All About the New Zipp 303 XPLR SW Gravel Wheels in Zwift
Zipp has a long history of cool IRL wheelsets being brought into Zwift, but until the latest game update, there were no Zipp gravel wheels in game.
But that’s all changed: the Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheels have arrived, and with them, boosted gravel bike performance in Zwift dirt!
Here’s how these wheels are described in the Drop Shop: “Wide, aero, and unapologetically quick. The 303 XPLR SW pairs a broad rim profile with gravel-tuned efficiency to smooth chatter and hold speed where others stall. It feels planted in corners and eager when you hit the gas. Built for riders who don’t just survive gravel, they press it.”
The wheels are now available in the Drop Shop, accessible at level 35 and above, for 1,100,000 Drops. Notably, they are rated 3 stars for aero and 2 for weight, the only gravel wheelset in game with such a high rating, which should indicate that they’ll perform better than any other gravel wheels in Zwift. Since Zwift’s 4-star rating system isn’t precise enough for our taste, we ran these wheels through our standard battery of tests to determine exactly how they perform in Zwift and stack up against other gravel wheelsets.
It’s worth noting that when Zwift adjusted equipment performance approximately 1 year ago, they made all existing gravel wheelsets perform identically. Since that time, no new gravel wheels have been added to the game. But that all changes with Zwift’s latest release: these new wheels are the latest in gravel tech, and as such, they outperform gravel wheels in game that are several years old.
Let’s dive in and learn all about the performance of Zipp’s first gravel wheelset in Zwift!
Aero (Flat/Rolling) Performance
Zipp’s 303 XPLR wheels are the most aero gravel wheelset in Zwift, turning in an hour time approximately 13 seconds faster than the other gravel wheels.
Climb Performance
The 303 XPLR wheels also outclimb all the other gravel wheelsets in game, but not by much: they beat the other wheelsets by just 1.5-2 seconds across an hour of climbing.
Note: all test results above are from a 75kg, 183cm rider holding 300W steady using the Zwift Carbon frame.
Jungle (Dirt) Performance
The aero advantage and slight climbing advantage shown in our pavement tests translate into improved performance for the Zipp 303 XPLR wheels in our Jungle Circuit test. While these wheels have the same Crr in dirt as Zwift’s other gravel wheels, they’re more aero and slightly lighter, resulting in a 15-second advantage across an hour of dirt riding.
Conclusions
The Zipp 303 XPLR SW are Zwift’s new top gravel wheels, so if you’re racing in the dirt, you’ll want to pick up a set.
Note, though, that there are rumors of fresh dirt roads coming to Zwift, and probably more gravel frames and wheels coming to the game shortly. It’s possible that even faster gravel wheels will be added to the Drop Shop soon, so unless you’ve got a dirt race coming up, you might wait a few weeks to make your purchase.
These wheels have been, or will soon be, added to the following posts:
Important note: this post contains speed test results for Zwift frames or wheels. These results may change over time, and a bike's performance relative to others may also change. We don't always revise posts when performance rankings change, but we do keep current, master versions of our speed test results which are always available. See the frame charts, wheel charts, and Tron vs Top Performers for current performance data.
All About the New Canyon Grail SLX Gravel Frame on Zwift
Zwift’s latest update includes a new gravel frame from Canyon. Simply named the “Canyon Grail SLX” in game, based on the colorway, it appears to be Zwift’s version of the Canyon Grail CF SLX 8:
On Zwift, you’ll need to be updated to game version 1.110+ to see this bike in the Drop Shop. You’ll also need to be at level 10+ with 800,000 Drops to buy it. Here’s how it’s described in the Drop Shop:
“Light, balanced, and built to move. Be it long days on mixed surfaces or quick rips on your local doubletrack, the Grail SLX is rapid where you want it and rugged when you need it.”
It’s rated 2 stars for aero, 3 stars for weight, and before this week’s update, only one gravel bike had such a high rating (the Cervelo Aspero). One would expect this bike to perform well against existing in-game gravel bikes, but since Zwift’s 4-star system isn’t the most granular of performance measurements, we ran this frame through our precise tests to measure performance at nerd-level detail. Let’s dive in!
Note: test results below are from a 75kg, 183cm rider holding 300W steady using Zwift’s stock gravel wheelset on the un-upgraded version of the frame.
Aero (Flat/Rolling) Performance
Canyon’s Grail SLX turns in a strong performance on the flats, beating all existing gravel bikes on tarmac apart from the new Cannondale SuperX LAB71.
For comparison, the stock Zwift Gravel frame loses 145.4 seconds to our baseline Zwift Carbon frame across an hour of flat tarmac, while the (former) fastest gravel bike, the Cervelo Aspero, loses 115.2 seconds. The Grail SLX only loses 113.2 seconds.
