Impact of starting strategy on cycling performance

Abstract

In order to determine an optimal starting technique, the first four-min of two 20 km time trials (TT) were manipulated. Thirteen competitive, male cyclists (22.7 +/- 0.8 yr, 180.6 +/- 2.2 cm; 77.1 +/- 2.8kg; 8.3+/-0.7% fat; 4.9+/-0.21 x min(-1), 71.7+/-1.4% of VO2max) performed three, 20 km TTs. The pace of the first TT was self-selected (SS). Min 1-4 of the subsequent, randomly assigned TTs were performed 15% below and 15% above the average power output (PO) of min 1-4 of the SS TT, subjects then completed the TT as quickly as possible. As a percent change from the SS TT, the 15% below TT was (p < 0.05) faster than 15% above TT. Lactic acid values at min 4 of the 15% below TT (4.87+/-0.73mM x l(-1)) were lower (p<0.05) than both SS TT (9.78+/-1.05mM x l(-1)) and 15% above TT (11.54+/-1.00mM x l(-1)). Following min 4 to the finish there were no differences in VE, HR, or RPE. However, VO2, VO2 with respect to lactic acid threshold, and PO were all elevated in the 15% below TT as compared to both SS TT and 15% above TT. The initially high LA resulting from the starting strategies of the SS TT and 15% above TT may have reduced the work capacity of active muscle.