Types of skiing and their brief characteristics. Styles and types in cross-country skiing. Types of sports and characteristics

Skiing

Skiing- includes cross-country skiing over various distances, ski jumping, combined events (race and jumping), alpine skiing. Originated in Norway in the 18th century. The International Federation - FIS (FIS; founded in 1924) has about 60 countries (1991). Since 1924 - in the program of the Winter Olympic Games, World Championships - since 1925 (officially - since 1937).

Skiing can be divided into 4 large types:

Northern species: cross-country skiing, orienteering, ski jumping, Nordic combination or Nordic combined

Alpine species: virtually all alpine skiing: downhill, giant slalom, super-giant slalom, slalom, alpine skiing combination: (the champion is determined by the sum of two events: downhill|downhill and slalom), team competitions.

Freestyle: skiing down the slope with elements of acrobatic jumps and ballet: moguls, ski acrobatics, ski ballet.

Snowboard:exercises on one “big ski” (special board).

There are sports that include elements of skiing, as well as non-Olympic and less common types of skiing:

- biathlon- ski racing with rifle shooting, a very popular separate sport in many countries, is included in the Olympic Games program, like skiing;

- skitour- alpine skiing plus short trips on skis, in some ways it’s similar to

- ski tourism(a type of sports tourism)

- ski orienteering.

- ski mountaineering

Ski race

Cross-country skiing is a ski race over a certain distance on a specially prepared track among persons of a certain category (age, gender, etc.). They belong to cyclic sports.

The main styles of skiing are “classic style” and “free style”.

Classic style

The original, “classical style” includes those types of movement in which the skier travels almost the entire distance along a pre-prepared ski track, consisting of two parallel lines.

The most common are the alternating two-step stroke (used on flat areas and gentle slopes (up to 2°), and with very good gliding - on slopes of medium steepness (up to 5°)) and simultaneous single-step stroke (used on flat areas, on gentle slopes with good glide, as well as on slopes with satisfactory glide).

Free style

“Free style” implies that the skier is free to choose the method of movement along the distance, but since the “classic” stroke is inferior in speed to the “skating” stroke, “free style” is, in fact, synonymous with “skating”. Skating has been widely used since 1981, when Finnish skier Pauli Siitonen, then in his 40s, first used it in competition (in a 55 km race) and won.

The most common are the simultaneous two-step skating stroke (used both on flat areas and on slopes of small and medium steepness) and the simultaneous one-step skating stroke (used during starting acceleration, on any plains and flat sections of the distance, as well as on slopes up to 10-12° )

Main types of cross-country skiing

Time trial competitions

Competitions with general start (mass start)

Pursuit racing (pursuit, pursuit, Gundersen system)

Relay races

Individual Sprint

Team sprint

Time trial competitions

In a time trial, athletes start at a certain interval in a certain sequence. As a rule, the interval is 30 seconds (less often - 15 seconds, 1 minute). The sequence is determined by a draw or the athlete’s current position in the ranking (the strongest start last). Pair time trials are possible. The final result of the athlete is calculated using the formula “finish time” minus “start time”.

Mass start competition

In a mass start, all athletes start at the same time. At the same time, athletes with the best ratings occupy the most advantageous places at the start. The final result coincides with the athlete’s finishing time.

Pursuit racing

Pursuit races are combined competitions consisting of several stages. In this case, the starting position of athletes at all stages (except the first) is determined based on the results of previous stages. As a rule, in cross-country skiing, the pursuit takes place in two stages, one of which athletes run in the classic style, and the other in the free style.

Pursuit races with a break are held over two days, less often - at intervals of several hours. The first race usually takes place with a time trial. Based on its final results, the gap from the leader for each participant is determined. The second race is held with a handicap equal to this gap. The winner of the first race starts first. The final result of the pursuit race coincides with the finishing time of the second race.

A pursuit race without a break (duathlon) begins with a general start. After covering the first half of the distance with one style, athletes change skis in a specially equipped area and immediately overcome the second half of the distance with a different style. The final result of the pursuit race without a break coincides with the athlete’s finishing time.

