Thomas Johansen Losnegard

• Sandbakk, Øyvind Bucher; Kocbach, Jan Martin; Talsnes, Rune Kjøsen & Losnegard, Thomas Johansen (2026). Sex differences in speed and sub-technique selection in elite sprint cross-country skiers: a time-trial qualification analysis. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 8. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1845432. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: This study investigated sex differences in speed, sub-technique selection and cycle characteristics during a sprint cross-country skiing time-trial qualification in the classical style.Methods: Thirty elite- to world-class cross-country skiers (15 women, 15 men; mean International Ski Federation [FIS] sprint points ∼58 in both groups) performed an FIS-regulated on-snow classical sprint competition. The initial 1.3-km time-trial qualification (prologue) was analyzed using a combined global navigation satellite system and inertial measurement unit to determine speed, sub-technique selection, and cycle characteristics.Results: The men were ∼14% faster than the women (mean speed: 8.26 vs. 7.23 m·s−1, P < 0.001). The sex difference in speed was greatest in the uphill sections (19%–20% difference) and smallest in the downhill sections (6%–9%), with comparable differences in flat terrain (∼13%–14%). The men spent larger portion of the time trial using double poling than the women (∼61% vs. ∼53% of total time, P < 0.001), whereas women used diagonal stride more than men (∼23% vs. ∼16% of total time, P < 0.001). Cycle analysis revealed that the men had 9%–11% longer cycle lengths than the women in both diagonal stride and double poling (both P < 0.05), while cycle rates were generally similar between sexes.Conclusion: Elite male cross-country skiers were ∼14% faster than performance-matched female skiers during a sprint time-trial qualification with equal distance. The most notable difference appeared on uphill terrain, where men relied more heavily on double poling and achieved longer cycle lengths across all sub-techniques. Consequently, female and male skiers face distinct sport-specific demands when competing over equal distances.

• Mentzoni, Fredrik & Losnegard, Thomas Johansen (2026). Agreement between official race data and a high-end sports tracker for a Paralympic rower. Scientific Reports. 16(1). doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-45846-x. Full text in Research Archive
• Edholm, Peter; Bouten, Lars J.L.; Holmberg, Hans-Christer; Losnegard, Thomas Johansen & Hettinga, Florentina Johanna (2026). Mind-Muscle-Environment Interactions: Psychophysiological Determinants of Optimal Pacing in Olympic Winter Endurance Sports. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 36(2). doi: 10.1111/sms.70215. Full text in Research Archive
• Zoppirolli, Chiara; Fornasiero, Alessandro; Spörri, Jörg; Losnegard, Thomas Johansen; Elfmark, Ola Anker & Sandbakk, Øyvind Bucher [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). Olympic Snow Sports: Current Insights and Future Directions for Milano Cortina 2026 and Beyond. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 36(2). doi: 10.1111/sms.70222. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games approach, a comprehensive understanding of performance determinants across Olympic snow sports is increasingly important to further evolve training and performance. However, the scientific literature remains unevenly distributed, with well-established knowledge in cross-country skiing, biathlon, and alpine skiing, and limited data in disciplines such as ski mountaineering, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping, and Nordic combined. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence to (1) identify key performance-determining factors, (2) describe discipline-specific training characteristics, and (3) highlight critical knowledge gaps. Regarding performance determinants, Olympic snow sports can be broadly categorized into endurance-dominant disciplines (e.g., cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski mountaineering), which rely on high aerobic capacity and movement efficiency, and the gravity and technical disciplines (e.g., alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping), which emphasize neuromuscular power and technical precision. Nordic combined represents a hybrid of these categories. In terms of training characteristics, elite athletes' training models reflect sport-specific demands through tailored combinations of endurance, strength–power, technical, tactical, and psychological preparation. Finally, regarding knowledge gaps, sex-specific analyses of physiological profiles, biomechanics, and training responses remain scarce, particularly in gravity and technical sports. Furthermore, standardized documentation of training structure, integration of on-snow monitoring technologies, and research on energy availability remain underdeveloped. Addressing these gaps through holistic, multidisciplinary research is essential to develop individualized, sex-informed, and evidence-based frameworks that support athlete development and performance optimization in the lead-up to Milano Cortina 2026 and future Olympic cycles.

