FIS cross-country World Cup is back in Quebec City!
Building on the success of the Ski Tour Canada competition in March 2016, this year Quebec City plays host to the FIS Cross-Country World Cup Finals originally slated to be held in the Russian city of Tyumen. The world’s cross-country elite go head to head once again on the historic Plains of Abraham March 17–19, 2017, wrapping up the season in style. Skiers will race in three disciplines, starting with a Freestyle Sprint on Friday, March 17, followed by a 10/15k Classic Mass Start on Saturday, March 18 and culminating in a 10/15k Freestyle Pursuit on Sunday, March 19. At the end of the weekend, the coveted Crystal Globes will be awarded to the athletes and teams at the top of the World Cup rankings.
Friday, March 17 : SPRINT (FREE TECHNIQUE)
The Individual Sprint starts with a time trial in the qualification round. Skiers start every 15 seconds, with the 30 fastest qualifying for the quarterfinals, where they face off in heats of six. The first two finishers in each heat move on automatically to the semifinals, along with the two skiers with the next fastest times (lucky losers). The semis follow the same process, with the grand final featuring the six fastest skiers in a showdown for the stage win.
Saturday, March 18 : MASS START (CLASSIC) 10km – Ladies / 15km – Men
Ski racing’s most simple and straightforward format. All skiers start together. An exciting, tactical race (similar to road cycling) with the first skier to cross the finish line taking victory.
Sunday, March 19 : PURSUIT (FREE TECHNIQUE) 10km – Ladies / 15 km – Men
The thrill of the chase. The pursuit event is an exhilarating race format that sees the Tour’s overall leader start first, only to be chased by the skiers behind him or her in the general classification. Skiers start one-by-one at intervals determined by their current time deficit in the overall standings. The job of the leader is to fend off the chasing skiers and hold on for the win. First skier across the line wins the race, but skiers can also compete for “fastest time of the day” prizing as well.
