classical technique and the last two legs in free technique.
Exchange: a tap of the hand on any part of the next competitor’s body while both are in the relay exchange zone constitutes a valid exchange (ICR 343.13.1)
All teams start simultaneously (mass start for the first leg)
Separate colors are used for start numbers for each relay leg: at OWG, WSC and WC, 1st leg=red, 2nd leg=green, 3rd leg=yellow, 4th leg=blue (ICR 327.4.4)

Teams of 2 athletes alternate legs (ICR 326.1)
Sprint distance per leg: 1.0–1.8 km (free or classic technique per the event programme)
Qualification round (Interval Start) followed by a final organized as a relay of 3–6 legs per athlete
Body-contact exchange in the exchange zone required

Competitors in front have the right to choose their best line but shall not obstruct competitors coming from behind; competitors intending to pass shall do so without obstructing the competitor being passed (ICR 343.10.2)
In sections with marked corridors, competitors should choose a corridor but may leave it as long as ICR 343.9 and 343.10 are upheld
Deliberate obstruction is a violation subject to a time penalty, rank penalty, or DSQ (see Section 7)
In sprint heats, athletes may not make lateral movements to block overtaking

Skating movements strictly prohibited on flat and uphill terrain; both skis must remain in the set tracks
Herringbone (V-step without glide) permitted on steep uphills only
Snowplow permitted for downhill braking
Stepping out of the track to pass is permitted; the overtaking skier must return to a track after passing
Double-poling (using only arms without kick) is permitted as a classic technique
Technique violations detected by controllers stationed along the course with video equipment

Any technique permitted, including skating (V-skate, marathon skate) and classic movements
No set tracks on the course; athletes choose their own line within the groomed corridor
Overtaking: the athlete being overtaken must yield the preferred line when the faster athlete comes alongside

First half raced in classic technique; second half in free technique (ICR 323.1)
Transition zone: athletes remove classic skis and boots, switch to skating equipment in a designated pit box. No time added; clock runs continuously.
Per ICR 343.12.5 (June 2026 edition), each competitor may have only one pair of replacement skis in the pit box, and the replacement skis must be placed in the pit box before the competition unless the Jury directs otherwise.
Athletes must complete the classic leg before entering the transition zone

Men and women (ICR 327.1.1–327.1.2): Relay teams consist of four competitors; the first two legs are raced in classical technique and the last two legs in free technique.
Exchange: a tap of the hand on any part of the next competitor’s body while both are in the relay exchange zone constitutes a valid exchange (ICR 343.13.1)
All teams start simultaneously (mass start for the first leg)
Separate colors are used for start numbers for each relay leg: at OWG, WSC and WC, 1st leg=red, 2nd leg=green, 3rd leg=yellow, 4th leg=blue (ICR 327.4.4)

Teams of 2 athletes alternate legs (ICR 326.1)
Sprint distance per leg: 1.0–1.8 km (free or classic technique per the event programme)
Qualification round (Interval Start) followed by a final organized as a relay of 3–6 legs per athlete
Body-contact exchange in the exchange zone required

Competitors in front have the right to choose their best line but shall not obstruct competitors coming from behind; competitors intending to pass shall do so without obstructing the competitor being passed (ICR 343.10.2)
In sections with marked corridors, competitors should choose a corridor but may leave it as long as ICR 343.9 and 343.10 are upheld
Deliberate obstruction is a violation subject to a time penalty, rank penalty, or DSQ (see Section 7)
In sprint heats, athletes may not make lateral movements to block overtaking