Over several years, we have conducted studies examining technical solutions, physiological capacities, and work requirements during competition in endurance athletes in cross-country skiing and cycling, both in the laboratory and in the field. In recent years, we have also conducted similar studies in Nordic combined and biathlon. In these studies, new technology has been developed and used to measure power and movement in roller skis and poles, as well as the use of body-borne motion sensors (GPS and IMU technology) to measure speed and technique. In addition, we have analysed details of the training and physical capacities of some of the world's best athletes in different sports and carried out training interventions to measure the effect of different types of training on performance. Overall, this has provided an increased understanding of the mechanisms underlying great achievements, and an understanding of how years of exercise affect physiological response, technical solutions, and ultimately lead to peak performances. In addition, knowledge of local muscle energy consumption is of great importance for understanding the work requirement in various endurance sports. Over the past year, SenTIF has chosen to attack several other sports with the same strategy. For example, research has been conducted in rowing – a summer sport with great medal potential.

This project is led by Professor Øyvind Sandbakk. Sandbakk, Associate Professor Dionne Noordhof and Professor Gertjan Ettema, together with post doctor Knut Skovereng, researchers Jan Kocbach, Vegard Rasdal and external collaborators have guided 6 master students and 7 PhD candidates (Pål Haugnes, Rune Talsnes, Trine Seeberg, Harri Luchsinger, Guro Strøm Solli, Nicki Almquist and Morten Kristoffersen) in this project in 2019/20. In addition, associate professor Mireille van Beekvelt, as well as engineer Roy Mulder have contributed, and a strong national and international network has been developed to conduct various studies. There is close and good dialogue with the head of endurance at Olympiatoppen, as well as the head of research on technique/motor skills, and thereby the knowledge is continuously implemented in the Norwegian national teams and in the coaching literature/development steps for each of the sport that is being studied and across sports.