Cross-country skiing faces selection rule changes and sponsorship shortages

The cross-country skiing community is facing dual challenges ahead of the upcoming season. The Norwegian Ski Federation has introduced new selection criteria for the 2026-27 season, removing a rule that previously gave national team athletes an advantage in World Cup selections. While committee leader Håkon Solvik stated the changes aim to address feedback from regional clubs, experts such as Petter Skinstad and coach Vetle Leander Johansen expressed skepticism, suggesting that commercial incentives may still lead to bias toward national team athletes.

Simultaneously, the cross-country skiing World Cup is currently without a main sponsor following Coop’s departure after eight years. Terje Lund, an official with the Norwegian Ski Federation and the International Ski Federation (FIS), noted that FIS is in a serious financial position with weakened equity. If a new primary sponsor is not secured, it could lead to a reduction in prize money, as FIS currently only finances a portion of the total purse. The World Cup season is scheduled to begin in Ruka, Finland, on November 27.