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The diagonal stride is a common uphill technique in cross-country skiing. It is well-known that increasing the velocity in skiing is linked to the cycle rate and cycle length. Based on studies from roller-skiing and on-snow skiing, researchers Andersson et al.  speculated that “an increased cycle rate at a long cycle length is the main factor for increasing a high sub-maximal velocity up to a maximal velocity” (2) in diagonal cross-country skiing on snow. Yet, the exact role of cycle rate, cycle length, and time for force generation at different velocities had not previously been tested for this type of skiing. Andersson et al. therefore examined cycle and force characteristics in 11 male elite cross-country skiers skiing uphill with the diagonal stride technique at three different velocities (moderate, high & maximal). Using novel’s pedar^® mobile system, they analysed plantar leg force and pole force, which they combined with video analysis and photocell measurements. They found that cycle length and cycle rate increased from moderate to high velocity, and maximal velocity was attained by elevating cycle length and decreasing cycle rate. The tests further showed that “that the development of leg force was considerably faster during diagonal skiing on snow than for roller-skiing” (17). The researchers therefore conclude that when training roller-skiing athletes should “focus on generating high vertical leg forces early during the kick in order to avoid a technique adaptation that might result in ‘slipping’ when skiing on snow” (17). All in all, these tests show the high importance of rapid leg force generation in fast diagonal skiing.

Andersson, E; Pellegrini, B; Sandbakk, Ø; Stöggl, T and H-C Holmberg (2014):
The effects of skiing velocity on mechanical aspects of diagonal crosscountry skiing.
Sports Biomechanics, DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2014.921236