Talent Development in Young Cross-Country Skiers: Longitudinal Analysis of Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics

Introduction: Very little is known about talent development and selection processes in young cross-country skiers. Aim: 1) to analyze the effect of age on anthropometric and physiological parameters in medium-to-high level cross-country skiers during late teenage; 2) to describe parameters’ trend in selected talents after late teenage; 3) to define which characteristics during late teenage could discriminate further talent selection. Method: We found in our database 14 male (M) and nine (F) athletes, identified as talents by regional teams during late teenage, who performed the same diagonal stride roller skiing incremental test to exhaustion during late teenage (17 and 18 years old). Of these, four M and three F performed four further evaluations, since further selected by the National team. Age effect during late teenage was verified on anthropometric and physiological parameters measured at maximal intensity (MAX), first (VT1) and second (VT2) ventilatory thresholds, 3° and 6° of treadmill incline. An observational analysis allowed to evaluate parameters’ trend after late teenage in selected athletes, and to determine possible characteristics early discriminating further selection. Results: During late teenage, height, weight and BMI still raised in M as well as V’O2 at VT2 and 6° of treadmill incline (all P > 0.05). In F, mass-scaled V’O2 MAX increased while heart rate (HR) at MAX decreased, and HR at VT2 decreased in both sexes (all P > 0.05). Since late teenage, all selected males showed maximal ventilation volumes, absolute V’O2 at MAX, VT1 and VT2 that were within or above the 75th percentile of their group; the same was found in selected females for mass-scaled V’O2 MAX, VT1 and VT2 time. After late teenage, all selected athletes showed an increasing trend for VT2 e time, while a decreasing trend for sub-maximal energetic cost, %V’O2 and HR. Discussion: During late teenage, males are still completing their maturation process. Since late teenage, some physiological parameters seem good indicators early discriminating for further talent. However, a multidisciplinary approach is required in future for the process of talent selection. A progressive increase in physiological efficiency was demonstrated in developing talents of both sexes after late teenage.