Impact of Starting Strategy on Cycling Performance

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 ± 2.8 kg; 8.3 ± 0.7 % fat; 4.9 ± 0.2 l × min^-1, 71.7 + 1.4 % of V˙O₂max) 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 ± 0.73 mM × l^-1) were lower (p < 0.05) than both SS TT (9.78 ± 1.05 mM × l^-1) and 15 % above TT (11.54 ± 1.00 mM × l^-1). Following min 4 to the finish there were no differences in VE, HR, or RPE. However, V˙O₂, V˙O₂ 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.

Key words:

Pace, lactic acid threshold, power output, cyclists.

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