Climb Performance
The Canyon Grail SLX is a strong climber compared to the game’s older gravel frames, once again losing only to the new Cannondale SuperX LAB71 in our climbing tests.
The stock Zwift Gravel frame loses 161.8 seconds to our baseline Zwift Carbon frame across an hour of Alpe du Zwift climbing, while the (former) fastest climbing gravel bike, the Specialized Crux, loses 122 seconds. The Grail SLX only loses 124.8 seconds, putting it in 4th place.
Jungle Performance
Of course, nobody really cares about how well a gravel frame performs on pavement, which is where we do our aero and climb testing (above). While those flat and climb tests help us tease out a frame’s aerodynamic capabilities and weight, when it comes to gravel bikes, people really want to know how fast they are on Zwift’s virtual dirt!
In that regard, the Canyon Grail SLX turns in a strong performance, second only to the new Cannondale SuperX Lab71, losing just 1.3 seconds across an hour of Jungle Circuit riding to the SuperX.
Upgrading Your Canyon Grail SLX
Like all frames in Zwift, Canyon’s Grail SLX can be upgraded in five stages. As a high-end race bike, each of the five stages results in a performance improvement. The Canyon Grail SLX upgrade stages are as follows:
Ride 200km, pay 100,000 Drops for an aero upgrade
Ride 260km, pay 200,000 Drops for a weight reduction
Ride 320km, pay 350,000 Drops for a drivetrain efficiency improvement
Ride 380km, pay 500,000 Drops for an aero upgrade
Ride 440km, pay 750,000 Drops for a weight reduction
You can expect a fully-upgraded Canyon Grail SLX to be approximately 28 seconds faster on a flat hour and 36 seconds faster on an hour-long climb vs a “stock” (un-upgraded) Canyon Grail SLX.
Conclusions
Canyon’s new Grail SLX beats every gravel bike in Zwift, apart from the new Cannondale SuperX Lab71. But it’s also available at just level 10, vs level 28 for the SuperX… and it’s a big more affordable! That makes the new Grail a great choice for beginning Zwifters looking for a fast gravel setup.
With that said, it may make sense to wait before you purchase the new Grail on Zwift, because there are rumors of fresh dirt roads coming to Zwift, and I bet more gravel frames and wheels will be added to the game shortly.
We’ll be adding this bike to the following posts soon:
What do you think of Canyon’s new Grail in Zwift? Share below…
Important note: this post contains speed test results for Zwift frames or wheels. These results may change over time, and a bike's performance relative to others may also change. We don't always revise posts when performance rankings change, but we do keep current, master versions of our speed test results which are always available. See the frame charts, wheel charts, and Tron vs Top Performers for current performance data.
All About the New Princeton Carbonworks Alta 3532 Wheels in Zwift
Princeton Carbonworks arrived in Zwift last week, with three wheelsets released to the game: the Alta 3532, the Wake 6560 White, and the Mach TSV2/Blur Disc. Today, we’re looking at the Alta 3532 wheels, which are ultra-lightweight climbing wheels.
Here’s what the Drop Shop says about them: “Float up the climbs. Flow through the corners. A light-on-your-feet feeling with instant acceleration, effortless rhythm, and the kind of ride that makes every effort feel smoother.”
The wheels are now available in the Drop Shop, accessible at level 35 and above, for 685,000 Drops. They are rated 3 stars for aero and 4 for weight, so we expected them to climb quite well. But since Zwift’s 4-star rating system isn’t precise enough for our taste, we ran these wheels through our standard battery of tests to determine exactly how they perform in Zwift and stack up against other wheelsets in game.
Let’s dive in and learn all about the performance of this wheelset from Princeton Carbonworks…
Aero (Flat/Rolling) Performance
Princeton’s Alta 3532 wheels deliver “midpack” aero performance, which isn’t surprising considering their profile.
They are 26.8 seconds faster across an hour of flat riding compared to our baseline 32mm wheels. This puts them effectively neck and neck with the Zipp 353 NSW wheels, the top climbing wheels in the game. For comparison, the most aero non-disc hoops in game (ENVE SES 8.9) put 46.7 seconds into the baseline wheels across an hour.
Climb Performance
When the road tilts upward steeply, the Alta 3532 really shine! They outclimb every other wheelset in the game, and by a significant margin.
Princeton’s Alta 3532 wheels gain 14.1 seconds over our baseline wheels in an hour of climbing, beating the current top climbers (Zipp 353 NSW and Lightweight Meilenstein) by 4.3 seconds.
Note: all test results above are from a 75kg, 183cm rider holding 300W steady using the Zwift Carbon frame.
Conclusions
The Alta 3532 wheels from Princeton are Zwift’s new top climbing wheels, edging out the handful of wheelsets which were effectively tied for the top spot.
Their aero performance is rather lackluster, though, so racers may want to look at one of the all-arounder wheelsets for all but the steepest and longest race climbs.
