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Learn to Loppet
Racing Tips

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Learn to Loppet Skate / Classic: Who is it For? | When | Where | Course Structure | Cost | Wrap-up Loppet | Schedule
 
Learn to Loppet Advanced Skate / Classic: Who is it For? | When | Where | Course Structure | Cost | Schedule |
 
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Learn to Loppet Racing Tips

PRE-RACE PREPARATION

Food

• Do not eat anything for dinner or breakfast that is a large change from what you usually eat -- focus on complex carbohydrates with some fat.
• Ensure that you are well hydrated -- start drinking water the night before and up until 1/2 hour before the race -- make sure you "go" before the race.
• Stop eating solid food 1-1/2 hours before the race -- switch to dilute power drinks or gels taken with water.

General

• Give yourself lots of time to travel, wax, etc. -- get to the race early.
• Stretch lightly to warm up.
• Do not do any exercise the day before a race -- do not do any workouts longer than 45 minutes in the 2 days before the race.
• Ski slowly for 20 minutes before the start of the race -- if the race is shorter than a loppet, e.g., < 10 km, do a few short sprints right before the race as you will not have time to warm up during the race.
• If possible, have a low stress day before the race -- travel early. Get a good sleep.

Wax

• If possible, check the snow conditions on the course the night before or at least talk with someone who is familiar with the conditions so you can start thinking about waxing possibilities.
• Especially for classic, try and wax onsite at the race location as the conditions where you are staying may be very different from the race course.
• Bring an iron and have a complete wax kit.
• If doing classic, carry a warmer wax and cork as conditions often warm up during the day.

Clothes

• Wear lots of clothes before the race -- zippered warm up pants are preferred so you do not have to remove your boots -- remove your warm-ups 10 minutes before the race and stay moving to keep warm.
• A visor or suitable glasses are indispensable if it is snowing heavily during a race.
• Men should remember that the cold and wind found in the interior can strip body heat away quickly from the "extremities." Get some windproof briefs!
• A fast moving skier should wear a polypro underwear top and bottom along with a lycra suit. Slower skiers may want to wear a fleece as well. Avoid non-breathable clothes as they will make you sweat and get cold. If in doubt, wear an extra layer that you can take off later.
• Wear a hat and gloves that match the temperature.

RACE

Start

• Seed yourself realistically at the start -- the front rows are for faster than average racers.
• While waiting for the start, stretch to stay warm.
• Start out skiing at a moderate pace to make sure you have energy later.

Food

• Consider carrying a water bottle or water bladder for the race as dehydration will reduce performance -- beware of your water system freezing in cold weather.
• Add sports drinks to your water or use sports gels to get carbohydrates during the race. N.B.: take water with sports gels.
• Do not try and eat solid food like sports bars as they are hard to chew and digest.
• If you are using aid stations only for water, take more than one drink at each station.

Strategy

• Ski with a small pack of people to keep motivated.
• Vary your techniques to get a small rest.
• Always try and ski the fast snow/tracks.
• Rest in the tracks on the downhill and tuck!