I have a standing start coach. The standing start out of a gate is all about the glutes. And the only way to use them effectively is by having the back straight. Those that round their back take the glutes out of the game and use the quads and lower back. That results in a less powerful start and puts the back at risk. A standing start is a defacto dead lift. Those that just push down with their body weight do not generate enough force. Also, when you load up for the forward lunge, the hamstring should be loaded. This prevents pulling a hamstring when you explode out of the gate.


Having good posture on the bike and effectively using the glutes protects the lower back under high power loads. When I am sprinting or climbing, I keep a light touch on the handlebars and raise my chest. This flattens my back and engages the core and glutes.