This study investigates the key factors influencing the standing start in track cycling, aiming to identify the optimal technique for minimising starting time. High-speed video analysis and statistical methods were employed to analyse the standing starts of two cyclists, examining various movement and power variables to determine their correlation with the 15m split time. The gear ratio significantly impacted the 15m, 65m, and 125m split times.

Three hypotheses were tested. The first hypothesised that the more explosively a cyclist accelerates their body forward, as indicated by the maximum horizontal velocity of the hip and shoulder during the start, the faster the 15m split time. The results showed that the horizontal velocity of the hip did not significantly influence starting time. However, the horizontal velocity of the shoulder did have a significant impact, although the direction of the correlation differed between the two cyclists.

The second hypothesis proposed that better timing of hip acceleration would lead to a lower 15m split time. No significant results were found to support this hypothesis.

The third hypothesis stated that the optimal start movement would be associated with the highest power output during the first pedal stroke without resulting in slower split times. The normalised peak power output during the first pedal stroke demonstrated a strong, significant correlation with the 15m and 65m split times. Additionally, the maximum vertical hip velocity was significantly correlated with the 15m split time. Both vertical and horizontal hip velocity were correlated with normalised peak power, as was the angular velocity of the knee, partially supporting the third hypothesis.

These findings suggest that optimising the gear ratio and power production during the first pedal stroke is critical for a successful standing start in track cycling. Future research should investigate the optimal gear ratio by examining its effect on the 250m split time, as the ultimate goal for the starting rider is to complete the first lap as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the relationship between peak power production during the first pedal stroke and the 125m and 250m split times should be explored. If peak power production proves to be a reliable predictor, research should focus on identifying the movement that maximises peak power output during the first pedal stroke.