Relay races

Ski relay races consist of four stages (less often three), of which the 1st and 2nd stages are run in the classical style, and the 3rd and 4th stages are run in the free style. The relay begins with a mass start, with the most advantageous places at the start being determined by drawing lots or being given to the teams that took the highest places in previous similar competitions. The relay is transferred by touching the palm of any part of the body of the starting athlete of his team, while both athletes are in the relay transfer zone. The final result of the relay team is calculated using the formula “finishing time of the last team member” minus “starting time of the first team member.”

Individual Sprint

Individual sprint competitions begin with qualifications, which are organized in a time trial format. After qualifying, the selected athletes compete in the sprint finals, which are held in the form of races of different formats with a mass start. The number of athletes selected for the final races does not exceed 30. First, the quarter-finals are held, then the semi-finals and, finally, finals B and A. Athletes who did not qualify for final A take part in final B. The table of final results of the individual sprint is formed in the following order: Final A results, Final B results, quarter-final participants, unqualified participants.

Team sprint

The team sprint is conducted as a relay race with teams consisting of two athletes who take turns replacing each other, running 3-6 laps of the track each. If the number of entered teams is sufficiently large, two semi-finals are held, from which an equal number of the best teams are selected for the final. The team sprint begins with a mass start. The final result of the team sprint is calculated according to the relay rules.

Distance length

At official competitions, the distance ranges from 800 meters to 50 km. In this case, one distance can consist of several laps.

Race format Distance length (km)

Time trial competitions 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 30, 50

Competitions with mass start 10, 15, 30, 50

Pursuit 5, 7.5, 10, 15

Relay races (length of one stage) 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10

Individual sprint (men) 1 - 1.4

Individual sprint (women) 0.8 - 1.2

Team sprint (men) 2х(3-6) 1 - 1.4

Team sprint (women) 2х(3-6) 0.8 - 1.2

Biathlon

Biathlon (from Latin bis - twice and Greek ’άθλον - competition, wrestling) is a winter Olympic sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting.

Biathlon is most popular in Germany, Russia and Norway. From 1993 to the present, official international biathlon competitions, including the World Cup and World Championships, have been held under the auspices of the International Biathlon Union (IBU).

Story

The first race, which vaguely resembled biathlon, took place back in 1767. It was organized by border guards on the Swedish-Norwegian border. As a sport, biathlon took shape in the 19th century in Norway as an exercise for soldiers. Biathlon was presented at the Olympic Games in 1924, 1928, 1936 and 1948. In 1960, it was included in the program of the Winter Olympic Games. The first winner of the Olympic Games (in Squaw Valley, 1960) was the Swede K. Lestander. At the same time, the Soviet athlete Alexander Privalov received a bronze medal.

Rules and equipment

Biathlon uses a free (that is, skating) style of skiing. Regular cross-country skis and ski poles are used.

For shooting, small-caliber rifles with a minimum weight of 3.5 kg are used, which are transported on the back during the race. When releasing the hook, the index finger must overcome a force of at least 500 g. The rifle sight is not allowed to have the effect of magnifying the target. The caliber of the cartridges is 5.6 mm. The speed of a bullet when fired at a distance of 1 m from the muzzle of the barrel should not exceed 380 m/s.

At the shooting range, the distance to the targets is 50 meters (before 1977 - 100 meters). The targets used in competitions are traditionally black, in the amount of five pieces. As the targets are hit, they are closed with a white valve, which allows the biathlete to immediately see the result of his shooting. (In the past, many types of targets were used, including shattering plates and inflatable balls.) Sighting before competitions is carried out on paper targets similar to those used in bullet shooting. The diameter of the targets (more precisely, the zone in which a hit is counted) when shooting from a prone position is 45 mm, and from a standing position - 115 mm. In all types of races, with the exception of relay, a biathlete has five shots at each shooting range. In the relay race, you can use additional manually loaded cartridges in the amount of 3 pieces for each firing line.

