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Analysis of sprint cross-country skiing using a differential global navigation satellite system

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Abstract

The purpose was to examine skiing velocities, gear choice (G2–7) and cycle rates during a skating sprint time trial (STT) and their relationships to performance, as well as to examine relationships between aerobic power, body composition and maximal skiing velocity versus STT performance. Nine male elite cross-country skiers performed three tests on snow: (1) Maximum velocity test (V max) performed using G3 skating, (2) V max test performed using double poling (DP) technique and (3) a STT over 1,425 m. Additional measurements of VO2max during roller skiing and body composition using iDXA were made. Differential global navigation satellite system data were used for position and velocity and synchronized with video during STT. The STT encompassed a large velocity range (2.9–12.9 m s−1) and multiple transitions (21–34) between skiing gears. Skiing velocity in the uphill sections was related to gear selection between G2 and G3. STT performance was most strongly correlated to uphill time (r = 0.92, P < 0.05), the percentage use of G2 (r = −0.72, P < 0.05), and DP V max (r = −0.71, P < 0.05). The velocity decrease in the uphills from lap 1 to lap 2 was correlated with VO2max (r = −0.78, P < 0.05). V max in DP and G3 were related to percent of racing time using G3. In conclusion, the sprint skiing performance was mainly related to uphill performance, greater use of the G3 technique, and higher DP and G3 maximum velocities. Additionally, VO2max was related to the ability to maintain racing velocity in the uphills and lean body mass was related to starting velocity and DP maximal speed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the athletes for their participation, enthusiasm and cooperation in this study. This study was supported by the Swedish Olympic Committee.

Conflict of interest statement

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, 83125, Östersund, Sweden

    Erik Andersson & Hans-Christer Holmberg

  2. Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Matej Supej

  3. Human Movement Science Programme, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

    Øyvind Sandbakk

  4. Institute of Training Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany

    Billy Sperlich

  5. Department of Sport Science and Kinesiology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

    Thomas Stöggl

  6. Christian Doppler Laboratory “Biomechanics in Skiing”, Salzburg, Austria

    Thomas Stöggl

Authors
  1. Erik Andersson
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  2. Matej Supej
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  3. Øyvind Sandbakk
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  4. Billy Sperlich
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  5. Thomas Stöggl
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  6. Hans-Christer Holmberg
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hans-Christer Holmberg.

Additional information

Communicated by Jean-René Lacour.

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Andersson, E., Supej, M., Sandbakk, Ø. et al. Analysis of sprint cross-country skiing using a differential global navigation satellite system. Eur J Appl Physiol 110, 585–595 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1535-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1535-2

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