FIS cross-country race director Pierre Mignerey thinks the discipline may have to alter race formats to make sure the sport continues to adapt ©LinkedIn

Pierre Mignerey, the International Ski Federation cross-country race director, has claimed the discipline may have to alter race formats to make sure the sport continues to adapt and appeal to new audiences.

The cross-country season is due to begin with a three-day meet in Rukatunturi in Finland from November 24 to 26.

During a question and answer session, Mignerey was asked about rumours that there will be major changes to the competition formats after this campaign.

He admitted altering race formats has been on the body's recent agenda.

"First of all, this is not a new topic," the Frenchman said.

"The cross-country family has been discussing race formats for a few years now.

"The world is constantly changing and every human activity needs to adapt.

"Cross-country skiing, like all the other sports, needs to take into consideration the expectations of all the stakeholders and it is now time for us to make some decisions."

Taking the skiathlon away from the programme at major events has been given as one option ©Getty Images
Taking the skiathlon away from the programme at major events has been given as one option ©Getty Images

One suggestion has been to remove the skiathlon from the programme at major events and replace it with a 30 or 15 kilometres pursuit start. 

However, Mignerey is wary of overhauling the programme completely and is just looking to "streamline" the schedule.

"At the moment there is a proposal on the table as the basis for future discussions and evaluations," he added.

"In any case there will not be any “revolution”.

"Our goal is to streamline and simplify our race programme.

"We want to use our traditions as a base and to make cross-country skiing as attractive as possible for all the key stakeholders, as well for kids and young skiers."