Individual race

The classic individual race was the very first discipline of biathlon. In its modern form, it is a 20-kilometer race for men and 15 for women, consisting of 5 laps of 4 km (3 km for women) with 4 shooting sessions between laps. Athletes start separately, one after the other, with an interval of 30 seconds. The first and third shooting are carried out from a prone position, the second and fourth shooting from a standing position. For each miss, one minute is added to the time the athlete completes the distance.

Sprint

A 10 km race for men and 7.5 km for women with two shooting ranges. The first shooting is prone, the second is standing. Athletes start separately. For each miss, the athlete is required to go through a “penalty loop” - an additional segment of the distance equal to 150 meters.

Pursuit

A 12.5 km race for men and a 10 km race for women. Consists of 5 circles (2.5 km for men or 2 km for women) with 4 firing lines (the first 2 lines are prone, the second 2 are standing). The start is given separately with a handicap corresponding to the gap from the winner in the previous “qualifying” race - sprint or individual race (in the latter case the gap is divided in half). The first 60 athletes following the results of the qualifying race can take part in the pursuit race. For each miss in the pursuit, the athlete will have to go through a 150-meter penalty loop.

Race from general start

The 15 km race for men and 12.5 km for women consists of 5 laps (3 km for men or 2.5 km for women) with 4 shooting stages (the first 2 stages are prone, the second 2 are standing). The general start race (or simply “mass start”) is one of the newest types of competitions. 30 of the strongest athletes based on the results of past competitions take part in it. All athletes start at the same time. For each miss, the athlete is provided with a penalty section of the distance equal to 150 meters.

Skiing on snowy terrain has been present in people's lives even before the advent of world sporting events. Skiing began in Norway back in 1924, when the world's first competitive skiing competitions took place. In the same year, the International Federation included skiing in the Olympic Games. Thus, these races have earned their popularity and become world famous. In this article we will look at the characteristics of skiing in the modern world.

skiing

Several types of skiing competitions are included in the Olympic Games program. Their classification is quite extensive.

Types of skiing at the Olympic Games:

  1. Ski racing is a competition to cover certain distances at speed.
  2. Alpine skiing is one of the most extreme winter sports. An athlete slides down a slope at high speed.
  3. Biathlon is racing combined with shooting. The athlete overcomes the path for a while and shoots at a target from a distance of 50 meters.
  4. Snowboarding is a ski competition on a snowboard. It is considered a dangerous sport.
  5. Ski jumping is one of the most dangerous types. The skier flies through the air and lands, observing the correct technique for performing all elements.
  6. Freestyle is one of the most fascinating sports. A competition participant performs acrobatic stunts while descending a mountain slope.

Race

Cross-country skiing is a winter sport that requires high professionalism in the use of techniques. Competitive speed races within certain distances are held between one age and gender category. They have 2 modes of movement: classic and free (skating).

In the first case, the athlete runs the distance along a prepared ski track, pushing off with poles. With freestyle, the athlete is allowed to choose his own method of movement.

Skiing has several types of competitions:

  1. Individual sprint - participants who made it to the finals after a separate start run after each other for up to 1 minute, 30 or 15 seconds in the required sequence.
  2. Team sprint is cross-country skiing over short distances. Quite an impressive sight. The rules are such that as soon as one team runs the required distance, it is immediately replaced by another. The teams alternate several times.
  3. Relay races. As a rule, 4 teams run the relay race. The participant, running the distance, passes the baton to the next one. At the same time, all skiers run in a different style of movement.
  4. General start. All athletes go to the start line at once. The results are recorded by the time it took the skier to cover the distance.

Among the Olympic sports, cross-country skiing is considered the most popular.

