Aim To describe the training characteristics of German cross-country skiers across two seasons and investigate the effects of Covid-19 restrictions -on training characteristics during lockdowns, as well as on laboratory test- and racing performance in the 2020/21 competition season compared to 2019/20. Methods Training diaries were obtained from 12 National team cross-country skiers (6 m, 6 w). Annual and weekly training volume/-intensity distribution were grouped according to the time accounting for each training- and lockdown phase in 20/21 and compared to data from 19/20. FIS-Points and -rank for each athlete were downloaded from the FIS website. Laboratoy testing was routinely performed in week 30 and 39 respectively. Repeated-Meas ures ANOVA and a linear mixed model was used to investigate significant differences between season and period for training- and performance variables. Results The total annual training duration increased by 9% (P = <.05) during 20/21 compared to 19/20. During Lockdown 1 cross-country skiers maintained a high weekly training duration due to a high proportion of non-specific activity types whereas there were no changes during Lock down 2. In 20/21 cross-country skiers performed a higher proportion of Zone 1 training com pared to 19/20. Laboratory test- and racing performance increased from 19/20 to 20/21. Conclusion An increase in non-specific endurance- and strength training can help endurance athletes to maintain a high physiological stimulus if specific training forms are not available.
© Copyright 2022 Book of Abstracts. 4th Nordic Winter Sports Conference "Performance in snow sports: Translating science into practice" 3rd-4th October, 2022, Mid Sweden University, Campus Östersund, Sweden. Veröffentlicht von Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre at Mid Sweden University. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.