title: Physiological differences between sprint- and distance-specialized cross-country skiers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Sprint- (≤1.8 km) and distance-skiing (≥15 km) performance rely heavily on aerobic capacity. However, in sprint skiing, due to the ~20% higher speed, anaerobic capacity contributes significantly. This study aimed to identify the possible anthropometric and physiological differences between elite male sprint and distance skiers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six sprint and 7 distance international-level cross-country skiers completed testing using the V2 skating technique on a roller-ski treadmill. Measurements included submaximal O2 cost (5°, 3 m/s) and a 1000-m time trial (6°, >3.25 m/s) to assess VO2peak and accumulated oxygen (σO2) deficit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The groups displayed similar O2 cost during the submaximal load. The sprint skiers had a higher σO2 deficit (79.0 ± 11.3 vs 65.7 ± 7.5·mL/kg, P = .03, ES = 1.27) and VO2peak in absolute values (6.6 ± 0.5 vs 6.0 ± 0.5 L/ min, P = .04, ES =1.23), while VO2peak relative to body mass was lower than in the distance skiers (76.4 ± 4.4 vs 83.0 ± 3.2 mL · kg-1 · min-1, P = .009, ES = 1.59). The sprint skiers were heavier than the distance skiers (86.6 ± 6.1 vs 71.8 ± 7.2 kg, P = .002, ES = 2.07), taller (186 ± 5 vs 178 ± 7 cm, P = .04, ES = 1.25), and had a higher body-mass index (24.9 ± 0.8 vs 22.5 ± 1.3 kg/m2, P = .003, ES = 2.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The elite male sprint skiers showed different anthropometric and physiological qualities than the distance skiers, with these differences being directly related to body mass.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Losnegard
authors.forename: Jostein
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hallén
mesh_terms: D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology; D012865:Skiing / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult