Associations Between Laboratory-Based Performance Indicators and On-Snow Competitive Success in Elite Cross-Country...

This study examined the associations between laboratory-based performance indicators and competitive success in elite cross-country skiing, considering sex- and age-related differences over a 15-year period.

A total of 106 Swiss National Team cross-country skiers (62 males and 44 females) underwent standardized physiological testing including 24-minute double-poling treadmill time-trial performance (24-minute DP), maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), performance at the second lactate threshold, hemoglobin mass, 1-minute skating treadmill time-trial performance (Sprint1-min), squat jump peak power, and fat-free mass. Competitive performance was assessed using International Ski Federation (FIS) points in distance (FISDist) and sprint (FISSpr) events. Mixed-effects models analyzed the predictive strength of test variables, incorporating sex and age interactions.

Twenty-four-minute DP and relative V˙O2max explained 42% of the variance in FISDist, while Sprint1-min (66%), squat jump, and absolute V˙O2max (both 50%) were the strongest predictors of FISSpr. Improvements in 24-minute DP, second lactate threshold, and Sprint1-min had a greater impact on reducing FIS points in females, whereas relative and absolute V˙O2max, hemoglobin mass, squat jump, and fat-free mass showed similar predictive relationships across sexes. Age moderated these associations, with younger athletes experiencing greater reductions in FIS points per unit increase in test performance.

This study highlights the importance of a comprehensive performance assessment in elite cross-country skiing that integrates ski-specific time trials, physiological capacity, strength, and body composition. The findings indicate that the relevance of laboratory-based performance indicators varies by sex and career stage, underscoring the need for longitudinal, age-aware interpretation when relating test outcomes to on-snow performance.