No. 8, pp. 9–11

Published: 28.07.2026

CC BY 4.0

Abstract

Objective of the study is to establish how measures of physical preparedness relate to competitive outcomes in elite cross-country skiers and, drawing on these findings, to justify the value of incorporating an artificial ski-track surface into the athletes’ training. Methods and structure of the study. Ten elite athletes took part in the work. The control group trained predominantly on roller skis, whereas the experimental group’s preparation additionally featured sessions on an artificial, snow-substitute surface. Physical preparedness was examined through a treadmill test, a maximal anaerobic power assessment on a SkiErg ski ergometer, and jump tests on an AMTI force platform. Competitive outcomes were derived from the ranking points earned at official Russian Cup events. Results and conclusions. In the experimental group the links between physical preparedness and sporting performance proved more pronounced, with speed-strength capacity and anaerobic endurance carrying the greatest weight. Training on the artificial track helped reproduce the skiers’ movement speed and running technique together with the conditions of competitive activity, and this is what gave rise to the more stable associations observed.

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