The entire peloton is divided into four conditional groups before the start. Each group has 20-30 participants, depending on the total number.
And the leaders of the overall standings (top 20) can choose which group to start in. Then, the choice is made in turn by representatives of each of the nations, according to their places in the Nations Cup.
And when all the athletes are divided into groups, lists are randomly formed. The strongest athletes almost always prefer to start in the first or second group. If the weather is good, and the track has already been used, then it makes almost no difference which number to start under. But if the snow has not yet been packed, then they choose the second group, if the weather, on the contrary, is warm, then they choose the first group, so as not to run through the snow slush later.
The advantage of the 3-4 groups is extremely rare, and only in one case - the cold is approaching, which shines the track.
What is the essence of the changes, which are still only at the discussion stage, but the Norwegians are so outraged by this that they are already sounding the alarm?
Only athletes ranked below 31st in the overall standings will be able to get into the first group.
Only athletes ranked 16th and below in the overall standings will be able to get into the second group.
The third and fourth groups - everyone else, including the top 15 in the overall standings.
The arguments in favor of these changes are to keep the viewer in suspense for longer, thereby increasing the screen time. But the Norwegians don't agree.
For example, Christiansen answered that: «In cross-country skiing, the best start in the top thirty, and after half the peloton finishes, there is no point in watching further. If someone else wins, you will read about it later.»
However, this is not the main problem. The problem is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide equal conditions for everyone. And the Norwegians are not alone in this, they have supporters from the French, German and Swedish teams. And the athletes' committee has even started collecting signatures to prevent the introduction of new rules.