• Harju, Tilda Aurora; Kocbach, Jan Martin; Talsnes, Rune Kjøsen; Torvik, Per Øyvind; Losnegard, Thomas Johansen & Solli, Guro Strøm (2026). The influence of competition-specific endurance priming on sprint time-trial performance in cross-country skiing. Sport Sciences for Health. ISSN 1824-7490. 22(2). doi: 10.1007/s11332-025-01622-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose This study investigated the influence of including a competition-specific high-intensity endurance priming bout during warm-up on sprint time-trial (TT) performance in roller-ski skating among cross-country (XC) skiers. Methods Twelve national-level XC skiers (2 women) completed two different warm-up protocols in counterbalanced order on two consecutive days. At each test day, the warm-ups were followed by two 1.2-km sprint TTs (TT1 and TT2) separated by 30 min of active recovery. Both warm-up protocols consisted of five laps at low to moderate intensities followed by a final lap including either a ~ 2-min high-intensity competition-specific priming (PRIM) or low-intensity exercise (TRAD). Speed and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously while rating of perceived exertion (RPE; Borg 6–20), perceived readiness and technical quality (scale 1–10) were assessed after warm-ups and TTs. After day two, participants rated how they perceived each warm-up in preparing them for performance. Results Performance did not differ between TRAD and PRIM in TT1 (169.8 ± 18.4 vs. 169.6 ± 17.2 s, P = .885) or TT2 (166.6 ± 16.1 vs. 168.9 ± 16.8 s, P = .105). Within TRAD, performance improved in TT2 vs. TT1 (166.6 ± 16.1 vs. 169.8 ± 18.4 s, P = .008), accompanied with higher HR (175 ± 6 vs. 173 ± 6 beats·min⁻1, P = .005), RPE (18.7 ± 0.9 vs. 18.0 ± 0.9, P = .033) and perceived technical quality (7.7 ± 1.0 vs. 6.8 ± 1.4, P = .031). No differences between TTs were observed within PRIM. Athletes perceived PRIM as more beneficial in preparing them to perform than TRAD (8.0 ± 1.5 vs. 4.6 ± 1.6, P = .003). Conclusion Including a competition-specific high-intensity priming bout during warm-up did not enhance sprint TT performance compared to a traditional warm-up but was perceived as more beneficial in preparing the skiers to perform.

• Fredrik, Mentzoni,; Martin, Skaugen,; Stian, Roterud,; Spro, Johansen, Espen & Losnegard, Thomas Johansen (2026). Interchangeability, accuracy, and precision of a handheld blood lactate analyzer across low to high exercise intensities | Sport Sciences for Health | Springer Nature Link. Sport Sciences for Health. ISSN 1824-7490. 22. doi: 10.1007/s11332-025-01594-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  To assess: (1) within-brand differences and interchangeability of the TaiDoc TD-4289 analyzer, by evaluating the measured blood lactate concentrations across ten units of this analyzer; (2) the accuracy and precision of the analyzer using newly developed strips that present lactate concentrations on a different scale. Venous blood samples were taken at relevant exercise intensities. The blood lactate concentration was measured simultaneously with different units of TaiDoc TD-4289. In the first test, 400 measurements of blood lactate using original strips of code 546 were performed (four intensities times 10 measurement series times 10 units). The within-brand analysis used a modified mean excluding the minimum, maximum, and considered value in each measurement series as reference. In the second test, 64 measurements of blood lactate using newly developed strips of code 335 were performed (eight measurements series times eight units). The measurements were compared to a reference analyzer (YSI Sport 1500) to determine the accuracy and precision when using the code 335 strips. Within-brand differences were non-significant; all 10 units were within an absolute mean relative difference to the modified mean of 1.8%. When using code 335 strips, the mean relative difference to the reference analyzer was 45% and the residual standard error was 0.097&nbsp;mM. The TaiDoc TD-4289 analyzer demonstrated high degree of within-brand interchangeability. Using the new code 335 strips, its accuracy was comparable to other established analyzers, while the precision was considerably better than what we have previously found with other commonly used handheld lactate analyzers.

