Pacing Demands in Competitive Nordic Skiing.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Winter Olympic Sports Analysis

Background:

• Cross-country skiing, biathlon, and Nordic combined feature undulating terrain and variable intensity.
• These sports require continuous regulation of work and energy expenditure, known as pacing.
• Technological advancements enable detailed measurement of pacing demands during training and competition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a scientific overview of pacing demands in competitive cross-country skiing, biathlon, and Nordic combined.
• To propose guidelines for enhancing performance through adjusted pacing behavior.
• To explore the evolution of pacing analysis from segment to micro-level strategies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of speed, internal and external power, and subtechnique distribution.
• Examination of temporal patterns associated with pacing strategies.
• Integration of subjective ratings of effort (e.g., rating of perceived exertion) with objective measures.

Main Results:

• Pacing analysis has advanced to detailed micropacing strategies.
• Objective tools like heart rate and lactate measurements are common.
• Perceived effort is crucial for regulating intensity in undulating terrain.

Conclusions:

• Objective measures should supplement, not replace, perceived effort for intensity regulation.
• Self-regulation of effort is a key performance characteristic.
• Developing self-regulation is vital for optimizing training and race performance throughout an athlete's career.