(Speaking of all-arounders, look for a post on Princeton’s new Wake 6560 wheels to drop soon. Their performance on the flats and climbs is second to none!)
These wheels have been, or will soon be, added to the following posts:
Important note: this post contains speed test results for Zwift frames or wheels. These results may change over time, and a bike's performance relative to others may also change. We don't always revise posts when performance rankings change, but we do keep current, master versions of our speed test results which are always available. See the frame charts, wheel charts, and Tron vs Top Performers for current performance data.
All About the New Cannondale SuperX LAB71 Gravel Frame on Zwift
Zwift’s latest update includes a new gravel frame from Cannondale, the company’s first gravel frame in game. Named the “Cannondale SuperX Lab71”, the frame in this colorway is currently only available as a standalone frameset from Cannondale:
On Zwift, you’ll need to be updated to game version 1.110+ to see this bike in the Drop Shop. You’ll also need to be at level 28+ with 1,000,000 Drops to buy it. Here’s how it’s described in the Drop Shop:
“Made to absolutely smash gravel races. Simple as that. This is full-gas road race performance engineered for the full thrash world of gravel. Elbows out, head down, get off the front and don’t look back. SuperX only has one destination – the top step.”
It’s rated 2 stars for aero, 3 stars for weight, and before this week’s update, only one gravel bike (the Cervelo Aspero) had such high ratings. One would expect this bike to perform well against existing in-game gravel bikes, but since Zwift’s 4-star system isn’t the most granular of performance measurements, we ran this frame through our precise tests to measure performance at nerd-level detail. Let’s dive in!
Note: test results below are from a 75kg, 183cm rider holding 300W steady using Zwift’s stock gravel wheelset on the un-upgraded version of the frame.
Aero (Flat/Rolling) Performance
Cannondale’s SuperX Lab71 turns in a strong performance on the flats, beating all existing gravel bikes on tarmac. It’s even a bit faster than the new Canyon Grail SLX which was also released this week!
For comparison, the stock Zwift Gravel frame loses 145.4 seconds to our baseline Zwift Carbon frame across an hour of flat tarmac, while the (former) fastest gravel bike, the Cervelo Aspero, loses 115.2 seconds. The SuperX Lab71 only loses 112.4 seconds.
Climb Performance
The Cannondale SuperX Lab71 is a strong climber compared to the game’s older gravel frames, and also beats the new Canyon Grail SLX.
The stock Zwift Gravel frame loses 161.8 seconds to our baseline Zwift Carbon frame across an hour of Alpe du Zwift climbing, while the (former) fastest climbing gravel bike, the Specialized Crux, loses 122 seconds. The SuperX Lab71 only loses 118.7 seconds.
Jungle (Dirt) Performance
Of course, nobody really cares about how well a gravel frame performs on pavement, which is where we do our aero and climb testing (above). While those flat and climb tests help us tease out a frame’s aerodynamic capabilities and weight, when it comes to gravel bikes, people really want to know how fast they are on Zwift’s virtual dirt!
In that regard, the SuperX Lab71 performs quite nicely.
In fact, the Cannondale SuperX Lab71 is the new “king of the jungle” in our tests, putting 5.2 seconds into the previous leader, the Cervelo Aspero, across 1 hour of Jungle Circuit riding.
Upgrading Your Cannondale SuperX Lab71
Like all frames in Zwift, Cannondale’s SuperX Lab71 can be upgraded in five stages. As a high-end race bike, each of the five stages results in a performance improvement. The SuperX Lab71 upgrade stages are as follows:
Ride 200km, pay 100,000 Drops for an aero upgrade
Ride 260km, pay 200,000 Drops for a weight reduction
Ride 320km, pay 350,000 Drops for a drivetrain efficiency improvement
Ride 380km, pay 500,000 Drops for an aero upgrade
Ride 440km, pay 750,000 Drops for a weight reduction
You can expect a fully-upgraded Cannondale SuperX Lab71 to be approximately 28 seconds faster on a flat hour and 36 seconds faster on an hour-long climb vs the “stock” Cannondale SuperX Lab71.
Conclusions
Cannondale’s SuperX Lab71 beats every other gravel bike in Zwift, making it the new go-to frame for races involving a significant amount of dirt.
Where gravel riders formerly had to choose between the Cervelo Aspero (more aero) and the Specialized Crux (lighter weight), the SuperX Lab71 is king on flats and climbs, making the choice an easy one.
Should you rush to the Drop Shop and buy the SuperX today? Maybe. I might do it myself, because it looks pretty sweet. But with rumors of fresh dirt roads coming to Zwift, my guess is we’ll see more gravel frames and wheels added to the game shortly. So it may make sense to wait, if you don’t have a key gravel race coming up.
