ENDURANCE TRAINING AND SPRINT PERFORMANCE IN ELITE JUNIOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIERS

Sandbakk, O, Welde, B, and Holmberg, H-C. Endurance training and sprint performance in elite junior cross-country skiers. J Strength Cond Res 25(5): 1299-1305, 2011-The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between aerobic characteristics and sprint skiing performance, and the effects of high-intensity endurance training on sprint skiing performance and aerobic characteristics. Ten male and 5 female elite junior cross-country skiers performed an 8-week intervention training period. The intervention group (IG, n = 7) increased the volume of high-intensity endurance training performed in level terrain, whereas the control group (CG, n = 8) continued their baseline training. Before and after the intervention period, the skiers were tested for 1.5-km time-trial performance on roller skis outdoors in the skating technique. Maximal oxygen uptake (<(V)over dot>o(2)max) and oxygen uptake at the ventilatory threshold (<(V)over dot>o(2)VT) were measured during treadmill running. <(V)over dot>o(2)max and <(V)over dot>o(2)VT were closely related to sprint performance (r = similar to 0.75, both p < 0.008). The IG improved sprint performance, (V)over dot>o(2)max, and <(V)over dot>o(2)VT from pre to post-testing and improved sprint performance and <(V)over dot>o(2)VT when compared to the CG (all p < 0.01). This study shows a close relationship between aerobic power and sprint performance in cross-country skiing and highlights the positive effects of high-intensity endurance training in level terrain.