INTRODUCTION: Performance testing is an integral component of the training process for elite cross-country skiers. The performance determinants should demonstrate high criterion validity and reflect the physiological demands of on-snow competitions. This study investigated the validity of three aerobic-based laboratory performance tests utilized by Swiss national team athletes. METHODS: Twenty-nine elite cross-country skiers of the Swiss national team (19 men and 10 women, age: 24 ± 5 and 22 ± 3 years, VO2max: 72.2 ± 2.2 and 60.8 ± 3.8 ml/kg/min, respectively) performed an incremental test to task failure in the classic diagonal technique to measure maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), a graded exercise test skating (GXT) to assess the second lactate threshold (LT2), and a 24-min double poling time-trial (24-min DP) all on a motorized treadmill using roller skis. Fat-free mass (FFM) was assessed using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Pearson`s product-moment correlations were calculated to assess the relationships between laboratory performance determinants and on-snow sprint and distance performance as measured by FIS points (5th FIS points list 2022/23), with lower points indicating better performance. Correlation coefficients were categorized according to Hopkins (2002). RESULTS: Large and extremely large associations were found between 24-min DP performance and distance performance in men (r = -0.55, p = 0.022) and women (r = -0.91, p < 0.001), respectively. Moderate and very large correlations were observed between absolute VO2max and sprint performance in men (r = -0.49, p = 0.023) and women (r = -0.85, p = 0.003), respectively. Relative VO2max and distance performance showed a small correlation in men (r = -0.28, p = 0.111) and a large correlation in women (r = -0.66, p = 0.268). LT2 and distance performance demonstrated large to very large correlations in both sexes (men: r = -0.55, p = 0.023; women: r = -0.74, p = 0.038). FFM and sprint performance showed a moderate correlation for men (r = -0.49, p = 0.021) and a very large correlation for women (r = -0.84, p = 0.008). At the same time, FFM and distance skiing demonstrated a moderate, positive correlation in men (r = 0.48, p = 0.030) and a moderate, negative correlation in women (r = -0.41, p = 0.403). CONCLUSION: Laboratory-derived performance determinants and physiological characteristics such as 24-min DP, VO2max, LT2, and FFM were associated with on-snow distance and sprint performance in male and female elite cross-country skiers, with generally larger correlations in women than men and stronger relationships with distance compared to sprint race performance. Furthermore, the scaling of VO2max (absolute vs. relative) influences the predictive value for on-snow sprint and distance performance and could be utilized to distinguish typical sprint and distance skiers. Our results support the use of the current testing procedures for elite skiers.
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