Each Olympic discipline uses one of these styles, forcing athletes to adapt to different rhythms and demands depending on the format. For Milano Cortina 2026, the events combine mass starts, interval starts, and elimination formats, with variations that make each race a unique world. The 10 km + 10 km skiathlon is run with a mass start and requires mastering both styles, as competitors switch from classic to freestyle in the middle of the race. In the 50 km mass start, everyone departs together, and the competition is decided with a single technique: in this edition, it will be classic style. Additionally, the 4 x 7.5 km relay is contested by teams of four members, while the classic and freestyle team sprints introduce a more explosive format with qualifying rounds and head-to-head eliminations. In total, 12 cross-country skiing events will be held, and for the first time in Olympic history, men and women will compete in the same distances, a change that marks a milestone for the discipline. The competitions will take place in Tesero, in the Val di Fiemme region, at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, a traditional venue on the international calendar that will host the world's best cross-country skiers, in a sport where tactics, physical fitness, and a constant pace are crucial for a standout performance in Italy 2026.
