The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of starting strategy on time trial performance in the heat. Eleven endurance trained male cyclists (30±5 years, 79.5±4.6 kg, VO2max 58.5±5.0 ml.kg.-1 min-1) performed four 20-km time trials in the heat (32.7±0.7°C and 55% relative humidity). The first time trial was completed at a self-selected pace (SPTT). During the following time trials, subjects performed the initial 2.5-km at power outputs 10% above (10% ATT), 10% below (10% BTT) or equal (ETT) to that of the average power during the initial 2.5-km of the self-selected trial; the remaining 17.5-km was self-paced. Throughout each time trial, power output, rectal temperature, skin temperature, heat storage, pain intensity and thermal sensation were taken. Despite significantly (P<0.05) greater power outputs for 10% BTT (273±45W) compared with the ETT (267±48W) and 10% ATT (265±41W) during the final 17.5-km, overall 20-km performance time was not significantly different amongst trials. There were no differences in any of the other measured variables between trials. These data show that varying starting power by ±10% did not affect 20 km time trial performance in the heat.
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