10 kilometres (Classical), Men

This distance was contested for the first time at the Winter Olympics, replacing the 15 km as the short cross-country race for men. It would only feature on the Olympic Program three times (1992, 1994, 1998) with the 15 km returning in 2002. The event had been held at the 1991 World Championships for the first time, won by Norway’s Terje Langli, with Bjørn Dæhlie winning the 15 km.

The event was skied in the classical style as, beginning in 1992, the style for each cross-country race was mandated in advance. The race was skied in difficult conditions as it snowed heavily throughout. Dæhlie was the World Cup leader in the 1991-92 season, but would finish only fourth. Langli would struggle and finish only 20th. But their teammate, Vegard Ulvang, would win the gold medal, his second in Albertville as he had already won the 30 km. Ulvang chose to ski without wax for the first time in his career because of the difficult snow conditions. He then fell shortly after the 5 km check, breaking the handle of a ski pole. But he was given a replacement and was the strongest skier in the race, winning by 16.2 seconds despite that difficulty. Ulvang had been only ninth at the first time check, and fourth at the second, but had the best finish. Marco Albarello won the silver medal narrowly over Sweden’s Christer Majbäck.

Ulvang would win three gold medals in Albertville, also winning the 30 km and relay, and add a silver in the pursuit. Majbäck had been the silver medalist in the event at the 1991 World Championships while Albarello had won the 1987 15 km World Championship.