We’ll be adding this bike to the following posts soon:
What do you think of Cannondale’s first gravel frame in Zwift? Share below…
Important note: this post contains speed test results for Zwift frames or wheels. These results may change over time, and a bike's performance relative to others may also change. We don't always revise posts when performance rankings change, but we do keep current, master versions of our speed test results which are always available. See the frame charts, wheel charts, and Tron vs Top Performers for current performance data.
Zwift version 1.110 begins its phased rollout today. This is a significant update, since it includes fast new gravel bike frames, new wheelsets, and a new Makuri Islands route! See details below…
Two New Gravel Frames
Zwift is clearly looking to update the game’s gravel offerings, and that begins today with the release of two new gravel frames:
Canyon Grail SLX (Aero: 2 stars, Weight: 3 stars) available at Level 10+ for 800,000 Drops
Cannondale SuperX LAB71 (Aero: 2 stars, Weight: 3 stars) available at Level 28+ for 1,000,000 Drops
Early tests show both of these frames are faster than any existing gravel frames in the Drop Shop, with the Cannondale having a slight edge overall. Watch for detailed posts releasing this week with complete test results.
Four New Wheelsets
Along with the new frames, Zwift has added four more wheelsets to the Drop Shop:
ZIPP 303 XPLR SW (Aero: 3 stars, Weight: 2 stars) available at Level 35+ for 550,000 Drops
Princeton CarbonWorks Mach TSV2/Blur Disc (Aero: 4 stars, Weight: 1 star) available at Level 42+ for 1,100,000 Drops
Princeton CarbonWorks Wake 6560 – White (Aero: 4 stars, Weight: 4 stars) available at Level 32+ for 685,000 Drops
Princeton CarbonWorks Alta 3532 (Aero: 3 stars, Weight: 4 stars) available at Level 35+ for 685,000 Drops
The ZIPP wheels are for gravel frames, and should be the fastest gravel wheels in game. The Princeton CarbonWorks wheels perform exceptionally well also. Detailed speed test posts incoming!
New Makuri Islands Route: Yumezi Grit
Zwift says, “The Yumezi Grit route is now available for free rides and meetups.” I haven’t put together the route detail page yet since I’m in Mallorca at Zwift Community Live, but it’s got a lot of dirt (hence the name). Here’s the Strava segment and Veloviewer profile:
Improved Elevation Previews
Zwift has updated the elevation previews you see when clicking a route, similar to what they did with route cards a few updates back. Here’s the old preview vs the new, color-coded previews:
More Release Notes
Zwift supplied the following additional release notes:
Route cards you haven’t done yet will now display XP available for completing them.
Previously earned badges that were listed under “Completed Missions” on the Achievements page have been moved and are now labeled as “Challenges”. Earned badges will still be visible; however, there are no new badges available to earn at this time.
Fixed an issue that could cause the Climb Portal routes Koppenberg and Paterberg to be missing the activity title and difficulty level in the Post-Ride Report.
Fixed an issue that could display an incorrect value for Race Score on the Home Screen when using a shared Zwift device with multiple Zwifters.
Fixed an issue that could cause the camera to be zoomed in after switching bikes when a steering device is connected (e.g. Zwift Ride, Zwift Play, Zwift Click 2).
What’s Coming Next? Read “This Season On Zwift” Spring 2026 Press Release
Zwift just released their latest “This Season on Zwift” announcement detailing key game features, Companion app updates, and events coming in the next few months. We’ve posted the complete press release below, and in the coming days, we’ll dive into some of the announcements in more detail.
There’s some fun stuff here, so let’s get on with it…
New Roads, Planning Tools, and Deeper Outdoor Integration Set to Help You Get More From This Season on Zwift
An expanded Paris map, gravel galore, new bikes, and so much more to benefit Zwifters this coming season.
Zwift, the global online fitness platform, today lifts the lid on many of the exciting new product developments and content experiences planned to launch this coming season. From planning in Zwift Companion, more levels to chase in both running and cycling as well as a dedicated event map for gravel, there is something for every Zwifter to explore This Season on Zwift.
Personalized Recommendations Go Outdoors
Launching in April
Personalized Recommendations recently launched in Zwift, helping Zwifters spend less time thinking and more time doing. Based on a combination of your recent ride history and preferred activity types, every Zwifter now receives a recommended next activity in the ‘Next Up’ card in Zwift Companion. Personalized Recommendations will serve a variety of content, including Robopacer Rides, Routes, and workouts. The first recommendation is the one we think you will enjoy most, but Zwifters have the flexibility to adjust activity type to suit their needs.
As we move towards the Northern hemisphere summer season, Zwifters now have the option to view an Outdoor Recommendation in Zwift Companion. This will be a basic guide to advise how to get the most from your next activity. Simplicity is the name of the game here, giving Zwifters the space to make the most of those sunny summer miles!
