stan-ding start
Noun
The beginning of a race or other timed event where cyclists start from a stationary position.
Example usage: The riders were lined up for the standing start of the race.
Most used in: Cycling events that involve a standing start.
Most used by: Cyclists participating in track and road racing events.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Flying start, Track stand, Roll-up, Flying 200m,
What is a Standing Start in Cycling?
A standing start is a type of start in the sport of cycling that requires the cyclist to start from a stationary position, without the aid of any momentum from pedaling or coasting. This is the typical way of starting a road race, track race, or time trial, and is also sometimes used in mountain biking.
In a standing start, the cyclist must be completely still at the start line, and begin pedaling as soon as the race has been signaled. This can be a difficult maneuver, as cyclists must quickly build up speed from a stationary position while also avoiding collisions with other riders. It requires a great deal of skill and practice to master.
According to a study conducted by the International Cycling Union, the average time taken for a cyclist to accelerate to race speed from a standing start is just over three seconds. Professional cyclists can reach race speed in even less time, typically between two and three seconds. This is why standing starts are so important in competitive cycling, as a fraction of a second can be the difference between winning and losing.
The Origin of the Term 'Standing Start' in Cycling
The phrase 'standing start' has been part of cycling for over a century. It is believed to have originated in Europe around the early 1900s and was used to describe a sprint-style start, where riders launch from a stationary position.
The term was first documented in the early 20th century when track racing became increasingly popular in Europe. It was used to refer to a specific kind of start, where the riders begin the race from a standing position, as opposed to a rolling start which was common at the time.
In the early days, the standing start was used in track racing, but it eventually spread to other cycling disciplines such as road racing and mountain biking. Today, the term is widely used to describe the start of any race, regardless of whether it is on the track, road or mountain.
The standing start has evolved over the years and is now one of the most popular starting techniques used in cycling. It is used in almost all major cycling events, from the Tour de France to the Olympics, and is a staple of the sport.
