Performance and Training in Cross-Country Skiing - Prof. Holmberg

Invited Session at ECSS Malmö 2015 "Performance and Training of the Top-Athlete"

Holmberg, H.C.
Mid Sweden University

During the past decades extensive research on the extraordinary physical capacities and unique quadrupedal movements of
cross-country skiers, focusing on both physiological and biomechanical responses, has increased our understanding of the factors
that limit human performance.
During competitions on varying terrain lasting anywhere from 12 min (4 3-min sprint skiing races) to more than 2 h (for a 50-km race),
cross-country skiers must employ a variety of techniques and change often between these, which is highly demanding, both
physiologically and in terms of coordination. The aerobic component of the total energy expended is comparable to that associated
with other sports involving similar racing times, but cross-country skiers pace themselves by performing more intensely on uphill
terrain and utilizing downhill sections for recovery.
Physiological research on the demands placed by cross-country skiing has always played an important role in training and improving
performance. Endurance training by these skiers includes considerable low-intensity, as well as low-to-moderate levels of
high-intensity training, primarily on skis and roller skies and running in varying terrain. Furthermore, the enhanced emphasis on the
upper-body required by the new racing events, skiing techniques and equipment/preparation of the snow has markedly improved both
endurance and muscle strength in the arms and torso. Altogether, the increased complexity of both physiological (similar aerobic, but
more pronounced anaerobic production of energy) and biomechanical demands obviously presents a number of new challenges to
athletes and coaches alike. One promising area for development is the utilization of new technology to improve our understanding of
cross-country skiing races, including measurements in real time that allow rapid feedback to the athlete.
In summary, integration of physiological and biomechanical approaches has and continues to contribute to more detailed and
accurate analysis of several determinants of the performance of cross-country skiers, thereby promoting significant improvement.

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