FIS Cross-Country World Cup Race Director Michal Lamplot previews new season

At the start of the new FIS World Cup campaign, FIS publishes Q&As with race directors from each discipline ahead of a season highlighted by the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

Ahead of the Cross-Country World Cup opener in Ruka (FIN), Race Director Michal Lamplot discussed his outlook for the season.

Lamplot said the 2024–25 winter was "remarkable," with a strong World Cup and memorable World Championships in Trondheim, and he believes the new season can match that momentum. The 2025–26 calendar is designed with distinct racing blocks, an engaging mix of formats, and several rest weekends to support athlete training and recovery. He expects exciting competitions through to March 22 and hopes athletes remain healthy.

Looking to the 20th edition of the Tour de Ski, Lamplot highlighted the compact format with all six stages in Toblach and Val di Fiemme, which should simplify logistics and encourage full fields. He expects the new Heat Mass Start format in Stage 3 at Toblach to add drama while remaining fair and TV‑friendly after extensive work with stakeholders. While the Tour will again be held only in Italy this year, he said FIS wants to include additional host nations in the future.

Regarding the Olympic Winter Games, Lamplot reported strong readiness in Val di Fiemme, citing upgraded infrastructure and courses designed to showcase Cross‑Country Skiing to a global audience. He called the venue one of the premier sites in the world following recent investments.

He also welcomed the return of the iconic 50 km races at Holmenkollen, noting that men and women will race on the same day (March 14) to share the venue’s hallmark atmosphere. As for storylines, he anticipates fair, top‑level racing throughout and singled out the season finale in Lake Placid, USA, as an exceptional stage to close the World Cup season.

The article links to companion previews in Nordic Combined and Alpine Skiing for broader context on the upcoming winter.