xcskier66 wrote:
I don't see why everyone is so upset about double pole racing. It's the nature of sport.
A hilly slow sunny 50k will never be won using double pole. The holmenkollen for example has about 6000 ft of climbing over 50k. Good luck ever double poling that.
I'm an amateur hack skier and I would race that 220k race double pole. The chances of having decent kick over 220k in April? 0%
Also: I've really been working on my dp this year. You'd be surprised how often it's faster to scrape that kick wax off if you're upper body is fit.
You are right. It is all about the course and conditions.
Sundby chose to double pole in today's world cup relay. Not smart, he lost 11 seconds.
But in other races dp is faster if you are strong enough.
Also today's skiers have a lot more core strength than in the old days. Just look at how Anders Aukland has developed.
Long distance classic skiing has never been more popular. Visma Ski Classic is live on TV in several countries and many of the athletes are collecting a salary from their team just like in cycling.
Double poling has been good for the sport of xc-skiing.
Now I am heading off to the trails. Lots of snow in the Seattle area.