Kristine Stavås Skistad given another yellow card in Tour de Ski

In footage obtained by NRK, Kristine Stavås Skistad is shown taking two double‑pole pushes while changing tracks in a zone where poling is prohibited, an action the International Ski Federation (FIS) judged to warrant a yellow card. The incident occurred during the pursuit stage on New Year’s Day in the Tour de Ski.

Skistad later switched tracks during the race; FIS says she took two pole pushes in the stake‑free zone, which is not allowed. Race director Michal Lamplot told NRK the call was straightforward and that other competitors have been penalised for similar infractions.

On the rest day of the Tour, Skistad gave a brief comment before a training session: “I don’t have much to say today.” Asked if she was surprised by the sanction, she replied she was not. She also told VG that she felt the jury were targeting her: “They were out to get me,” the 26‑year‑old said.

Skistad accepted the ruling with wry resignation, saying she would learn the rules better to avoid further cards. She has had a troubled start to the season: earlier she received a yellow card at the season opener in Beitostølen and was subsequently disqualified in a later race for deliberate skating; in Davos before Christmas she received another yellow card and was disqualified. The yellow card from New Year’s Day is the third of this season for Skistad, and she also has one red card.

FIS race director Lamplot noted that sprint racing is dramatic and that yellow cards are not uncommon over a busy season. Skistad, who called her own performance after the pursuit “like a talentless skier” when reviewing images of herself, said she wants to avoid another sanction and to focus on learning the rules.

The Tour de Ski continues after the rest day with a sprint stage on Saturday and a mass start on Sunday.