Aerodynamic drag in cross-country skiing

Aerodynamic drag and drafting in cross-country skiing is a research area that is completely unexplored. In view of the fact that more and more cross-country and biathlon competitions at international level are carried out with a so-called mass start, it is highly relevant to investigate how much force and energy skiers can save through drafting. That is, skiing behind other skiers who act as a "locomotive" and thus take most of the braking force of the air resistance.

The significance of aerodynamic drag and drafting was studied in double poling cross-country skiing on a large treadmill in the wind tunnel at Sports Tech Research Centre. The results showed at what speed energy expenditure and propulsive force were significantly changed due to drafting.

Read the the open access article ”Effects of Aerodynamic Drag and Drafting on Propulsive Force and Oxygen Consumption in Double Poling Cross-country Skiing”