The purpose of this study was to investigate experimentally the optimal pathway in the inner lane curving during maximal effort sprint skating with reference to changes in skating speed and crossover cycle motion for three different types of pathway by using wide-range three-dimensional motion analysis. This study suggests that the optimal pathway to enter the first inner curve might be to pass through the center of a 4m-wide lane or across a slightly more outer position at the inflection point of the skating oval. Taking the recommended pathway, skaters would improve their crossover technique, especially for the left stroke, and their final lap time could be faster in spite of the disadvantage of the roundabout way.
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