Skiing

An integral part of the Olympic Games is alpine skiing. It includes the following disciplines:

  1. Slalom is a descent with obstacles, between which the athlete must carefully drive at fast speed. The path consists of two different tracks.
  2. Super-G slalom. Unlike simple slalom, the height difference reaches 250 meters or more, and the length of the route must be at least 1000 meters.
  3. Downhill. The length of the descent can reach more than 3 kilometers. A participant descends a mountain slope performing jumps. The track is prepared in advance, there is an ice cover to develop the athlete’s speed.

Biathlon

Quite an unusual type of Olympic skiing. The essence of the competition is that the athlete covers a distance at speed and at the end of the journey shoots at a target with a bow or rifle. In biathlon there are several types of race, for example: relay, sprint or pursuit. The race can also be team or individual. The type of race determines the rules of the competition. Depending on them, shooting can be done from a lying or standing position. Misses may add a penalty or an extra lap of the course.

Ski jumping competitions from specially equipped springboards are held in summer and winter. The judges evaluate the flight phase and landing. The technique, distance, speed, wind direction and flight altitude are taken into account. Competitions can be held as an individual performance or a team of 4 athletes. The execution technique consists of 4 elements: acceleration, leaving the springboard, flight, landing.

Snowboarding

It is considered the most dangerous Olympic skiing sport. Statistics show that its injury rate exceeds that of other sports. The main difference is the board, which is used instead of skis. Varieties:

  1. Racing cross - overcoming a descent with obstacles on a snowboard. The obstacles can be springboards, turns, rollers, etc. The rules of the competition state that at the end of the distance the athlete must reach maximum speed. Up to 5 athletes can participate in the downhill at the same time. The participant with the best qualifications wins. Several people with the strongest results end up in the finals, and the fight continues.
  2. Big air - ski jump on a snowboard. An interesting trick is performed in a long jump. As a result, the skill of execution and precision of landing are assessed.
  3. Slope style is a competitive race on a slope with obstacles and performing tricks.
  4. Half pipe - performing tricks with acrobatic elements in a semicircular structure for extreme sports.
  5. Slalom.

Freestyle

It is not for nothing that it is considered the most beautiful type of skiing and rightfully deserves a place in the Olympic Games. Directions:


Preparation for competitions

Types of skiing have their own characteristics and require enormous physical training. His success depends on the athlete’s preparation and physical condition. Participating in serious tournaments requires years of preparation and perseverance.

When preparing for skiing, special attention is paid to equipment, since the athlete’s safety depends on it. Preparing skis is a very important moment, and you will need good experience here. Experienced athletes use a lot of different products to treat the sliding surface. In most cases, this is done by real professionals who understand exactly how skis should be treated depending on weather conditions. To prepare the surface before competitions, various accelerators, fluorocarbon powders, emulsions, etc. are applied.

For the race, it is customary to dress in thermal underwear and racing overalls so that the body does not overheat during the race. Warm clothes are left in the locker room.

Before the start, the athlete is recommended to be in excellent shape, well-rested and alert. Nervous tension before a performance can significantly worsen a participant’s condition, so you should take care of your health the day before. It is necessary to carry out preparatory training.

Cross-country skiing track

Certain conditions are created for skiing. If the trail will be used for skiing or preparatory training, you can use a snowmobile with attachments. This is a budget option for creating a ski center.

The competition course must meet the homologation requirements of the International Ski Federation. This means that different disciplines have certain parameters that must be followed.

First, the width of the route is determined depending on its operation, and all other work is carried out in accordance with this. It is not recommended to roll the track close to trees.

The finish of the ski run should be located on the south side so that the sun does not interfere with photographers. It is necessary to plan the location of spectators, preparation areas, warm-up and ski testing. All these are necessary conditions that the organizers must create.

The presence of ascents, descents, and elevation gain for different disciplines is also observed. The route kilometers are arranged in distances of different lengths.

To ensure a smooth snow surface, the route is leveled transversely during the snow-free period. Turns should be smooth and safe.

