EFFECT OF SLOPE VARIATION AND SKATING TECHNIQUE ON VELOCITY IN CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of slop e variations upon the maximal velocity attainable by cross-country ski racers using three skating techniques (V-1, V-2, and Gunde). Nine (2 females, 7 males) junior ski racers(16.0 +/- 0.4 yr of age, mean +/- S EM) exhibiting strong technical skills participated in the study. The subjects were required to skate at maximal velocity over five differen t courses (length 120-200 m) with mean slopes of -1, 0, 6, 9, and 12%. Video analysis was used to determine skiing velocity, cycle length, a nd cycle rate. Heart rate was monitored to verify intensity of exertio n. Results indicated that intensities were similar to those observed w hile racing. Velocities for the three techniques were not different fo r -1, 0, and 6% slopes. However V-1 was significantly faster (P < 0.01 ) at 9% and 12% inclines. Velocity was highly correlated to cycle leng th (P < 0.01) but unrelated to cycle rate. Cycle length was significan tly different between techniques (P < 0.01) and varied across slopes. Cycle rate was significantly different between techniques (P < 0.01) b ut did not vary across slopes. Thus, our results indicate that any of the three techniques is adequate on flat and rolling terrain, but V-1 should be used at slopes of 9% and above. It is also concluded that du ring short trials skied at maximal velocity, skiing velocity is highly dependent on cycle length and independent of cycle rate.