Today, Zwift launched a six-workout challenge designed to help users kick off the year with structure and momentum. The workouts are built by Kristin Armstrong, three-time Olympic gold medalist, bringing elite experience into an approachable and flexible training format.
The series runs from January 13 through February 28 and focuses on building durability and staying in control as fatigue builds. Read on for details!
Challenge Requirements
The Challenge features six stages, each with a short and long option:
Find Your Rhythm (Short: 47 minutes / Long: 75 minutes): This first ride sets the tone. Today’s about finding rhythm and control, learning how to settle in, stay patient, and ride with purpose. Let the effort build naturally and stay focused and in the game from start to finish.
Surge and Settle (Short: 45 minutes / Long: 70 minutes): Durability means keeping your rhythm when you legs don’t want to. This ride teaches just that, you’ll surge, settle, and keep the pressure on. Control your breathing, keep your form, find your focus, and finish smoother than you started.
Torque and Flow (Short: 50 minutes / Long 70 minutes): Build muscular endurance through controlled torque and cadence variation. The goal is steady strength, not speed. Feel the load in the legs while staying relaxed. We’ll use low-cadence torque work to build resilience, then include high-cadence rev’s to train efficiency and recovery.
Hold the Line (Short: 50 minutes / Long: 70 minutes):This ride starts with two strong efforts to put early stress on the system, by design. From there, you’ll shift to upper tempo work with varied cadence that teaches you how to stay steady after fatigue sets in. The goal isn’t just to hit the power, it’s to find rhythm and composure once your legs are loaded. Hold your focus, control your breathing, and stay smooth all the way through, that’s durability.
Under Control (Short: 51 minutes / Long: 74 minutes): This ride is about composure under pressure. We start strong to build early stress, then spend time in extended tempo work to strengthen efficiency, focus, and control. You’ll feel fatigue early and have to manage your effort, that’s where durability is built.
Built to Last (Short: 50 minutes / Long: 75 minutes):The final ride brings everything together. You’ve built strength, focus, and control, now it’s about putting it all to use. Ride steady, stay smooth, and finish strong.
Finish either the short or long workout in each stage, and you’ll complete the Challenge!
Joining the Challenge
Unlike past Challenges, everyone is automatically signed up for this challenge. As long as you’ve got version 1.105 or higher installed, you’ll see a progress bar on the homescreen:
Click that card to access the workouts in the challenge or see reward details.
Challenge Rewards
You will earn a total of 1500 XP as you move through this Challenge:
This challenge goes live at 9:00 PT on January 13, 2026, and ends February 28, 2026, at 23:59 PT.
(I recommend finishing before the final day, though, as past Challenges have ended earlier than expected in the past, and you don’t want to be caught out if that happens.)
Zwift version 1.105 begins its phased rollout today. This is a minor update containing mostly bug fixes, although it does include a homescreen UI upgrade that will (hopefully) be rolled out elsewhere in game to better inform Zwifters. See details below…
KICKR CORE 2 Bridging Upgrade
Announced with this week’s release is a feature Wahoo actually rolled out last week, allowing Zwift Ride controllers and Click v2 controllers to be bridged through Wahoo’s KICKR CORE 2 trainer.
According to Zwift, this was done to “improve Bluetooth connectivity and to work around the Apple TV Bluetooth connection limit.”
Zwift says, “On the home screen, you may see a gradient profile on route cards when hovered/focused. This feature will be rolled out slowly.”
This looks like a helpful and welcome change, although it isn’t live for me yet. I especially appreciate the gradient color-coding, which is a nice upgrade from the one-color route profiles used elsewhere in the game.
Now I’m going to do the most Zwifter thing ever, and complain about a feature before it’s even released.
Yes, the route profile on hover is a good upgrade nobody will complain about. But Zwift should show this color code the route profile sidebar as well:
And much more importantly, this profile should be available on event cards and in the event sidebar:
Notice: the event cards don’t even say which route the event is on. That’s saved for the sidebar, which helpfully shows the route name, number of laps, total distance, and total elevation. But even the sidebar displays no route map and no route profile.
This is all fine, as long as you know the route. But there are now over 300 routes in Zwift. The game needs to do a better job of telling riders what they’re signing up for. Hopefully, this new “mouseover profile” feature is a step in that direction.
Release Notes
Zwift supplied the following additional release notes:
Fixed an issue where some ANT+ devices could have a blank name in the Pairing screen.
Fixed an issue with extra lanes in New York on Central Park roads; Scotty at NYC DOT corrected the issue.
For races with event cooldowns enabled, fixed an issue where race rank could be incorrectly positioned on the Zwifter’s avatar on some devices.
Running: Improved the appearance of time input fields in Public Profile settings.
In group events, if a Ride Leader or Ride Sweeper have unsupported characters or emojis in their name, their event chat messages in the HUD will be shown as sent by “Ride Leader” or “Ride Sweeper”.
Android: Improved Bluetooth connection reliability for Zwifters on Android 15 and newer.
