The Evolution of Champion Cross-Country-Skier Training: From Lumberjacks to Professional Athletes

Training practices for cross-country skiers have evolved significantly since the mid-20th century.

• Before 1970, many male XC champions were lumberjacks who engaged in long-distance running or skiing as part of their work.
• Training intensity increased during the autumn, while winter focused on ski-specific training and competitions.
• Until the 1970s, women were largely underrepresented in XC skiing due to beliefs about their training capacity.
• Modern XC skiers have adopted more structured and goal-oriented training approaches influenced by scientific insights.
• Although the peak oxygen uptake (VOmax) of elite skiers has remained stable since the 1960s, modern events now emphasize upper-body strength and tactical skills.
• There has been a significant improvement in women's physiological capacities and training methodologies in recent years.

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