The present study describes differences in pacing patterns and sub-technique selection in young compared to adult competitive cross-country skiers. Eleven young male skiers (YOS) (14.4 ± 0.5 years, VO2peak 63.9 ± 2.8 mL·kg-1·min-1) and eight adult male skiers (ADS) (22.6 ± 4.3 years, VO2peak 77.4 ± 4.4 mL·kg-1·min-1) performed a free technique rollerski time trial (TT) over a distance of 4.3 km (YOS) and 13.1 km (ADS) to simulate normal racing distances. A GNSS/IMU system was used to track position, speed, and classify sub-techniques. Skiing economy and VO2peak were measured on an additional day to calculate the relative oxygen demand (VO2dem) in 13 segments of the TT. YOS were slower than ADS in all types of terrain (mean speed difference of 13%), with differences for uphills of 19%, undulating terrain of 11% and downhills of 8% (all P < .05). The mean relative VO2dem tended to be higher for YOS compared to ADS (120% vs 112% of VO2peak, P = .09), and the difference was more pronounced in the initial four segments of the race (130% vs 110% of VO2peak, P < .01). YOS used more of the sub-technique Gear 2 (23 ± 7 vs 14 ± 4%), less Gear 3 (36 ± 7 vs 45 ± 5%), and had more frequent transitions between sub-techniques (18 ± 2 vs 15 ± 3 km-1) (all P < .05) than ADS. Over an age-related distance, young skiers tend to exhibit higher mean exercise intensity than adult elite skiers, with a more pronounced positive pacing pattern. Differences in physical ability affect speed and sub-technique selections, implying a need for differentiating technical training for different ages and levels.
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