Abstract

A comparison between maximal power output during cycling and skating was made, and correlates of skating performance with bicycle performance and skating technique were investigated. Twenty-five well-trained speed skaters performed two bicycle tests and a 500-m and 1500-m ice skating race. The power (P) during skating is calculated from ice and air friction losses: at 500 m P500 = 344 +/- 60 W and at 1500 m P1500 = 283 +/- 65 W. Stroke frequency and preextension knee angle as principle determining factors of P were determined. The two bicycle tests (of 30 and 230 duration, maximal performance) yield P30c = 875 +/- 86 W and P2.30c = 420 +/- 52 W with VO2max 4.76 +/- 0.45 l/min. The highest correlate of P500 as well as of P1500 appeared to be P30c. The correlation of P30c suggests that the interindividual differences of skating performance at 500-m and 1500-m distances can be attributed substantially to differences in anaerobic power. Yet, the predictive value of the bicycle test for speed skating performance is low. Verf.-Referat