Do maximal roller skiing speed and double poling performance predict youth cross-country skiing performance?

The aims of the current study were to analyze whether specific roller skiing tests and cycle length are determinants of youth cross-country (xc) skiing performance,and to evaluate sex specific differences by applying non-invasive diagnostics. forty-nine young xc skiers (33 boys; 13.8 ± 0.6 yrs and 16 girls; 13.4 ± 0.9 yrs) performed roller skiing tests consisting of both shorter (50 m) and longer durations (575 m). test results were correlated with on snow xc skiing performance (pxc) based on 3 skating and 3 classical distance competitions (3 to 6 km). the main findings of the current study were: 1) anthropometrics and maturity status were related to boys’,but not to girls’ pxc; 2) significant moderate to acceptable correlations between girls’ and boys’ short duration maximal roller skiing speed (double poling,v2 skating,leg skating) and pxc were found; 3) boys’ pxc was best predicted by double poling test performance on flat and uphill,while girls’ performance was mainly predicted by uphill double poling test performance; 4) when controlling for maturity offset,boys’ pxc was still highly associated with the roller skiing tests. the use of simple non-invasive roller skiing tests for determination of pxc represents practicable support for ski clubs,schools or skiing federations in the guidance and evaluation of young talent. © journal of sports science and medicine.