Plan Your Week in Zwift Companion
Coming this April
For those who prefer to plan out their weeks and hold themselves accountable through scheduling, Zwift is now giving Zwifters the ability to plan their week within Zwift Companion. At launch, Zwifters will be able to schedule bike workouts, bike routes, bike and run events, Robopacer Rides, and challenge tasks (e.g. Route of the Week) for the days ahead. As activities are added to the weekly calendar, the fitness graph on the Zwift Companion app homescreen will automatically show all future planned activities so Zwifters can see what’s ahead at a glance. For Zwifters with third-party training connections, planned workouts will automatically populate.
Don’t want to plan your full week? No problem. Planning a few events or activities ahead will have the added benefit of improving your personalized recommendations, so if you have a race scheduled for tomorrow, we can give you something to prime those legs.
Zwift Camp: Breakthrough
April 6th – May 17th
The final Zwift Camp of this winter season arrives with Zwift Camp: Breakthrough. Beginning April 6th, Zwift Camp: Breakthrough is designed to support Zwifters in their transition to the summer season. The five workouts will focus not only on fitness but also feature drills to improve technique, stability, and control. The end result should be stronger, smoother outdoor miles for Zwifters.
Configure Your HUD for Workouts
Launching May
Whether participating in Zwift Camp: Breakthrough, or completing any one of Zwift’s 1,000+ workouts, the ability to customise data fields in workout mode is sure to level up the experience. Four configurable data fields can be illustrated on the central workout screen. Zwifters can pick from 13 biometric data points ranging from Cadence (RPM) to Core Temperature or power to weight ratio (W/KG). This update will allow Zwifters to tailor their data inputs, so they can focus on what’s best for them and get the most out of their training.
Gravel Mountain
Ride it from April 6th
Zwift’s first gravel-only map comes to Zwift on April 6th. An event-only map, Gravel Mountain will be the fastest, most exciting way to experience gravel on Zwift – expect dust, speed, and loose lines set in a red rock environment with new route features including red rock medians, corner berms, and ultra-wide roads.
The full gravel surface means gravel bikes will be optimal, so why not pay the Zwift Drop Shop a visit and enjoy a new virtual bike day to celebrate the launch of Gravel Mountain.
Pas Racing Series
April 6th – May 3rd
The fastest and most dynamic racing experience on Zwift starts with the Pas Racing Series, which brings the performance and style of Pas Normal Studios to a new kind of gravel racing on Zwift: tough, competitive, and refined. The four-stage gravel series includes the new routes in Gravel Mountain and a new gravel route in Makuri Islands. Races will run hourly, and of course there will be a custom Pas Normal kit to unlock.
More Levels for Running and Cycling
Coming April
Every Zwifter knows how compelling it is to round up their rides to the nearest mile or kilometre – not for bragging rights, but for that extra XP. Chasing levels is incredibly rewarding, and now there’s more to chase than ever before, no matter your Zwift level. The level 100 cap has been lifted, giving Zwifters hundreds of new levels to chase. And for those Zwifters who have hit that century milestone, there is a new status stripe, visible in the rider name list and in Zwift Companion. Runners on Zwift will also see the level cap lifted from 30 to 50.
Tour Fever Challenge
July 2nd – August 16th
Zwift is the official software platform for the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, and to celebrate there will be six weeks of festivity as we all get swept up in Tour Fever. Running July 2nd – August 16th, the Tour Fever Challenge celebrates the summer of racing with five stages of rides and races to enjoy. The Tour Fever Challenge includes five new badges to chase in the Paris Map.
Paris Expansion
Launching June 26th
The Paris map, created for the Virtual Tour de France, is set to become even more iconic with the addition of the famous Montmartre climb. Mimicking the new finishing circuit of the Tour de France, which has proven popular with fans since it was introduced for the Paris Olympics, Zwifters will now be able to ride up the cobbled climb to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre. Short but punchy, this will be sure to put a sting in the legs.
Drop Shop Update
Spring / Summer
The Zwift Drop Shop is the destination for Zwifters to spend their well-earned Drops on the latest bikes and wheels. This year, the Drop Shop is getting its biggest overhaul yet, with a wealth of new bikes and wheels arriving over the next 12 months. This Spring and Summer, 18 new bikes and 13 new wheelsets are set to hit the virtual shelves. The first two ‘Drops’ land in March and April with a distinct gravel focus, giving Zwifters the chance to kit themselves out with the latest tech for the launch of Gravel Mountain and the Pas Racing Series.
Zwift Challenges Go Outdoors
Coming this Summer
Zwift Challenges, with their bonus rewards for completion, have proven to be immensely popular experiences on the Zwift platform. This summer, the fun doesn’t have to stop as cyclists enjoy the great outdoors, as Zwift plans to launch its first indoor/outdoor challenges. To complete, Zwifters will need to have connected their Wahoo, Garmin, or Hammerhead accounts.
