383 The purpose of this investigation was to manipulate starting technique based upon a self-selected (SS) time trial (TT) to determine if an optimal starting technique exists for a 20-km TT. Thirteen competitive, male cyclists [22.69 ± 0.75 yr.; 180.61 ± 2.15 cm.; 77.09 ± 2.81 kg.; 8.33 ± 0.72 % fat; 64.23 ± 1.25 ml·kg−1·min−1] underwent body composition measures, VO2max, and lactic acid threshold (LT) testing. Subjects then performed three, 20 - km TTs. The first was the SS TT during which subjects selected their own starting pace. The subsequent two TTs were randomly assigned. Subjects started (minutes 1 - 4) 15% below (15% B TT) and 15% above (15% A TT) the average power output (PO) of minutes 1 - 4 of their SS TT, after which they completed the distance as quickly as possible. Expressed as a percent change from the SS TT, the 15% B TT was significantly [p<0.05] faster than the 15% A TT. Due to the manipulation of the starting pace, VE, VO2, RER, RPE, and HR at minute 4 were lower [p<0.05] in the 15% B TT as compared to the other two TTs. LA values at minute 4 of the 15% B TT (4.87 ± 0.73 mM·l−1) were also lower [p<0.05] than both the SS TT (9.78 ± 1.05 mM·l−1) and 15% A TT (11.54 ± 1.00 mM·l−1). Following minute 4 to the completion of each TT, there were no differences in VE, HR, or RPE. Additionally, VO2, VO2 with respect to LT, and PO were all elevated in the 15% B TT as compared to the SS TT or the 15% A TT. We speculate that the high LA at the start of both the SS TT and 15% A TT reduced the work capacity of active muscle which may explain the reduced VO2. VO2 with respect to LT, and PO from minutes 5 to the finish. It appears that these competitive cyclists did not self-select an optimal starting strategy and should consider a slower starting pace to optimize performance in a 20-km TT.