Algebraic homotopy classes

Abstract

We prove several positive results regarding representation of homotopy classes of spheres and algebraic groups by regular mappings. Most importantly we show that every mapping from a sphere to an orthogonal or a unitary group is homotopic to a regular one. Furthermore we prove that algebraic homotopy classes of spheres form a subgroup of the homotopy group, and that a similar result holds also for cohomotopy groups of arbitrary varieties.