just a few factual comments to start with. The fastest recorded 400 meter lap is 24.44 secs, done in the 500 meter world record race by Jermy Wotherspoon in Salt Lake City, November 2007. There may have been faster times, but this is the one I could find, as it resulted in a world record.
Contrary to cycling, skaters reach their topspeeds while cornering, as the technique allows them to accelerate more than on the straight line. Finally a skater never has his two legs extended at the SAME time. He will sit as low as he can, also in view of drag. Try to find a video of Enrico Fabris and you'll see what I mean.
More next week.
"I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting, but it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously." Douglas Adams