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No Room for the Robot in Sprint Racing
There is No Room for the Robot in Sprint Racing
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\r\nBy Zack Simons
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\r\nYesterday our sprint crew did an organized speed session under the unblinking eye of the video camera, manned by Coach Pete Vordenberg. Later in the afternoon, once we had eaten lunch and recovered from the obligatory food-induced coma, we gathered ‘round the telly for our daily dose of Nordic narcissism- video review. This pattern seems to be becoming the standard; we do it every day.
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\r\nToday was the first time we have been able to look at a speed session on video since we have been here. One of the most important conclusions that I have come to through racing in Europe last spring is that ‘there is no room for the robot in sprint racing.’ This has become somewhat of a training mantra for me this season.
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\r\nFor a few years now much of the technique taught in our country has been focused on keeping the hips stable and not overextending in any plane of motion. Sprinting throws a bit of a wrench in the cogs as economy is less of an issue than in any other of the Nordic distances and maximal power application is a greater priority. That being said, much of what I have been working on in both classic and skating has involved greater extension. This will allow me to slow down my tempo slightly and increase the amount of power generated in each stroke, creating a more efficient and faster way of skiing.
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\r\nSince we arrived in New Zealand many of us have been working on improving our arm swing, especially in classic skiing. It’s necessary to have a full and deep arm swing for maximum power application (think Hjelmeset style arm swing). This motion will do several things for your classic skiing; first you will generate much more forward momentum out of your upper body. Second, having a deep arm swing initiated at the shoulder will create downward force that can be directed into the snow through the kicking foot.
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\r\nAll for now. –Zsi
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Zack Simons in Saturday's classic race.
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Written By: zsiDate Posted: 8/14/2004Number of Views: 396
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