What about in the Vasaloppet, on the long stretches? At times the
leader(s) were making almost continuous track changes. One of the
announcers suggested it had to do with letting someone else take the
lead, but it never works out that way, because the next skiers usually
switch too.

Gene

Marsh Jones wrote:

Camilo wrote:
Here's how I understand it. They change to get around people of
course. They also change to see if the snow is faster in another
lane - and might change back or try another if not. Another
reason, I've been told, is that when a classic skier changes lanes
there are allowed a certain amount of skating strides - necessary
to change lanes. I don't know if this is an actual advantage,
merely mitigates the effort involved, or has no effect.

agree with all -
If you watch the 'change step' especially during the starts of
classic races, the leaders will get a very big pushoff on every
change. It seems to be worth a ski length or better any time they
can do it.

Lots of reasons for seemingly random changes, too. Setting up for a
corner - especially if you know part of the turn is glazed you may
wish to be in the inside or outside track. Jumping in or out of a
draft, or if one lane has been kicked in less may favor better or
worse wax. Or if you don't like the tempo of the guy in front or
behind you.

Marsh