• Losnegard, Thomas Johansen; Stubbe, Erland Vedeler; Emmanouil, Sakalidis, Kandianos; Lund-Hansen, Magne; Kocbach, Jan Martin & Florentina, Hettinga, (2026). Self-regulated pacing in biathlon: how shooting impacts skiing strategy compared to cross-country skiing | Sport Sciences for Health | Springer Nature Link. Sport Sciences for Health. ISSN 1824-7490. 22. doi: 10.1007/s11332-025-01590-9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose Biathlon, a unique combination of cross-country skiing and precision rifle shooting, offers an intriguing subject for the study of pacing behavior. We examined the impact of shooting on pacing behavior in highly trained biathletes. Methods Twenty senior biathletes completed one biathlon and one cross-country skiing trial on separate days in a randomized order. Both trials covered a distance of 7.5 km (3 × 2.5 km for women) or 10 km (3 × 3.3 km for men) on rollerskies. During biathlon, shooting after lap 1 (prone) and lap 2 (standing) was conducted. Time, speed profiles, heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and pre and post pacing questionnaires (4- and 6-point scales) were compared between conditions. Results During cross-country skiing, athletes were faster overall (mean ± 95%CI; −6.5 ± 1.2% and -1.5 ± 1.0%, including and excluding shooting, respectively), which was attributed to a reduction in speed in the last ~ 60 s prior to shooting. No significant differences were found in HR or RPE, except after shooting. The athletes recognized the importance of shooting in their race strategy (Mdn = 5, IQR = 1.1) and reported an intentional reduction in exercise intensity before prone and standing shooting. Conclusions The act of shooting influences the pacing behavior in biathlon as evidenced by decrease in speed ⁓60 s prior to shooting, while maintaining similar pacing elsewhere. Moreover, the pacing behavior align better with pre-trial goals compared to cross-country skiing. No significant differences were observed in HR or RPE during the race, suggesting that the overall effort did not differ between disciplines.

• Seiler-Viken, Siren Amelia; Mentzoni, Fredrik; Seiler, Stephen; Skarli, Sondre & Losnegard, Thomas Johansen (2025). Contextualizing the Norwegian standardized intensity zone framework in an international sample of endurance practitioners. Scientific Reports. 15(1). doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-17023-z. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study investigated potential differences in the adoption and use of endurance intensity zone scales across geographic regions, sports disciplines, practitioner roles, and performance levels. A total of 778 endurance practitioners completed a survey, with 710 responses analyzed for the number of intensity zones used, and 298 responses analyzed for lower percentage of maximum heart rate (%HR max ) demarcations within a 5-zone scale. A 5-zone scale (47%) was most frequently used. Norwegian respondents were 2.7 times more likely to use a 5-zone scale than all other regions combined. The lower limits of Zones 2–3 differed across regions, and Zones 1–3 across sports, particularly between running and cycling. Norwegian respondents reported the highest mean %HR max lower limits of Zones 2 and 3. Cyclists self-selected the lowest mean %HR max lower limits of Zones 1, 2, and 3. No differences were observed in zone demarcations across roles or performance levels. The results suggest that the standardized intensity scale developed for Norwegian elite endurance athletes has been broadly adopted across sports and performance levels. The widespread use of a single intensity scale is speculated to improve communication across sports. Cyclists may self-select lower zone demarcations in the low-intensity domain by virtue of longer session durations and lower mechanical stress, contributing to the popularity of “Zone 2 training” in cycling.

