The Annual Periodization of Training Volumes of International-Level Cross-Country Skiers and Biathletes

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the training-volume (TrV) distribution of Russian international-level male biathletes, female biathletes, and cross-country skiers (XC) during an annual cycle. Methods: Day-to-day TrVs were recorded and averaged for a 5-year period for male biathletes (n = 6), female biathletes (n = 8), and XC (n = 14) with VO2max values of 77.7 (3.8), 64.6 (1.9), and 79.4 (3.5) mL·min−1·kg−1, respectively. Results: The volumes of low- and moderate-intensity endurance training and all types of nonspecific endurance and strength training gradually decreased toward the competition period. However, the volumes and proportions of high-intensity endurance training and specific exercises (roller skiing, skiing, and shooting during high-intensity endurance training) increased by the time of the competition period. The total volume of training, volumes of low- and moderate-intensity endurance training, moderate- and high-load strength training (70%–95% 1RM), and power/speed loads did not increase gradually but reached their maximum immediately after a short stage of initial training. All teams employed the “pyramid” model of intensity distribution. Compared with the biathletes, XC demonstrated a larger (P < .01) annual volume of endurance training (~190 h), low-intensity endurance training (~183 h), and strength training (~818 sets). They also engaged in more upper-body and core-strength exercises (~769 sets), and they reached their maximum aerobic TrVs in June, while the biathletes reached theirs in July. Conclusions: In recent decades, the traditional model of periodization has been altered. The Russian XC and biathletes had significant differences in TrVs.

School’s out for summer–Differences in training characteristics between adolescent biathletes of different performance levels

“…Since linear increase in the training volume seems to be a factor for further success in skiing sports, and both performance groups are part of the same school system, with the same opportunity to train equally for the majority of the time, the result of this study should be of interest to USS from a supportive perspective, as well as to coaches. The annual training volume reported by the NTB is similar to other studies examining the training characteristics of international-level biathletes [ 5 , 8 , 29 ].The distribution of ~ 90% LIT is similar to that of international senior-level athletes in XC-skiing and biathlon [ 1 , 8 ]. Notably both the age and level of performance are considered greater in those papers [ 30 ].…”

“…Biathlon training is performed using multiple types of training modes, for instance: running, roller skiing, cycling and on-snow skiing [ 5 , 6 ].When monitoring physical training in biathlon, the training dose is based on duration, mode of exercise and intensity. The intensity is usually scaled based on the percentage of maximum heart rate (HR max ) [ 7 ] or as the relationship between the heart rate (HR) and lactate values [ 5 , 8 , 9 ]. The duration at each intensity can be allocated either as the time in zone, based on the recorded time in different intensity zones; the session goal, based on the main intensity goal of a single session; or as a combination of the time spent in each zone and the main goal for the session [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Periodization and Block Periodization in Sports: Emphasis on Strength-Power Training—A Provocative and Challenging Narrative

“…These observational studies, many of which lasted several years, included many of the original studies of Matveyev (120), Nadori (149,150), Verkoshansky (220), etc. More recent long-term observational and descriptive studies have dealt with a number of periodization related factors including performance-related variables, sport performance, and injuries and have included a variety of sports such as swimming (82), volleyball (181), orienteering (211), crosscountry skiing and biathlon (147,176,182,212), and weightlifting (21). These types of studies and observations are especially important because they were performed observing athletes in their normal environment, thus maintaining ecological validity.…”

Peculiarities of the Blood Pressure Profile in Athletes With Office Prehypertension in the Preparatory Period of the Annual Training Macrocycle

“…За нашими спостереженнями, найбільш несприятливим з огляду на появу вегетативної симптоматики та підвищення АТ був змагальний період річного тренувального макроциклу [5]. Саме в ньому спортсмени знаходяться під впливом психологічного стресу, порушення режиму дня, необхідності адаптації до нових умов професійної діяльності [6]. Проте, найтривалішим періодом річного тренувального макроциклу є підготовчий період.…”