Roller ski sliding backwards helps improve your technique on snow
So far, only elite skiers have been able to test it – a roller ski that can adjust grip and glide, which makes the movement similar to that of classical cross-country skiing on snow. Bulk production of the roller ski is planned and this summer, it will be available also to amateur skiers. Researchers at Mid Sweden University SportsTech are the developers of the roller ski.
- This is of major importance to research and tests of cross-country skiers as well as to all levels of bare ground training. It is essential to practise the correct technique also on bare ground, says Mats Ainegren, doctoral student, who developed the new roller ski together with his colleagues at SportsTech.
So far, the roller ski has only been used in research and tested on a small group of elite cross-country skiers and students at the Mid Sweden University Ski and Biathlon University as well as students of the Ski upper secondary school Sollefteå.
Normally, the grip of roller skis is several times better than that of cross-country skis used on snow without affecting the glide. In the case of the new roller ski, grip and glide can both be adjusted. This way, cross-country skiers can practise their technique for the next winter season.
– When you use this roller ski, you must consider both shifting of weight and technique, which makes it similar to classical cross-country skiing, says Mattias Persson, coach at the Mid Sweden University Ski University.
The team of researchers plan bulk production of the roller ski, which means that amateur skiers also will be able to use it.
– The Vasaloppet skiers also want to work a correct technique, says Mats Ainegren.
The roller ski was presented to the press at SportsTech on 25 January 2012.