Energy system contribution during competitive cross-country skiing

Area of Science:

• Sports Physiology
• Exercise Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Energy system contribution in cross-country (XC) skiing is influenced by race duration, track profile, and technique.
• XC skiing involves complex interactions between upper and lower body movements, affecting energy demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a scientific review of energy system contributions in XC skiing.
• To analyze physiological, technical, and tactical aspects of energy utilization.
• To understand how XC skiing's demands differ from other endurance sports.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing existing research on XC skiing physiology and performance.
• Analysis of energy system contributions across different race formats (sprint and distance).
• Examination of physiological responses, including VO2peak and work rates during various race segments.

Main Results:

• The aerobic energy system is crucial, comparable to other endurance sports.
• XC skiing involves high aerobic turnover combined with intermittent high-intensity efforts (120-160% VO2peak) on uphills.
• Intermittent downhills allow for recovery, creating a unique fluctuation in energy demands.

Conclusions:

• XC skiing's distinct energy system profile combines sustained aerobic effort with repeated supra-VO2peak bursts and short recoveries.
• Increased race speeds and prevalence of mass starts/sprints necessitate enhanced physiological, technical, and tactical abilities.
• Modern XC skiing requires athletes to adapt to evolving demands for world-class performance.