Le Mans Start

In a Le Mans start, the bikes are lined up on one side of the track and the riders stand on the opposite side. When the start is given, they run to their machines, start them and ride away. It is named after the 24-hour race at Le Mans, where it was originally used for cars.

The format is still used in motorcycle endurance racing, such as the Endurance World Championship, and in some cross-country and enduro events, where it adds excitement and spreads riders out.

In endurance racing, a mechanic or teammate often holds the bike upright. For riders, a reliable quick start and a practised routine for finding neutral, starting the engine and engaging first gear make the difference.