Enhancing Performance in the 200m Flying Time Trial: A Case Study on Collegiate Cyclists Focused on Gear Ratio, Start Techniques, and Strength Development

Abstract

　The aim of this study was to present a detailed instructional case study on enhancing the performance times of two male collegiate sprinters in the 200m Flying Time Trial (FTT), as well as to establish a standardized method for documenting 200m FTT results. The approach to reducing time focused on optimizing gear ratios, refining flying start techniques, and enhancing strength and power. This comprehensive effort led to Cyclist A improving his time from 10.440 seconds in his sophomore year to 10.110 seconds in his graduate year, and Cyclist B improving from 10.450 seconds to 10.040 seconds over the same period. Analysis of these outcomes identified three critical factors for improving 200m FTT performance: 1) race-specific variables such as gear ratio and flying start techniques, 2) general and specific strength/power development, and 3) physiological attributes including body weight and fat-free mass. These findings suggest that coaching strategies for the 200m FTT should integrate these three aspects both individually and collectively, offering a promising new methodology for field coaching.