Zwift Needs a High School Racing League

January 9, 2025

LAST UPDATED January 8, 2025

You’re already familiar with the thrill of Zwift. Whether it’s grinding up the Alpe, sprinting to open a gap in Crit City, or spinning in a group ride, Zwift has transformed how we train, race, and connect. But what if it could do even more? What if Zwift became the gateway to cycling for high school athletes through a High School Racing League?

*Note – For this vision to come to life, Zwift would need to reintroduce its under-16 program, which was previously discontinued due to the complexities (and costs) of verification and privacy compliance. This program would be essential; without it, students wouldn’t be able to join until age 16, leaving them with little time to grow in the sport. Freshman year would be an essential window when students are most open to new opportunities, making it the perfect time to introduce them to the sport. By starting early, Zwift would set a solid stage for the athletes.

Picture this: high school teams competing in Zwift’s immersive worlds, friendly rivalries driving the competition. Like XC, the league could have varsity and junior varsity divisions to ensure fair competition and inclusive opportunities.

Cycling has a good bit of global popularity, yet it struggles to attract younger athletes. Zwift’s gamified features, virtual worlds, and tech-forward appeal could make cycling a favorite among young athletes. And with its ability to connect riders regardless of location, Zwift has the potential to inspire from all corners of the globe—even in areas without safe or suitable outdoor environments.

How Zwift Can Support the High School Racing League

Zwift’s infrastructure is already well-suited to hosting a High School Racing League. Here’s how it could work:

Club-Based Teams: Schools could form virtual cycling clubs using Zwift’s club tools to train & track progress. Teams could compete in state or national championships.
Divisions for Fair Play: The league could feature varsity and junior varsity categories, allowing athletes of all experience levels to compete and develop.
Diverse Race Formats: Zwift’s versatility supports mass-start events, time trials, and more, catering to a wide range of rider preferences.
Accessible Training: Schools in areas with unsafe roads or harsh weather could create shared “pain caves” equipped with smart trainers, bikes, and screens. These setups could be funded through local sponsorships, fundraising, and/or discounts from Zwift and equipment manufacturers.

Additionally, Zwift could provide coaching and training plans to help support the league’s growth and the development of individual riders:

Centralized Coaching: Zwift could provide coaching at regional or state levels for schools lacking local expertise, helping teams refine and get better.
Tailored Training Plans: Training plans could be designed for high school teams, giving riders a tailored way to grow.

Uncovering Talent

The High School Racing League wouldn’t just be about competition—it could be another talent pipeline for the sport.

Race-Driven Talent Scouting: By tracking performance in league races, such as consistent wins and podium finishes, identifying promising athletes with the potential to excel would be effortless.
Pathways to Professional Cycling: The environment could feed directly into national development programs or professional networks, creating a clear trajectory for young athletes.
Inclusive Talent Discovery: Virtual racing would remove many barriers, ensuring all talented riders have a chance.

Overcoming Challenges

Launching the league won’t be without its challenges, but they’re far from insurmountable:

Equipment Costs: While smart trainers and bikes may be expensive, athletes (and schools) could set up fundraising events to buy trainers (for a discounted price) from hardware manufacturers.
Ensuring Inclusivity: Programs offering loaner equipment or scholarships could ensure every student has the opportunity to participate.

Benefits for Everyone

For Students: Consistent training access, a gamified approach to fitness, and valuable life skills like teamwork and goal-setting.
For Schools: A new sport that diversifies extracurricular offerings, engages the community, and is easy to implement with Zwift’s intuitive tools.
For Zwift: Ensuring growing community, a new talent pipeline, and increased visibility in both the cycling and esports worlds.

Making it a Reality

To bring the Zwift High School Racing League to life, the following steps are key:

Pilot Programs: Test the concept with a small number of schools to refine the format and address challenges.
Funding and Sponsorships: Collaborate with schools to secure funding through community events and partnerships with local businesses.
Affordable Options: Provide discounted school subscriptions, shared accounts, and equipment bundles to lower the barrier to entry.
Comprehensive Support: Offer training plans, coaching resources, and community support to help schools and students get started.

By combining gamification, competition, and accessibility, Zwift has the potential to introduce cycling to a new generation. The Zwift High School Racing League could inspire young athletes, expand the platform’s community, and develop the next wave of cyclists.