Share Your Thoughts!
What do you think of Zwift’s roadmap for the next few months of new features? Comment below!
From the Basement to the Finish Line: How Zwift Helped Scott Richards Change His Life
Late in the evening in an unfinished basement outside St. Louis, Missouri, Scott Richards settles onto his bike and clips in. The room is quiet except for the hum of the trainer and the fan he sometimes forgets to turn on until the ride is already underway. Within seconds, the screen in front of him fills with motion—avatars climbing mountains, spinning through volcanic circuits, chasing route badges and finish lines.
For Richards, the scene is more than a workout. It is a daily reminder of how far he has come, and how much further he plans to go.
“You Don’t See Old Guys That Are Fat”
Four years ago, the life he is living today would have felt almost impossible. At the time, Richards weighed more than 330 pounds and was facing a reality that had slowly crept up over years of stress, poor habits, and long workdays. When a doctor told him he was pre-diabetic, the warning landed harder than he expected. He had recently married, and conversations about the future, about longevity, about the possibility of children, suddenly felt more urgent. “You don’t see old guys that are fat,” Richards said. “That really scared me.”
Around that same time, Richards and his close friend Charles Hays made a decision that would alter both of their lives. The two had worked together in a high-stress environment where stress eating had become routine, and both had begun to realize the consequences of those habits. On New Year’s Day 2024, they made a pact to hold each other accountable and start turning their health around. The agreement was simple: take their health seriously and see what was possible if they committed to the process. What followed was anything but ordinary.
The Compound Effect
Like many people facing a major lifestyle change, Richards did not begin with dramatic athletic goals. Instead, he started with manageable steps—hiking, tracking calories, and simply moving his body more often. “I made it work for me,” he said. “Instead of forcing myself to do something I hated, I tried to find things I actually enjoyed.” As the weeks passed, those small decisions began to compound. Weight came off gradually, confidence returned, and the idea of attempting something bigger eventually emerged.
That “something bigger” turned out to be a triathlon. Richards had one advantage that many first-time triathletes lack: he had been a competitive swimmer from age six through eighteen. While swimming felt natural, the other disciplines, particularly running, were far more difficult. Even so, he and Hays committed to the challenge.
Standing at the start line of their first race, Richards remembers feeling something he had not experienced in years. “We were standing there waiting to start and realized we hadn’t felt that feeling in a long time,” he said. “That feeling that you’re about to compete for the next few hours. It’s going to hurt, but it’s going to be worth it.” Since then, Richards has completed seven triathlons and is currently preparing for a half Ironman later this year.
Winter Regression To Zwifting Obsession
Despite the progress he had made, winter presented a familiar obstacle. After that first season of racing, colder weather arrived in Missouri and outdoor cycling disappeared from his routine. Months passed without riding, and when he finally returned to the bike in the spring, the loss of momentum was obvious. “It felt like I was back to square one again,” he said.
That realization pushed him toward a tool he had been researching for months.
In September 2025, Richards ordered the Zwift Ride bundle and set it up in his basement. What began as a practical way to keep riding through the winter quickly turned into something much more significant. “I became obsessed quickly,” he said with a laugh. The difference, he explained, was immediate. Traditional indoor riding had never appealed to him. Sitting on a stationary bike while watching television felt dull and disconnected from the experience of riding outdoors. Zwift changed that dynamic entirely. “The first time I did Alpe du Zwift, I felt super accomplished,” he said. “It made me look forward to killing myself in a workout.”
For Richards, the appeal of Zwift extended beyond fitness. As a lifelong gamer, he immediately recognized the structure behind the platform’s design. “I played a lot of RPG games growing up where you level up your character,” he explained. “Zwift scratches that same itch. You’re leveling up, unlocking bikes, getting gear. It’s the perfect way to hook me.” The same mechanics that once kept him playing video games for hours now kept him riding. “I used to be addicted to video games,” he said. “Now I’m addicted to Zwift.”
Community As Motivation
Group rides soon became one of his favorite aspects of the platform. Over time, he began to recognize familiar riders who appeared again and again in the virtual peloton. Conversations in the in-game chat gradually created a sense of connection that surprised him. “It’s wild how you start to see the same people over and over,” he said.
One of his most memorable rides came during the Rapha Festive 500 challenge, when Richards organized a ride that attracted more than 130 participants. Together, the group completed 25 laps of the Volcano Circuit, riding more than 65 miles in a single session. “The first half was a lot of fun,” he said. “The second half was definitely a struggle.” What made the effort special, however, was the support that emerged among riders. “The people pulling the group were telling me, ‘Scott, you need to get up here for the finish.’ That kind of support is what makes it special.”