For a hard and dry snow surface, backfill is made. This helps dry the surface faster after rain. They are sprinkled with a special mixture of sawdust and sand. This also causes less greenery to grow along the route. Wet areas can make it difficult for athletes to move around.

skiing- one of the most popular winter sports. Norway is considered its homeland, and its appearance dates back several centuries. Skiing appeared in Russia later, around the second half of the 19th century. Currently, this sport is developing year by year, and its fans are becoming more and more around the world.

Skiing has a very wide range of varieties. However, speaking about the types of skiing in Russia, we can name six main ones: alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, Nordic combined, ski jumping, cross-country skiing. It is these six species that are included in the list of developing ones in the Russian Ski Sports Association.

Russian athletes are considered one of the best in the world in skiing. The USSR, and subsequently the Russian Federation, actively participated (the Russian Federation participates) in the Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships. Proof of this is the large number of gold, silver and bronze medals in various disciplines.

Since 2000, the development of skiing in Russia has moved to a new, even more improved level. Increased government attention and increased sponsorship are indicators of the importance of skiing to the country. And all this does not remain in vain: from 2000 to the present day, Russian athletes continue to replenish the national team’s “piggy bank” with all three prize medals.

Larisa Lazutina

When talking about the success of the Russian ski team over the past 25 years, one of the first names that comes to mind is Larisa Lazutina. 11 gold medals at world championships, 5 gold Olympic awards, countless other prizes. The incomparable Russian skier was able to achieve all this.

She began to move closer to the world elite in the late 80s, but the stage of dominance came in the mid-90s, when she repeatedly won at distances of 5 and 10 km.

Having announced the end of her sports career in 1997, she could not resist the entreaties of the leadership of the Ski Racing Federation and returned to the sport. The result is numerous victories, including 3 Olympic golds in Nagano.

Elena Vyalbe

Along with Lazutina, Egorova and other athletes, she is a legend of Russian skiing. Her achievements are eloquently demonstrated by 14 gold medals at world championships and three golds won at three Olympic tournaments. The fact that she is included in the Guinness Book of Records in the category “Best skier of the 20th century” speaks about her achievements.

No one could compare with her at distances of 15 and 30 km. And the World Championships in Trondheim, when she won all 5 races, will forever remain in the history of skiing.

Raisa Smetanina

A legend of Soviet and Russian skiing. A Siberian who glorified the national school throughout the world. Skier who took part in five Olympics. It's all about her. In many ways, her successes were genetically based, since Smetanina’s parents were hereditary reindeer herders. Perhaps this is precisely why everyone remembers the smoothness of its motion and the strength of its push.

Her track record includes more than just numerous Olympic medals and World Championship awards. At the age of 40, she won a gold medal at the Albertville Olympics in the team race, proving to everyone that, despite everything, she is capable of much.

Nikita Kryukov

Current Russian skier, known for his performances in sprinting (classical style). Three-time world champion in this category (including in the team race). He became the first Russian skier to win world championships more than twice. Of particular note is his gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and silver at the Sochi Olympics. He was among those who were acquitted by the decision of the Arbitration for Sports in Lausanne due to the previously imposed disqualification.

In order to better understand the achievements of Russian athletes in the 21st century, let's look at the main competitions in which Russia participated

Winter Olympic Games in 2002 in Salt Lake City (USA). At these competitions, Russia scored only 13 medals. And now about awards in skiing. Russia did not win medals in any discipline in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, Nordic combined, or ski jumping. Achievements were only in cross-country skiing, and two athletes should be noted here: Mikhail Ivanov (gold, 50 km classic) and Yulia Chepalova (gold, Sprint, 1.5 km free; silver, 10 km classic; bronze, 15 km free, mass -start).

Winter Olympic Games in 2006 in Turin (Italy). Here Russia accumulated 22 medals. As for the winners in skiing, the following athletes distinguished themselves: E. Medvedeva (bronze, cross-country skiing, 15 km, duathlon), E. Dementyev (gold, cross-country skiing, 30 km, duathlon; silver, 50 km), I. Alypov and V. Rochev (bronze, cross-country skiing, sprint), A. Sidko (bronze, cross-country skiing, 1.5 km sprint), V. Lebedev (bronze, freestyle), Yu. Chepalova (cross-country skiing, 30 km).

