Performance-Determining Variables of a Simulated Sprint Cross-Country Skiing Competition

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate performance-determining variables of an on-snow sprint cross-country skiing competition and the evolvement in their relationship with performance as the competition progresses from the individual time trial (TT) to the final. Methods: Sixteen national-level male junior skiers (mean [SD] age, 18.6 [0.8] y; peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak], 67.6 [5.5] mL·min−1·kg−1) performed a simulated sprint competition (1.3 km) in the skating style, comprising a TT followed by 3 finals (quarterfinals, semifinals, and final) completed by all skiers. In addition, submaximal and incremental roller-ski treadmill tests, on-snow maximal speed tests, and strength/power tests were performed. Results: VO2peak and peak treadmill speed during incremental testing and relative heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate concentrations, and gross efficiency during submaximal testing were all significantly correlated with performance in the TT and subsequent finals (mean [range] r values: .67 [.53–.86], all P < .05). Relative VO2peak and submaximal relative heart rate and blood lactate concentration were more strongly correlated with performance in the semifinals and final compared with the TT (r values: .74 [.60–.83] vs 0.55 [.51–.60], all P < .05). Maximal speed in uphill and flat terrain was significantly correlated with performance in the TT and subsequent finals (r values: .63 [.38–.70], all P < .05), while strength/power tests did not correlate significantly with sprint performance. Conclusions: VO2peak and high-speed abilities were the most important determinants of sprint cross-country skiing performance, with an increased importance of VO2peak as the competition format progressed toward the final.

The influence of race duration on oxygen demand, uptake and deficit in competitive cross-country skiers

“…However, interventions studies on resistance training (Losnegard et al 2011;Skattebo et al 2016) show a trivial effect on skiing performance. Furthermore, Talsnes et al (2024) did not find a relationship between anaerobic power, measured as a 30 s double poling ergometer test, and sprint performance. However, they did find a relationship between peak skiing speed (both uphill and flat) and sprint performance.…”

“…The current study did not include such head-to-head heats. It has been shown that maximal aerobic power become more important towards the final heats (Talsnes et al 2024), and aerobic fitness is undoubtably also a key performance factor for sprint skiers.…”

Performance-Determining Variables of a Simulated Skimo Sprint Competition in Elite Junior Skimo Athletes

“…Research on cross-country skiing has produced mixed results. Some studies have found significant correlations between sprint performance indices and 1RM measurements for both upper-and lower-body strength [21,46,57], while others have reported non-significant associations [21,57]. The discrepancies among studies may be primarily attributed to differences in strength testing methods, protocols, and performance variables.…”

“…Additionally, high speed skiing has been associated with strength and power, in both the upper and lower body [17,18]. Therefore, research suggests that heavier and more muscular cross-country skiers exhibit advantages on all terrain types except steep uphills [11,19,20], However, as sprint skiing competitions progress, aerobic power has been shown of gradually greater importance [21]. Whether these findings apply to Skimo sprint requires further elucidation.…”