INTRODUCTION: Alpine skiing is a very popular winter sport for recreation as well as for competition. Ski racing demands a multitude of technical skills and excellent physical abilities. Although substantial efforts were made in fitness testing in elite ski racers, little information is available on the physiological requirements on adolescent athletes. Therefore the goal of this study was to determine physiological characteristics and performance determining factors of talented alpine ski racers, METHODS: Twelve young ski racers (8 male, 4 female, age 8 - 14 yr, height 150±2 cm, body weight 39±9 kg) performed a maximal cycle ergometry (Ergoline) including gas analysis (Cosmed K4) for the determination of peak power output (Pmax), peak oxygen uptake (VO2), peak Ventilation (VE), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate (La). Some days later the athletes performed two giant Slaloms at Kühtai (2020 m) under race conditions. During the giant slalom race time (Alge), VO2, VE, HR, and La were measured (Cosmed K4, Polar, EKF Biosen 5040), Correlations (Pearson) were calculated using SPSS 14.0 (p<0.05). RESULTS:The results of the cycle ergometry and the giant slalom are shown in table 1. Comparing the maximal values of the giant slalom and the cycle ergometry, the following relations arise: 60±17% for VO2, 75±14% for VE, 97±5% for HR, and 48±11% for La. Strong and significant correlations exist only between between race time and Pmax (-0.938) and race time and anthropometric values (age -0.944, height -0.910, body weight -0.925). DISCUSSION / CONCLUSION: In the evaluated age group peak power output and anthropometric factors seem to be important parameters determining race time. It has to be mentioned that other physiological parameters (e.g. leg and trunk strength, sensomotoric skills) are required to be successful in alpine ski racing. Although aerobic capacity seems not to be a limiting factor single race / training a certain level must be achieved to withstand the rigors of a long ski racing season. In talent Identification trainer must be sensible of the problem of acceleration and retardation of young athletes.
© Copyright 2007 4th International Congress on Science and Skiing. Veröffentlicht von University of Salzburg. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.