Introduction. The current study compared differences in cycle characteristics, energy expenditure and peak speed between double poling (DP) and G3 skating. Methods. Eight world class male sprint skiers performed a 5-min submaximal test at 16 km/h and an incremental test to exhaustion at a 5 % incline during treadmill roller skiing with two different techniques: DP where all propulsion comes from poling, and G3 skating where leg skating is added to each double poling movement. Video analyses determined cycle characteristics; respiratory parameters and blood lactate concentration determined the physiological responses. Results. G3 skating resulted in 16 % longer cycle lengths at 16 % lower cycle rates, whereas oxygen uptake was independent of technique during submaximal roller skiing. The corresponding advantages for G3 skating during maximal roller skiing were reflected in 14 % higher speed, 30 % longer cycle length at 16 % lower cycle rate and 11 % higher peak oxygen uptake (all p < 0.05). Conclusions. Compared to DP approximately 14 % higher speed was achieved when leg push-offs were added in G3 skating. This was done by major increases in cycle lengths at slightly lower cycle rates and a higher aerobic energy delivery. However, the oxygen uptake for a given submaximal speed was not affected by technique although higher cycle rate was used in DP.
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