Name: Wendy Chan ‘aka Wendy Rollerblades’
Hometown: Potsdam, NY
How did you get into cycling? About 20 years ago, while living in Los Angeles, my sister spontaneously signed us up for a 3–4-hour bike ride that wound through art galleries, music venues, and local eateries. Later, during my time in upstate New York for medical school, I joined a weekend cycling club. We rode through the scenic beauty of the Niagara Falls region, often on long, meandering routes. Back then, I rode a low-tech classic steel bike—no cadence sensors, power meters, speedometers, or GPS. Biking was always just one part of my overall fitness routine. I balanced it with swimming, weight training, running, and yoga.
But about three years ago, something shifted. My local gym hosted a month-long cycling competition—both indoor and outdoor—with the goal of riding the most miles during the Tour de France. Post-COVID, my training had felt stagnant, and this was the spark I needed. Being naturally competitive, I went all-in, riding twice daily, before and after work. I ended up winning the competition, and in the process, rediscovered my passion for biking. That’s when cycling became my primary sport. I joined Zwift last year, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. Now, I easily rack up 8-10 hours a week of structured training—rain, snow, or shine.
How many years have you been racing on Zwift? I only started racing this year, but I’m a quick learner!
Are you part of a Virtual team? Yes! I ride for Coalition, both on the mixed team and the women’s team.
What do you love most about racing? Racing is not just about the competition—it’s about seeing how much I can improve. You push yourself harder when you’re surrounded by others fighting for that finish line. There’s also a wonderful camaraderie among teammates, and let’s not forget the post-race endorphin rush.
What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? I really enjoy Team Time Trials (TTTs). They’re like an hour-long over/under workout—constant shifts between effort levels while working together. I also like scratch races, especially mid-duration ladder formats. These require strategy, sharp team coordination, and knowing your own capabilities. Before a race, I always recon the course, analyze my power metrics, and study my opponents. I’ll sketch out possible attack points, estimate the power I need to hold, and even use a bit of AI modeling to build my plan. Of course, races rarely go as planned, but preparation builds confidence—and better pacing.
What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? Right now, I’m loving the Women’s Mini Races || p/b FemmeCycle Collab. They’re short scratch races, and I like slipping one into the middle of a Zone 2 day. Keeps things fresh.
What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? In one recent Zwift race, I was 10 seconds behind the lead group with a few kilometers to go. I stayed focused, pushed hard, and managed to bridge the gap just in time to sprint past at the line. It’s still my favorite reminder to never give up—you’re never really out of it until the race is over.
What is your favourite food to eat post race? Anything I want! Usually something carb- and protein-rich. After endurance efforts, your muscles are like sponges, ready to soak up nutrients. It’s all about replenishing glycogen stores and repairing muscle fibers. I’ve been known to hit up a restaurant and order two entrees—often plates of pasta. People might be surprised to see a petite woman devouring that much food, but hey, I get hungry!
What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? First: just have fun! Draft as much as you can, and don’t put pressure on yourself to win. Afterward, look at your performance and those who finished a few spots ahead. Did they average lower watts/kg but out-strategize you? There’s so much to learn and always room to grow. Also, don’t underestimate pre-race prep. Carbohydrates and hydration are key. I usually drink a caffeine-free pre workout—look for ones with glucose, maltodextrin, or dextrose for sustained energy without the stimulant crash. Caffeine-free keeps my heart rate from spiking unnecessarily. And electrolytes are essential, not only because you’re sweating, but because balanced sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels optimize muscle contractions and recovery.
Any upcoming race you are looking forward to? I’m really looking forward to the next season of Zwift Racing League.
Where can people follow your racing adventures? Follow me on Strava to keep up with all my training and races!
wpDiscuz
