Relationships Between Maximal Aerobic Speed, Lactate Threshold, and Double Poling Velocity at Lactate Threshold in Cross-Country Skiers

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships between maximal aerobic speed (MAS), lactate threshold in per cent of peak oxygen uptake (LT) and velocity at LT (LT(v)) in cross-country skiers. Secondly, we aimed to explore the fit of an equation previously used in cyclists and runners in a cohort of well-trained, competitive cross-country skiers for calculation of LT(v). Thirdly, we aimed to investigate if a new LT(v) could still be calculated after a period of regular training only by providing a new MAS. METHODS: Ninety-five competitive cross-country skiers (65 males and 30 females) were tested for maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)), peak oxygen uptake in double poling (DP-VO(2peak)), oxygen cost of double poling (C(DP)), LT, and LT(v). Thirty-five skiers volunteered to be tested 3 months later to evaluate potential changes in LT and LT(v). RESULTS: Velocity at LT was mainly determined by MAS (r = 0.88, p < 0.01). LT did not show a significant impact on LT(v). The product of MAS·LT precisely predicted LT(v) at baseline (r = 0.99, SEE = 2.4%), and by only measuring MAS, a new LT(v) could be accurately calculated (r = 0.92, SEE = 6.8%) 3 months later in a sub-set of the initial 95 skiers (n = 35). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that LT has minor impact on LT(v) in DP tested in a laboratory. LT(v) seemed to be predominantly determined by MAS, and we suggest to put more focus on MAS and less on LT and LT(v) in regular testing to evaluate aerobic performance capacity in DP.