Winter Olympic Games 2010 in Vancouver (Canada). These games are remembered for the not entirely successful performances of Russian athletes. However, there were also winners. Athletes who defended the honor of the fatherland in skiing disciplines deserve special attention: Nikita Kryukov (gold, cross-country skiing, classic sprint), Alexander Panzhinsky(silver, cross-country skiing, classic sprint), Ekaterina Ilyukhina(silver, snowboarding).

Thus, all of the above athletes are considered the best in Russian skiing. It is thanks to them that this sport continues to develop in Russia and does not lose its leading position in the world. Athletes are winners in three of these Olympic Games and are the main prize-winners of the World and European Ski Championships.

Of course, it is impossible to perform at the same high level in all competitions: there are downturns. In particular, the Olympic Games in Vancouver can be considered a failure of the Russian team; and not only in skiing, but in all disciplines in general. But, despite this, athletes from Russia won prizes at all Olympic Games.

As for the development of skiing in Russia, we can only talk about future progress. The number of capable and talented young athletes is increasing every year, and it is they who, most likely, will be the successors of their eminent predecessors!

    SP 31-115-2008: Outdoor physical education and sports facilities. Part 3. Skiing- Terminology SP 31 115 2008: Outdoor physical education and sports facilities. Part 3. Skiing: 3.1.16 Pursuit races. The pursuit race is run as a combined event in which one half is completed in... Dictionary-reference book of terms of normative and technical documentation

    Main article: Type of sport Type of sport is a set of types of sports competitions, united on the basis of similarity of rules, one sports federation, etc. Contents 1 Team sports 1.1 ... Wikipedia

    The program of the modern Olympic Games includes 28 summer (41 disciplines) and 7 winter (15 disciplines) sports. For two of them (golf and rugby), competitions are not currently being held within the Olympic Games, and for the first time after a long time... ... Wikipedia

    Alpine skier Winter sport is a set of sports performed on snow or ice, that is, mainly in winter. Main winter species ... Wikipedia

    The collective name for sports (sports games) involving skating, skiing and various types of sleds, competitions in which are held on ice and snow. To W. century. With. include: biathlon cross-country skiing with rifle shooting at shooting ranges;… …

    Commemorative coins of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation dedicated to Olympic winter sports. Main article: Commemorative coins of Russia Series: “Sports” Winter sports The “Winter sports” series, issued in 2009 2010, consists of ... ... Wikipedia

    - (exercises) a collective name for exercises, their combinations, taken from individual sports (athletics, swimming, skiing, etc.) and having military applied significance; contribute to the development of qualities and skills necessary for... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

    Ski race- a sport in which athletes need to cover a competitive distance on skis as quickly as possible (usually a specially prepared cross-country track)... Source: SP 31 115 2008. System of regulatory documents in... ... Official terminology

    At the start of the Tartu Marathon in Estonia. 2006 Cross-country skiing racing on skis over a certain distance on a specially prepared track among persons of a certain category (in ... Wikipedia

    A sport is a set of types of sports competitions, united on the basis of similarity of rules, one sports federation, etc. A sport from the point of view of the IOC Traditionally from the point of view of the International Olympic Committee ... ... Wikipedia

Books

  • La neige et la glace: Sports olympiques d'hiver / Snow and ice. Winter Olympic sports. Study guide, I. M. Matyushin, E. M. Solntsev. Study guide for French translators “Snow and ice. Winter Olympic Sports" is addressed to students of higher educational institutions (bachelors, specialists and masters), studying…

is a type of skiing in which participants - athletes need to overcome a competitive distance on skis, while overtaking their rivals.

The first competitions in speed running among skiers took place back in 1767 in Norway. Then, the Finns and Swedes followed the example of the Norwegians, but this was just the beginning. Already at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, the passion for cross-country skiing spread throughout the world, and in 1924 the FIS was created - the International Ski Federation, which by 2000 included 98 national federations.