• Talsnes, Rune Kjøsen; Kocbach, Jan Martin; Sandbakk, Øyvind Bucher & Losnegard, Thomas Johansen (2025). Sex differences in classical and skating cross-country skiing time-trial competitions. Sport Sciences for Health. ISSN 1824-7490. 21, p. 2071–2083. doi: 10.1007/s11332-025-01439-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose To compare differences in speed, sub-technique selection, and kinematics between male and female cross-country skiers during 10-km time-trial competitions. Methods Elite- to world-class skiers performed FIS-regulated 3 × 3.3-km classical (12 women, 22 men) and skating (15 women, 32 men) competitions. A combined GNSS and IMU unit were used to determine speed, sub-technique selection, and kinematics. Results Average speeds for men were 12% higher than for women in both styles (both P < .001), with no differences between laps, indicating similar lap-to-lap pacing. Men demonstrated 18, 10, and 5% higher speeds in uphill, flat, and downhill terrains, respectively, for classical and 17, 6, and 5% for skating (all P < .05). Further, men spent 3%-point less of their relative time in uphill and correspondingly more time in flat and downhill terrain (all P < .001). In classical, men spent ⁓10%-point more of their total time in double poling and corresponding ⁓9%-point less time in diagonal than women (both P < .001). In skating, men spent ⁓9%-point more of their total time in the Gear-3 and ⁓12%-point less time in the Gear-2 sub-technique (all P < .001). This was accompanied by ⁓7–19% longer cycle lengths in both styles for men compared to women (all P < .05). Conclusion Average performance differences between sexes in classical and skating cross-country skiing time trials are around 12% but highly terrain dependent, with the largest sex differences in uphill terrain. These distinct competitive demands between sexes, including more time spent in uphill terrain and more use of “low-speed gears” in women, highlight a potential need for sex-specific training strategies.

• Losnegard, Thomas Johansen; Solberg, Paul Andre; Lund-Hansen, Magne; Skaugen, Martin; Hansen, Joar & Skovereng, Knut [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Test–retest reliability of performance variables during treadmill rollerski skating. European Journal of Applied Physiology. ISSN 1439-6319. 125, p. 2015–2021. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05746-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: We examined the test–retest reliability of rollerski testing across a familiarization trial followed by three separate test trials (T1–T3) conducted within a 14-day period. Methods: Ten competitive cross-country skiers performed three sub-maximal tests (5%, speed range 10–16 km h−1) and a maximal speed test until failure (MTF; ~ 5–8 min, 7%, > 10 km h−1) on a rollerski treadmill using the Gear 3 ski skating sub-technique. Reliability was assessed as within-subject typical error, expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV%, [confidence limits]) intraclass correlation (ICC, [confidence limits]), and changes in mean (%). Results: The speed at MTF demonstrated a mean CV (T1–T3) of 1.5% [1.1, 2.6] and an ICC of 0.96 [0.87, 0.99], but a systematic familiarization bias from T1 to T2 (1.2% [0.1, 2.3]) and T2 to T3 (2.2% [0.1, 4.3]). Peak oxygen uptake exhibited a mean CV of 2.2% [1.6, 3.8] and an ICC of 0.93 [0.78, 0.98], with no systematic changes from T1 to T2 (− 0.2% [− 2.0, 1.6]) and T2 to T3 (1.8% [− 1.1, 4.7]). VO2 at submaximal load showed a mean CV of 2.1% [1.5, 3.3] and an ICC of 0.94 [0.84,0.99], with no systematic changes from T1 to T2 (− 0.7% [− 2.4, 1.1]) and T2 to T3 (− 0.1% [− 2.4, 2.3]). Conclusion: The relatively low CV and high ICC for most measures suggest a high degree of test–retest reliability. However, the systematic mean changes in MTF indicate that familiarization trials are essential to provide valuable information about individual changes. Overall, these reliability measures can be used as a framework by practitioners to discern true changes when testing on a rollerski treadmill.

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