Matthew Lefthand Named 2025 World Cup Champion by the World Ultra-Cycling Association
Last May, we published a post by Matthew Lefthand recounting his 24-hour world-record attempt on Zwift. He was successful in his attempt and, in fact, set 12 new World Ultra-Cycling Association (WUCA) records, which were also Guinness World Records.
“Lefty” is an avid Zwifter, but his massive 24-hour indoor effort wasn’t the only achievement of his breakout 2025 season. Not by a long shot. He also notched major achievements riding outside, showing once again how indoor training can fuel outdoor results.
Below, find a press release detailing Matthew Lefthand being named the WUCA World Cup Champion in his rookie season. Congrats, Lefty!
Utah Man Named 2025 World Cup Champion by the World Ultra-Cycling Association
Matthew Lefthand takes the Ultra-Cycling Scene by Storm in his Rookie Season
Salt Lake City, UT — January 3, 2026 — The World Ultra-Cycling Association (WUCA) proudly announces the conclusion of its 2025 World Cup season, a global competition recognizing the world’s most dedicated and high-performing ultra-distance cyclists across four endurance disciplines. The World Cup requires competitors to complete two timed challenges, and two long-distance races, which are then awarded points based on their performances at each event.
This year, the spotlight shone brightly on Matthew Lefthand, (Utah, USA) a licensed mental health counselor turned elite ultra-cycling athlete, whose record-setting performances propelled him to the forefront of international endurance racing. Lefthand’s introduction to ultra-cycling began in August 2024 when he broke the course record by six hours at Hoodoo 500, a 520-mile race through Southern Utah.
Lefthand’s 2025 season has been defined by his relentless pursuit of personal growth and has garnered more attention around the world with each performance.
Early in 2025, Lefthand covered 576.17 miles in 24 hours at Bike Sebring, the most miles ridden by an American in 24 hours, setting the course record and taking 1st place overall.
In June, Race Across the West, (RAW) an 862-mile route known as the first third of the iconic Race Across America (RAAM) event, was Lefthand’s second qualifying effort. He not only won the race, but he beat a course record held for 12 years.
Lefthand returned to Hoodoo 500 for a second attempt, besting his own record from 2024 by 4 hours. His position at the top of the leaderboard was clear, but he had one event left.
After a crash in October, one week prior to his planned 12-hour event, Lefthand required collarbone surgery and had to make alternate plans. On December 14, he set 9 WUCA and Guinness World Records during a 12-hour ride on a recumbent bike and completed the Word Cup challenge.
Lefthand’s first place finishes and new course records at each of his events, landed him 8 points ahead of second place, Ingolf Micklisch (USA) and had more than double the points of third place, Piotr Mos (ITA).
“Not only did Matthew earn more points than any other previous World Cup winner, but his performances have brought a new level of excitement to all who follow the sport,” said Marc Polland, Past President of WUCA.
Lefthand’s journey this season was not just marked by competitive success, but also by personal breakthroughs and meaningful challenges:
“This season has been about discovering my limits, then continuously working to push past them, challenging what is believed to be possible in endurance athletics,” said Lefthand. “Every race, every record, and every training session has been a step toward redefining the limit on possible growth.”
His achievements have inspired athletes and fans around the world, illustrating that with grit, methodical preparation, and mental resilience, seemingly impossible goals can be achieved. Lefthand shares that he is often met with comments from strangers who express that they “rode their first 100 miles” on a day when Lefthand is completing a challenge and sharing his story online.
“People see me doing crazy things and then think, ‘Oh, maybe I haven’t given it everything I’ve got.’ And it’s incredible to hear these stories. It makes everything I’m doing that much more satisfying,” Lefthand said.
Both Lefthand and the global ultra-cycling community look toward 2026 with heightened ambitions, continued innovations in endurance training, and a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary athleticism that drives ultra-cycling forward.
“Matthew has breathed much needed, new life into this sport with his incredibly impressive race wins and world records this year. It seems that there’s nothing he can’t do. WUCA is thrilled by the enthusiasm and charisma Matthew has put behind sharing his experiences online. It is inspiring current athletes and bringing new cyclists to our sport,” said Deborah Bowlin, current President of WUCA.
Lefthand has set his sights on a similar trajectory in 2026, with plans to compete in the World Cup again, as well as each of the North American Championships for 6-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour, and Ultra Distance. Lefthand is also working on a special project that could lead to breaking 24 world records in 24 hours. Those interested in learning more can follow Lefthand on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, or visit his website at nolimitsleft.com.
ABOUT WORLD ULTRA-CYCLING ASSOCIATION (WUCA)
The World Ultra-Cycling Association (WUCA) is a global, non-profit organization that sets standards for excellence and accomplishment in ultra-cycling. As the sport’s governing body, WUCA sets standards of rules for competitive events, annual challenges and records. Its mission is to support, inspire and grow ultra-cycling globally, providing resources and structure to empower both athletes and event organizers.
ABOUT WUCA WORLD CUP
Established by the World Ultra-Cycling Association (WUCA), the World Cup is a season-long competition and is at the pinnacle of competitive ultra-cycling. Athletes accrue points through performances in diverse ultra events including 12-hour, 24-hour, and fixed distance events including one 750–1,500 km event, and one beyond 1,500 km, showcasing versatile strength and endurance over a global calendar of challenges.