That sense of community has become a powerful motivator on days when the ride itself feels difficult. Even when fatigue or lack of motivation creeps in, the thought of joining a group ride often brings him back to the bike. “Sometimes I think, ‘I don’t really want to ride tonight,’” he admitted. “But the social side makes it entertaining. It’s better than just sitting on a spin bike.”
Looking Behind/Looking Ahead
The results of that consistency have been remarkable. Since beginning his health journey, Richards has lost more than 116 pounds and now weighs roughly what he did as a teenager. The improvements show up everywhere—in climbing hills that once felt impossible, in average speeds that have increased by several miles per hour, and in the simple reality that everyday life has become easier. “Every aspect of my life is easier,” he said.
The changes have also altered the way he sees himself. “If you told me four years ago that I’d be excited to sweat my butt off in my basement every day, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he said. What began as a weight loss effort has evolved into something closer to a lifestyle. Exercise now functions as a mental reset as much as a physical one. “If I don’t work out for three or four days, I get cranky,” he said. “I never thought I’d be that kind of person.” The effect, he says, feels almost therapeutic. “It’s tough when you’re doing it, but afterwards you feel so good—physically and mentally.”
Richards and Hays now document their ongoing journey through their weekly podcast, 2 Guys 1 Scale, where they talk openly about the ups and downs of trying to lose weight and stay healthy. The podcast began primarily as a way to keep themselves accountable, but over time, it has grown into something more meaningful. Their transparency and frankness resonate deeply with listeners, prompting them to reach out with their own stories of struggle or questions about how to begin fitness journeys of their own. Some friends started hiking more frequently. Others began exercising regularly after watching Richards’ progress. “If I can inspire one person to turn their life around,” he said, “then everything I’ve put into this has been worth it.”
The road ahead remains full of goals. This year alone, Richards plans to complete a half marathon, tackle his first half Ironman in Michigan, and ride Missouri’s 240-mile Katy Trail over several days. Zwift will remain a central part of that preparation, particularly during the cold or rainy months when outdoor riding becomes difficult.
Perhaps the most meaningful change, however, is how he feels about himself and the life he is building. “I love the person I’ve become,” Richards said.
For an athlete who once struggled simply to begin moving, that transformation may be the most powerful achievement of all.
Rocacorba Collective: Redefining the Indoor Cycling Experience
As part of Women’s History Month, we’re featuring four different women’s clubs with a strong presence on Zwift. Looking to join a women’s club? See our Women’s Clubs on Zwift post!
When was your club founded?
2021
How did your club come to exist?
During the COVID‑19 pandemic, Moolman‑Pasio saw how virtual cycling could connect people globally when outdoor racing and travel were impossible. She noticed women were more open, confident and comfortable engaging online, “My avatar has no shame” was one observation she made about how Zwift removed barriers to participation. She wanted to expand that sense of confidence, empowerment and community beyond the professional peloton to everyday cyclists around the world.
Have any/all your club members ever met up IRL? If so, please tell us about it!
YES. Over the last four years, we have run an annual IRL Camp at the home of the Collective, Rocacorba Cycling in Girona (Ash’s home). Across these years, the purpose has been consistent: turning the online camaraderie of Zwift into real‑world friendships, shared cycling experiences, and deeper engagement through coaching, insightful talks and community spirit. It’s now starting to feel more like a family reunion than a cycling camp!
In addition to these Girona camps, Rhian and Helen, based in London, where many of our members are located, have hosted some adhoc laps in Richmond Park and weekend rides in the Surrey Hills, giving members in the UK a chance to connect offline, experience group rides, and strengthen the Collective community closer to home.
Do most/many/any of your members also ride outdoors?
Not all of our members ride outdoors, but a lot do. Many of those on our Training Tier work with our in‑house coach, Helen Bridgman, and nutritionist Jenny Powell to train towards outdoor goals. I’d estimate it’s about 70/30. Some members focus primarily on eSports and Zwift racing to maximize their virtual performance, while the majority enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor riding, blending structured training on Zwift with real‑world cycling adventures.
What do you see as the biggest hurdle for women to start cycling?
One of the biggest hurdles for women to start cycling is often confidence and a sense of belonging. Last year, during our Women’s Day ride, we asked a few of our riders this same question, and they shared some common concerns: fear of not belonging, unsafe roads, angry drivers, and worries about mechanical issues. That’s why Rocacorba Collective emphasizes creating a welcoming, inclusive environment, both online and in real life, where women of all levels can ride, learn, and grow without pressure, feeling empowered to pursue their cycling goals.
Is the answer the same for women starting cycling on Zwift?
Not entirely, some hurdles shift in the virtual world. On Zwift, real-world challenges like unsafe roads, angry drivers, or mechanical issues disappear. As Ashleigh has said, “My avatar has no shame” – you can dress it up how you like, you can be whatever you want to be, and always jump out of a ride if you want. Zwift allows women to explore cycling in a safe, judgment-free space.
