Analysis of a Skating Time-Trial Competition and Associated Performance-Determinants in Cross-Country Skiers

Lei Shang; Øyvind Sandbakk; Ruiying Shi; Xiaoping Chen; Rune Kjøsen Talsnes

doi:10.3390/ijerph191811580

Analysis of a Skating Time-Trial Competition and Associated Performance-Determinants in Cross-Country Skiers

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 14;19(18):11580. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191811580.

Authors

Lei Shang^{1

2}, Øyvind Sandbakk³, Ruiying Shi⁴, Xiaoping Chen^{1

2}, Rune Kjøsen Talsnes^{5

6}

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Competitive Sports, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China.
² Centre for Sports Research, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing 100061, China.
³ Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7030 Trondheim, Norway.
⁴ National Academy of Economic Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing 100006, China.
⁵ Meråker High School, Trøndelag County Council, 7735 Steinkjer, Norway.
⁶ Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, 8026 Bodø, Norway.

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the contributions of time in different terrains and sub-technique distribution to overall time-trial performance, as well as the relationships of laboratory and field-based performance determinants in cross-country skiers. Methods: Fourteen male XC skiers were monitored during a 10 km (3 × 3.3 km) skating time-trial competition. On separate days, the skiers performed body composition assessments, laboratory tests while roller-ski skating and a 3 km uphill skating field test. Results: Time in uphill terrain was most strongly correlated with overall performance (r = 0.99, p < 0.01). G2 and G3 were the predominant sub-techniques (61% of overall time) with more use of G2 on lap three compared to lap one (p < 0.05). Body mass and lean mass were inversely correlated with overall and uphill performance (r = -0.60-0.75, all p < 0.05). VO₂ at 4 mmol·L^-1, VO_2peak and TTE while roller-ski skating in the laboratory and the 3 km uphill skating field test correlated with overall performance (r = -0.66-0.85, all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Time in uphill terrain was the main contributor to overall performance, and G3 and G2 the most used sub-techniques with increased utilization of G2 throughout the competition. VO_2peak and TTE while roller-ski skating in the laboratory and performance in an uphill skating field test had the strongest associations with time-trial performance.

Keywords: XC skiing; endurance sport; global positioning system; inertial measurement unit; pacing; peak oxygen uptake; sub-technique selection.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Biomechanical Phenomena
Humans
Male
Oxygen Consumption
Skating*
Skiing*

Grants and funding

Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, 2018YF0300901; the Special Fund for Basic Scientific Research of Central Colleges, 20211019.