Ski racing technique

Proper skiing technique represents a system of movements with which an athlete can achieve maximum efficiency of his actions. It also helps to fully realize the possibilities for achieving the desired result. The main indicators of the quality of technology are efficiency, naturalness and efficiency.

If we talk about the actions that a skier performs, then it is worth noting three main ones:
* repulsion with sticks;
* pushing off with skis;
* slip.

There are two main styles of skiing - skating (free) and classic.

Skating (free) style

This style of movement implies that the skier can independently choose the method by which he will move along the distance. It is worth noting that the classic move is significantly inferior in speed to the free move.

Since 1981, skating methods of transportation have been actively used by skiers. At that time, Pauli Siitonen, a skier from Finland who had already crossed the 40-year-old mark, used it for the first time in competition, in a 55-kilometer race and won.

Among the free moves, the most common these days are:
* two-step simultaneous (used on climbs of medium and low steepness, as well as flat areas);
* one-step simultaneous (on flat sections, gentle climbs, plains, as well as during the starting climb).

Classic style

This style includes types of movement during which the skier covers almost the entire intended distance along a pre-prepared ski track, which consists of two tracks located parallel to each other.

“Classical” ski moves are divided into simultaneous and alternating, according to the method of pushing off with poles. Based on the number of steps performed in one cycle, they are divided into alternately two-step, simultaneously one-step, and also stepless.

The most common of them, however, is considered to be a two-step alternating stroke, which is most often used on gentle slopes and uphill sections, as well as on moderately steep climbs (but only with very good glide). But the one-step simultaneous move is used only on gentle slopes (with free gliding), on flat areas or on slopes, with relatively good gliding.

It is worth talking separately about the main types of cross-country skiing.

Types of ski racing

* relay race;
* time trial competitions;
* individual sprint;
* pursuit races;
* team sprint;
*competitions with general start.

Relay race

During the relay race, teams that consist of four (sometimes -3) athletes compete. Relay races can be held in one or two styles. In the first case, all participants run their stage in the free or classic style, and in the second, the first and second stages are run in the “classic” style, and the next two in the skating style.

The beginning of the relay is a mass start, and in order to distribute the most advantageous places, a draw is held between the participants, or they are given to the teams that scored the most points and received high results in previous competitions in this sport.

The transfer of the relay between athletes from the same team is carried out by touching the palm of any part of the body of the starting participant, and only at the moment when both athletes are in a specially designated relay transfer zone.

The team's result is calculated using the basic formula "arrival time of the last team member" minus "starting time of the first member", which is usually zero.

Time trial competitions

In this type of cross-country skiing, athletes leave the start at a predetermined interval, in a clearly regulated sequence. Most often, this interval is thirty seconds, much less often – one minute or 15 seconds.

The starting sequence of the athletes is determined by drawing lots, or by the position of the participants in the ranking (the strongest enter the track last). Sometimes a separate pair start is held.

To calculate the final result of an athlete, the formula “finish time” minus “start time” is used.

Individual Sprint

The competition begins with qualifying, organized in a time trial format, and after this, the athletes who have been selected compete with each other in the finals, held in the form of races with a mass start of 4 people.

Pursuit racing

Pursuit races are combined competitions that are held in several stages. At the same time, the starting order of athletes at all stages, except the first, is established depending on the results of previous competitions.

This type of cross-country skiing is divided into two types:
* GP without interruption;
* GP with a break.

Team sprint

It is held in a relay race format with teams consisting of two athletes taking turns replacing each other after each has completed three to six laps of the track. If the number of teams entered into the competition is too large, 2 semi-finals are held, from which an equal number of teams with the best results are selected for the final.

The final result of the team sprint is calculated according to the same rules as the relay race.

Competitions with general start

In a mass start, all competitors enter the track at the same time. At the same time, the best places go to athletes who have a higher rating. The final result is the athlete's finishing time.