However, confidence and belonging remain the biggest challenges. Many women aren’t sure how to get started, how the platform works, how to join a ride or race, or feel they’re “not strong enough to race.” That’s why the Rocacorba Collective provides a friendly, inclusive space on Zwift, with women-only beginner rides, live coached sessions on Discord, social rides, and inclusive racing teams led by a DS and Team Captain. These opportunities help women learn the platform, build confidence, meet like-minded riders, and enjoy cycling virtually, whether they’re completely new to the sport or combining virtual riding with outdoor cycling.
Do you have thoughts/ideas/dreams for how we (we as a collective humanity, not necessarily Zwift – but it can include Zwift if you want) get more women riding?
Getting more women riding, both outdoors and virtually, is about removing barriers, building confidence, and creating community. It’s not just about bikes; it’s about culture, access, and visibility.
Some ideas and dreams include:
Safe and welcoming spaces: More women-only rides, beginner-friendly groups, and mentoring programs, both in real life and online, so women can learn without fear of judgment.
Role models and visibility: Highlighting diverse women riders, not just lean-looking influencers in fancy kit, from grassroots to professional, so aspiring cyclists can see themselves represented.
Education: Teaching bike maintenance, safety skills, and riding confidence so mechanical worries or road anxiety don’t hold anyone back.
Accessibility: Affordable bikes, safe roads, and community cycling hubs can make riding realistic for more women.
Digital platforms as gateways: Platforms like Zwift can act as safe, playful spaces to experiment, train, and connect globally, bridging the gap between virtual confidence and outdoor riding.
Community-driven motivation: Events, challenges, or campaigns that combine social connection with purpose, whether that’s charity rides, local group meetups, or virtual communities like the Rocacorba Collective.
Reduce the jargon: There can be a lot of boring, technical jargon, “rules”, and chat around bikes and cycling. In reality, most are unimportant (apart from anything relating to safety). Eliminating the noise and enjoying riding your bike is the most important thing of all!
What is a fun fact you’d like to share about your club?
Rocacorba Collective isn’t just about Zwift rides, it also fundraises and supports real‑world initiatives. A portion of membership goes toward projects such as e‑cycling and learning centres in underprivileged communities in South Africa, particularly through partnerships with organisations like Khaltsha Cycles, helping young girls gain access to bikes, training, and education.
The Collective also supports One More City, an annual cycling campaign that raises funds and awareness for secondary breast cancer research. Each autumn, One More City riders travel between cities worldwide and host Zwift rides in October, sharing the Collective’s ethos of using cycling to bring people together and create meaningful impact.
If you had a magic wand to change one thing about the Zwift product OR the Zwift community, what would you wish for?
Seamless voice chat would make social rides feel less intimidating and far more human. Many riders can’t easily run Discord alongside Zwift, so having voice integrated directly into the game would be truly game-changing. Instead of riding silently beside avatars, women could hear encouragement in real time, ask questions naturally without typing into a public text feed, and build genuine connections as they pedal. That shared conversation, the laughter, reassurance, and collective effort can be the difference between feeling like an outsider and feeling like you truly belong.
Likewise, making it easier for community leaders to add written prompts and guidance into workouts would help demystify the platform. Clear cues, motivational messages, and step-by-step explanations built into sessions would reduce the “I don’t know how this works” barrier and help women feel supported rather than overwhelmed. It would turn structured training into something more personal and confidence-building, rather than something that feels technical or intimidating.
Ultimately, these changes wouldn’t just enhance features, they would nurture the very things women tell us they need most: connection, clarity, encouragement, and community. And that’s what truly helps people start and stay in cycling.
More about our Monday Women’s Only Workout Ride
We’re proud to share one of our highlighted women-only rides, a Zwift workout that has become a cornerstone of our community. We host this 45-minute session every Monday at 5pm UK time, with a consistent structure each week featuring 5 x 20-second micro-sprint efforts, while the route varies, often doubling as a recon for Tuesday night ZRL races.
What makes this ride so special is its accessibility and versatility. On paper, it’s a simple, approachable workout for newcomers, but it can be tailored to every rider’s needs. The ride is banded, so no one gets dropped, and the 20-second efforts can be adapted: go all-out for a high-intensity hit OR use them as high-cadence spin-ups for a more recovery ride or pre-race activation. It truly works for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned Zwifters. The result is a wonderfully diverse group of women joining. The ride is led by one of our Rocacorba Collective ambassador ride leaders, who talks riders through the session and answers questions along the way, often sharing more about Erg Mode or other features in the app. We’ve seen women join who were completely new to Zwift, were positively influenced by the other riders on the ride, and who go on to become regular racers and influential members of our community.
This ride is more than just a workout; it’s a confidence-building gateway into Zwift, community, and belonging. It’s a ride we’re proud of, and one not to be missed.
