The Time Trial Start

At a recent time trial the starters noticed that not one of the riders executed a really competent start. In a race that is often won by fractions of seconds, a competent start gives the contestant a big advantage.

To have a good start: get to the line on time with the bike prepared, be ready to power up, and power up smoothly.

Get to the line with the bike prepared.

Test the rear wheel clamping in some safe stretch of road - the axle has to withstand a huge push on the crank without coming loose. (Officials: Be ready to catch the unwary newbie who falls over at the start when his wheel wedges in the chainstays. He’s lost his start!)
Ride up to the line in your take-off gear. A shift anywhere near the lineup will often not be properly centered on the cog, leaving you with a mess at take-off.
Know for sure what your start time is - and be in the lineup at least five minutes early. Failure to get there on time will leave your clock ticking before you start.

Be ready to power up.

Mount up when you get to the line. Be sure you have clipped in solidly. Don’t fret if the holder seems to have you on a little slant - usually he won’t drop you.
At the count of two stand, both hands on the locked brakes, the crank on your dominant side at 2 o’clock.
At the "Go" release the brakes and move out at near maximum effort.

Power up smoothly.

Move out, straight ahead, accelerating smoothly and powerfully. Eyes need look way out ahead and the key here is smooth application of power.
Ride smoothly down into the saddle as speed approaches your chosen cruise rate. Do not just drop down, as that will lose you significant momentum.
No gear change should have happened between the time you warmed up and the time you reach cruising speed.

An efficient time trial start gets the rider up to speed in the least possible time, without any worry about messing up mechanically at take-off. An efficient start saves valuable seconds and does not use up significant amounts of energy, considering the total requirement of the race. A fine time to practice for time trial starts is while the troops are gathering for training rides. Waiting around for a ride to start, get someone to hold and count down for you, then practice smooth high powered take-offs and accelerations, riding down into the saddle in classic style.