Going for Gold: a physiologist’s view of champion cross-country skiers
Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 22:21
in Earth & Climate
Cross-country skiing is one of the most demanding of all Olympic sports, with skiers propelling themselves at speeds that exceed 20-25 km per hour over distances as long as 50 km. Yet the difference between winners and losers in these grueling races can be decided by just the tip of a ski, as a glance at any recent world-class competition will show. So just what gives top racers the advantage?