GATE-TO-GATE SYNCRHONIZED COMPARISON OF VELOCITY RETRIEVED FROM A HIGH-END GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM IN ALPINE SKIING

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a new methodology based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements of skiers’ velocity (v) along the course setup, thereby enabling a direct v comparison of them. Nine skiers were measured using GNSS on a 36-gate long giant slalom course. Gate-to-gate times (t) and v were calculated for each skier. The velocities were synchronized between each pair of adjacent gates using t. Several changes in t as well as in v were observed. The results demonstrated that the shortest t was not completely aligned with the highest v and vice versa. In conclusion, the new methodology enhances the analysis and can be used 1) in daily praxis to compare skiers, 2) automatically with programming routines and the results can be retrieved promptly after the training session in order to enhance feedback.