The Effect of Maximal Speed Ability, Pacing Strategy, and Technique on the Finish Sprint of a Sprint Cross-Country Skiing Competition

Abstract

Purpose : To investigate the contribution from maximal speed (V max ) and %V max to the finish sprint speed obtained in a cross-country sprint in the classical and skating style, as well as the coinciding changes in kinematic patterns and the effect of pacing strategy on the %V max . Methods : Twelve elite male cross-country skiers performed two 80-m V max tests on flat terrain using the classical double-poling and skating G3 techniques, followed by 4 simulated 1.4-km sprint time trials, performed with conservative (controlled start) and positive (hard start) pacing strategies in both styles with a randomized order. In all cases, these time trials were finalized by sprinting maximally over the last 80 m (the V max section). Results : Approximately 85% of V max was obtained in the finish sprint of the 1.4-km competitions, with V max and %V max contributing similarly ( R 2 = 51–78%) to explain the overall variance in finish sprint speed in all 4 cases ( P < .05). The changes in kinematic pattern from the V max to the finish sprint included 11–22% reduced cycle rate in both styles ( P < .01), without any changes in cycle length. A 3.6% faster finish sprint speed, explained by higher cycle rate, was found by conservative pacing in classic style ( P < .001), whereas no difference was seen in skating. Conclusions : V max ability and %V max contributed similarly to explain the finish sprint speed, both in the classic and skating styles, and independent of pacing strategy. Therefore, sprint cross-country skiers should concurrently develop both these capacities and employ technical strategies where a high cycle rate can be sustained when fatigue occurs.