People often approach a big climb with the wrong mindset. Often times we spend too much energy in the first half of the climb, only to die and barely glide over the top. You already understand the value of pushing over the top and how that translates into better glide into the next hill.
One trick that is used by sprinters is called the “stop-start”. If you are in a position at the front of a pack and you begin to climb up a steep grade, slow down a touch just before the climb levels off. This will give you the chance to prepare for the big push over the top, while causing a whiplash effect that increases in intensity for every skier behind you. While you will be accelerating on the beginning of the downhill grade, the last guy in line will be sprinting while still on the uphill. It’s a bit cheeky, but it’s those kind of tactics that will put you ahead in a race.
As far as techniques for over the top, we would just make sure you have energy in the tank to complete several strong V2 strokes, transitioning into a free skate into the downhill.
Good luck!
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