This discipline blends two nordic sports — jumping and cross country — into one event.
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The jumping section of a nordic combined competition is typically held first and follows rules similar to a traditional ski jumping contest. The top jumper is then the first skier to start the cross country race. He's pursued by the rest of the field according to each jumper's order of finish, using what's called the Gunderson handicap method, according to the USSA.
The first skier across the finish line wins the competition.
There are several varieties of nordic combined competitions. The individual competition includes jumps on a 90-meter hill and a 15-kilometer cross country race, typically held over two days. Sprint competitions include jumping and racing on the same day. Team events typically follow a four-man format. Each team member jumps, and each skis a 5-kilometer leg in relay fashion.
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