Relay exchanges
ISU · 2026Long-track relay races can use different announced formats, including mixed teams. The rulebook distinguishes exchanges made by passing a teammate from exchanges requiring contact, and the prescribed exchange-zone layout varies with the format. There is therefore no universal baton exchange or single exchange procedure for all long-track relays.
The rule
Long-track relay races can use different announced formats, including mixed teams. The rulebook distinguishes exchanges made by passing a teammate from exchanges requiring contact, and the prescribed exchange-zone layout varies with the format. There is therefore no universal baton exchange or single exchange procedure for all long-track relays.
In practice
Teams must follow the event’s leg distances, lane arrangements and marked exchange zone. An exchange outside that zone leads to disqualification. In the shared-track format described in the rules, teams must not interfere with each other during exchanges and cannot change lanes while exchanging. The team result is determined by its finishing time.
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