Final answer:
In successful completion of an ultra-endurance event, training the body to use fat oxidation as fuel is essential.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the successful completion of an ultra-endurance event, essential factors include:
- Avoiding carbohydrate intake during the event is not essential as carbohydrates are important for providing energy during prolonged exercise.
- A superior VO2 max and high lactate threshold are important factors that contribute to endurance performance, but they are not the only essential factors.
- Having trained the body to markedly shift to fat oxidation to fuel the work performed during the ultra-endurance competition is an essential factor. This adaptation allows the body to effectively use fat as a fuel source for prolonged exercise.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) having trained the body to markedly shift to fat oxidation to fuel the work performed during the ultra-endurance competition.