Purpose: The aim was to compare the physiological and performance effects of longer versus shorter recovery periods between the three knock-out races of a simulated sprint XC ski competition. Methods: Eleven well-trained XC skiers completed two simulated sprint competitions on a treadmill, each involving four roller-ski bouts (prologue, P; quarter-final, QF; semi-final, SF; final, F) at a 4° incline using gear 3 skating. The first three bouts (FIXP, FIXQF and FIXSF) were completed at 95.6% of each individual`s pre-determined maximal sprint speed. The final bout (STTF) was a maximal, self-paced time-trial. The recovery durations between the QF, SF and F simulated real-world conditions for maximum (MAX-REC) or minimum (MIN-REC) recovery. Results: FIXP, FIXQF and FIXSF were completed in a fixed time and power output of 191.6 ± 16.7 s and 4.29 ± 0.35 W·kg-1, respectively. The STTF was completed significantly faster during MAX-REC compared to MIN-REC (179.2 ± 18.1 s versus 184.6 ± 20.0 s; P=0.009) and power output was greater during MAX-REC compared to MIN-REC (4.61 ± 0.44 W·kg-1 versus 4.48 ± 0.47 W·kg-1; P=0.010). There were no significant differences in physiological responses during the two STTF conditions (P>0.005), but pacing profiles showed a tendency for power output to be maintained more effectively over the first three quartiles during MAX-REC compared to MIN-REC. Conclusions: Maximizing recovery between the knockout races of a sprint XC ski competition is beneficial to performance. Practical applications: These findings have implications for the tactical choices made by skiers when selecting their sprint heats.
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