![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2009/12/JimF_1865clip2_5x4.jpg" "The Concept2 Ski Erg")
Morrisville, VT – Skiers have had limited options for controlled performance testing: not everyone has access to a rollerski treadmill, rollerskis vary significantly in speed, and running time trials aren’t especially ski-specific.
To help address this need, Concept2 has developed a web-based testing series using the SkiErg. The SkiErg Performance Series offers coaches and athletes a new tool for evaluating the effectiveness of their training. The SkiErg, with its accurate Performance Monitor (PM), offers a testing tool that is ski-specific, controlled and comparable. The Performance Monitor allows scores to be compared from one machine to another, at any altitude, in any conditions, because it self-calibrates.
Training on the SkiErg is not exactly like skiing on snow, but it is a good approximation; it provides useful data and a measure of a skier’s potential performance. The proposed SkiErg testing series spans the dryland training season, starting in May when skiers get back to serious training, and ending in November when races begin on snow. Additional intermediate testing periods will be offered in July and September, to inform training along the way.
The first round of testing for 2010 kicked off on September 1st. Testing may be performed at any time during the month and submitted to the Concept2 website via the Online Logbook system. Test distances range from 30 seconds to 5000 meters, simulating speed, power, sprint, and distance races.
Skiers and coaches worldwide are encouraged to submit scores for all or any of the test distances in each of the four test periods so progress can be monitored. Visit skierg.com/logbook/performance-series for complete details including how to submit scores to the online logbook.
Results will be posted and archived on the Concept2 Logbook, so that coaches and athletes may refer back to historical data.
Please email Josh Carlson at info@concept2skierg.com with questions.
Concept2 was founded by Dick and Peter Dreissigacker in 1976. Both competitive rowers and engineers, the two brothers designed and manufactured carbon fiber racing oars, then went on to create the world’s first air-resistance indoor rower. The SkiErg, launched in 2009, builds upon the Dreissigackers’ love of skiing and Concept2’s years of experience in designing and manufacturing high-performance training equipment. For more information about Concept2, visit concept2.com.
