Purpose Pacing profiles differ substantially in endurance sports with short competition duration (2-4 min). Herein, we investigated the effect of a fast start (FS) versus a conservative start (CS) pacing strategy on sprint time-trial performance in competitive junior cross-country skiers. Methods Sixteen females (~ 17 years old) performed two individual self-paced 1.4 km time-trials (TT) in free technique on roller skis separated by 40 min of recovery. Skiers were instructed to perform a FS and CS pacing strategy the first ~ 400-m (~ 1 min) in a randomized order. Split and finish time was determined using radio-based photocells, while speed characteristics were collected with GNSS/IMU sensors. 1-10 Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected retrospectively for 3 points during the TT. Based on mean FS and CS performance, skiers were divided into a Low- (n = 8) and High performers (n = 8). Results Overall, the FS strategy induced a faster ~ 400-m time (56.0 ± 3.8 s) than CS (58.7 ± 3.4 s) (P < 0.05), but no differences in finish times were found between strategies for the group as a whole (FS: 213.3 ± 12.0 s; CS, 212.9 ± 10.3 s, P = 0.68). However, High performers skied faster with FS than CS (203.4 ± 7.4 s vs. 205.1 ± 7.1 s; 0.8% ± 0.7%, P < 0.05), whereas the Low performers skied faster with CS than FS (220.7 ± 6.1 s vs. 223.1 ± 5.0 s; 1.1% ± 1.0%, P < 0.05). Independent of performance level, summated RPE during the TT was higher with FS versus CS (23 ± 2 vs. 22 ± 2, P < 0.05). Conclusion Optimal pacing strategy for TT sprint skiing appears dependent of performance level. A "fast start" strategy was accompanied by higher discomfort during the time-trial.
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