INTRODUCTION: Ski mountaineering (SkiMo) is a rapidly growing winter sport, and the 2026 Winter Olympics will feature ski mountaineering for the first time [1]. Olympics competitions will include men's and women's sprint races, as well as a mixed relay event. Sprint races in ski mountaineering consist of short courses with ascents of less than 80 meters, lasting between 180 and 210 seconds [1]. The first round comprises an individual qualification, with athletes starting every 20 seconds. After qualifying, athletes compete against one another in heats of six. The race start is similar to that of cross-country skiing. Studies have shown that cross-country skiers can benefit from using longer poles [2]; therefore, the aim of this study is to test this approach for ski mountaineering athletes. METHODS: Five elite ski mountaineers participated in the study. Measurements were conducted on a ski slope with a course length and elevation similar to SkiMo sprint races. Each participant ascended the slope three times, with the pole length changed for each ascent: participant's preferred length, 103%, and 106% of the preferred length. The order of pole lengths was randomized. For each ascent, the following data were collected: ascent time, athlete's heart rate (Polar H10), c) athlete's position via Global Navigation Satellite System (Ublox), and forces in the poles (Deltatech Italy). RESULTS/DISCUSSION: The results presented are for a single female athlete. The pole lengths order was 100%, 103%, and 106% of the preferred length. The ascent times were 2:21.97, 2:22.55, and 2:20.66. The maximum and average heart rates were 172, 172, 173 and 163, 163, 166, respectively. Figure shows the mean force calculated for the initial 5 cycles on the flat part of the course, and for the final 25 cycles at the end of the uphill. However, on the last hilly part of the ascent, there was no difference in the mean force between different poles. In addition, on the flat part, the average speed of the athlete was 13.1, 13.8, and 14.3 km/h, and on the last ascent part, it was 6.1, 5.9, and 6.2 km/h, respectively for 100%, 103%, and 106% length of the poles. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, preliminary analysis seems to demonstrate that the athlete tested here benefited from using longer ski poles, particularly on the flat part of the race. This finding highlights the potential value of systematically testing each elite athlete to determine their optimal pole length, which could enhance performance outcomes.
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