Choosing opponents in skiing sprint elimination tournaments

Abstract In this study we analyse data from world cup cross-country skiing sprint elimination tournaments for men and women in 2015–2020. Instead of being assigned a quarterfinal according to seeding scheme, prequalified athletes choose themselves sequential order which the five quarterfinals compete. Due time constraint on day competition is held, recovery between heats varies. This implies clear advantage athlete race an early rather than late maximize probability reaching podium. The purpose paper athletes’ choices facing trade-off expected degree when choosing We find empirical support prediction that higher ranked qualification round prefer compete quarterfinals, despite harder competition. Nevertheless, our results also suggest underestimate value quarterfinal. addition, propose scheme capturing fundamental disparity across using estimates alogistic regression model.