# Performance-Determining Variables of a Simulated Skimo
## 4 Discussion  
This study investigated the variables determining performance in a simulated on-snow Skimo sprint competition in elite junior athletes, and how their relationship with performance evolves from the individual time-trial to the final. The main findings reveal that upper and whole-body aerobic power, maximal speed and power, as well as fat-free mass and body fat, are all strong determinants of Skimo sprint performance. Notably, the ability to transition quickly between sections also proved to be a relevant factor in Skimo sprint performance. Most anthropometric measurements, except for BMI, demonstrated significant correlations with sprint performance. These findings align with the literature on the role of anthropometrics in Skimo, where BMI and body fat, both in percent of body mass and in kilograms, were significantly correlated with performance in vertical races [5; 7]. [PERSON] et al. [6] reported a non-significant correlation between BMI and vertical race  
Figure 3: Relationship between Skimo sprint performance and (**A**) \(\rm{VO_{2 max}}\), maximal oxygen uptake, (**B**) \(\rm{V_{max}}\), peak treadmill speed, (**C**) FFM, fat-free mass, (**D**) 1 RM, one-repetition maximal strength in back squat standardized to body mass, and (**E**) \(\rm{VLA_{max}}\), maximal glycolytic capacity in a group of male and female skimo athletes (\(n\) = 8 for TT to SFs; \(n\) = 5 for F). Dashed lines represent 95%CI. Red dots represent female athletes. Blue dots represent male athletes. * \(p\) < 0.05. **\(p\) < 0.01.  
performance, highlighting potential variation across studies. None of the previous studies in Skimo investigated the role of FFM on (sprint) performance. Drawing parallels with cross-country sprint skiing, where total lean mass--both as a percentage of BM and in kilograms--has exhibited correlations with sprint performance indices (e.g., peak and mean velocity, performance in sprint prologue) [35; 36; 37], the observed associations may be elucidated by the relationships between muscle size, force-generating potential, and anaerobic energy stores [38; 39; 40; 41; 42]. The literature suggests that heavier and more muscular cross-country skiers exhibit advantages on various terrains, except in steep uphills, where their relative advantage diminishes [11; 19]. However, considering that the majority of Skimo race duration involves steep uphills, the emphasis shifts to the importance of an effective power-to-weight ratio over absolute power capacities. Absolute and relative VO2 max demonstrated robust correlations with performance in both individual time trial and subsequent heats, consistent with existing literature on the interplay between VO2 max and Skimo race performance. Specifically, there were strong correlations between relative VO2 max and individual, and vertical race performance [4; 6]. Conversely, absolute VO2 max demonstrated non-significant correlations with individual race performance [4]. These findings are consistent with previous literature in the realm of VO2 max and cross-country sprint skiing, a similar competition format consisting of repeated high-intensity efforts of approximately 2.5 to 3 min, showing significant and substantial correlations between sprint performance (skating and classical technique) and both absolute and relative VO2 max [43; 44; 13]. This trend extended to the relationships between sprint up-hill performance, and both absolute and relative VO2 max[43]. [PERSON] et al. [44] identified the strongest correlation between cross-country sprint performance and absolute values of VO2 max compared to relative values. Their argument, asserting the greater relevance of absolute values due to the high speed and relatively flat terrain in sprint competitions, contrasts with the skimo context, where the majority of the race involves uphill segments. Consequently, it could be posited that higher relative VO2 max values serve as more effective predictors of Skimo sprint performance. In contrast, [PERSON] et al.