SKIATHLON RULES
The Skiathlon combines both cross country ski technique styles in a single event race. It is generally done starting as a classical style leg followed immediately (without a break) by a skate/freestyle leg. Rules for each style apply during that segment of the race.
The Skiathlon can be broken into three distinct segments:
1. The Classic Segment: For the first segment of the Skiathlon, Classic race. Classical techniques must be adhered to...
a) change lanes
b) overtake another skier
c) step-turn through a corner/down hill where the track has been scrubbed (or is too tight to safely execute
d) uphills for the purpose of herringboning/ climbing.
2. The Transition: Skiers will enter a 'transition zone' where they are required to change their skis before heading out onto the skate segment of the race. Once a skier enters the transition zone:
NOTE: For Grapefruit Cup, you do not HAVE to switch your skis but you MUST:
3. The Free Technique Segment:
NOTE: Time is continuous for the entire race …the clock does NOT stop for transition.
You will have ONE CONTINUOUS RACE TIME from the start of the classic to the completion of the skate.
The Skiathlon can be broken into three distinct segments:
1. The Classic Segment: For the first segment of the Skiathlon, Classic race. Classical techniques must be adhered to...
- Diagonal stride
- One step double pole
- Double poling
- Herringbone without glide (i.e., no sliding of the ski while herringboning)
a) change lanes
b) overtake another skier
c) step-turn through a corner/down hill where the track has been scrubbed (or is too tight to safely execute
d) uphills for the purpose of herringboning/ climbing.
- A skier can run up a hill outside of the track if they find they get better grip with their wax, as long as the technique does not involve skating of any form. Once the hill is crested, the skier shall return to the set track.
- There WILL be a technique zone in which skiers MUST diagonal stride.
2. The Transition: Skiers will enter a 'transition zone' where they are required to change their skis before heading out onto the skate segment of the race. Once a skier enters the transition zone:
- Ski into the transition zone where you have left your skate equipment and come to complete stop.
- Switch your equipment and leave your classic equipment in the transition zone.
- Exit your transition zone and enter the skate leg of the Skiathlon.
NOTE: For Grapefruit Cup, you do not HAVE to switch your skis but you MUST:
- Step completely out of both your skis/bindings and place both feet firmly on the snow.
- Step back into your bindings, and then exit the transition zone.
- Must use classic length poles for the classic leg & remove/switch your poles at transition.
- NOTE: Only racers are allowed in the transition zone - they must complete the transition on their own!
3. The Free Technique Segment:
- The Free Technique segment can also be considered as the "skate leg", but you can continue using classic technique if you so choose. However, you must have completed the transition as above (stepping out/in to skis).
- If the course has a designated skate track and diverges from the classical track, you must ski in the skate track for this leg
NOTE: Time is continuous for the entire race …the clock does NOT stop for transition.
You will have ONE CONTINUOUS RACE TIME from the start of the classic to the completion of the skate.
