Improving Performance in Speed Skating: Pacing Strategy or Exercise Capacity?

Abstract

Other than winning, athletes are interested in improving performance, as continually improving performance leads to competitive success. It is unclear if improved performance is related to pacing strategy (how the athlete runs the race) or to exercise capacity (what the athlete brings to the race). PURPOSE: To evaluate the pacing strategy in elite speed skaters who either improved (IMP), remained constant (CON), or deproved (DEP) during World Cup Competition. METHODS: Official split times of 1500m races from elite speed skaters (n=49) who produced valid (no falls or disqualifications) results in Fall (F) and Spring (S) World Cup races contested at the same racing oval (Heerenveen, NL) were evaluated with respect to whether they IMP (S-F>-0.50s), SAME (S-F within +/- 0.5s) or DEP (S-F>+0.50s). RESULTS: The change (sd) in final time from F to S was -1.87(1.23), -0.07 (0.32) & +1.60(0.93) s in IMP, CON & DEP, respectively. Intermediate lap time differences from F to S are presented in the Figure.FIGURECONCLUSIONS: In elite athletes, with a stable racing template, IMP was achieved with a similar pacing pattern, but with evidence that the athlete was just better on a given day. CON seem to be skated with a very similar pacing pattern. DEP started with the same pacing pattern, but had progressive losses of velocity throughout the race.