Peak Zwift season is underway, as evidenced by the number of riders jumping into Tour de Zwift events! That’s our headline event this week, but we’ve also got four other popular (and possibly crazy) rides to feature. See my picks below!
Tour de Zwift is the biggest annual tour on the platform – a celebration of discovery across all Zwift worlds! It kicked off this week with stage 1, which runs through Sunday. Hundreds (sometimes thousands) of riders are joining each event, so you’ll always have some company.
The Vätternrundan group ride series is back for another year, and it looks to be as popular as ever! The premise of the series is simple: rides increase in duration from January 11 to March 1, with the goal of preparing you to handle many hours on the bike when the IRL race day arrives in June. (The Vätternrundan Group Ride Series is part of Vätternrundan’s official training program.)
Of course, you can use this to train for any endurance ride you may have planned this Spring/Summer. This week’s kickoff ride is 90 minutes long, on Watopia’s Waistband, and there are two pace group options (1.8-2.2 and 1.5-1.8 W/kg).
Take on the January Resolution Challenge with the folks at Pas Normal Studios! To complete the challenge, ride a total of 1000 km during the month of January. Mix and match outdoor with indoor rides, make them long or short… all that matters is the total distance ridden.
This is a rather crazy event, which is exactly why I picked it. 300 minutes on the Champs-Élysées loop in Paris! The nice thing about riding on a shorter circuit (it’s only 6.6km long) is that you can find a group at any time. But you can also try to challenge them! Or just challenge yourself!
How many km can you ride in 5 hours, or how many laps? Who will win the green jersey?
The popular new TT series from Cycling Time Trials (CTT) – the national governing body for time trials in England, Scotland, and Wales – is back after its holiday break.
Saturday is your last chance to complete week 7’s race on three laps of Richmond’s The Fan Flats (19.5km, 36m), which is a repeat of the third week’s race. Set a course PB and you’ll earn series points to boost your overall ranking!
We choose each weekend’s Notable Events based on a variety of factors including:
Is the event unique/innovative in some way?
Are celebrities (pro riders, etc) attending/leading?
Are signup counts already high, meaning the event is extra-popular?
Does the ride include desirable unlocks or prizes?
Does the event appeal to ladies on Zwift? (We like to support this under-represented group!)
Is it for a good cause?
Is it just plain crazy (extra long races, world record attempts, etc)?
Is it a long-running, popular weekly event with a dedicated leader who deserves a shout out?
In the end, we want to call attention to events that are extra-special and therefore extra-appealing to Zwifters. If you think your event qualifies, comment below with a link/details and we may just include it in an upcoming post!
How the Race Was Won: Drunken Intersections on the Neon Shore Loop (TTT)
The first race of Zwift Racing League Round 3 happened on Tuesday: a team time trial on the new Neon Shore Loop in Makuri Islands. While the very climby list of routes selected for Round 3 struck a bit of fear in my “overmuscled” heart, this looked like the sort of race my team (Coalition Delusion) could win…
Heat Training: Fool Me Once…
You may recall that the last TTT we won was in NYC, despite me mistakingly doing a hard heat training session the day before that definitely limited my race efforts.
This time around, I made sure I didn’t push too hard the day before. I rode the first event of Tour de Zwift at an easier pace, then turned off the fan and road easy for another 15 minutes to get just a bit of heat training in, to keep my adaptation level up. (More on heat training in an upcoming post… I’ve been doing a lot of it, and learning a lot along the way!)
Planning Our Race
Heading into the race, my team was chatting about all things course and strategy as usual. Captain Neil had our pull order worked out, with a bit of help from the Zwift TTT Calculator:
It was William’s first time riding with us, but we knew the drill: call out when you’re on deck. Call your stopping time when you get to the front. Call when you’ve got 5-10 seconds left in your pull. Call out if there’s a gap.
Basically: stick to the plan, and communicate well. Chris M would be our DS on the day, since he wasn’t riding. Always nice to have a non-riding DS for TTT weeks!
The new Neon Shore Loop route seemed fairly straightforward as a TTT course, since it was essentially flat, with three short and draftable climbs thrown in to make things interesting. We would hold formation on the flats, trying to hold our target power on our pulls, then push as hard as possible on the climbs. It’s proved a winning formula thus far… and we had no better ideas. Let’s race!
The Race
We began our race in Neokyo with around 10km of flat roads. This is a lovely way to start a TTT, especially if you’ve got some new team members. It lets you work on the fundamentals: hitting your pull targets, rotating smoothly, communicating clearly.
Most TTTs aren’t on intersection-heavy roads like Neokyo, so perhaps I just haven’t noticed this issue before. Or perhaps it’s because I can easily see what I’m missing now that the draft indicator is live!
This may not be a popular opinion, but I think it’s time to allow steering in these races. Maybe I’d change my mind after actually racing a TTT with steering (I never have), but I really like the idea of being able to control my left-right position.
I was on the front, taking my third rotation on the day, when we hit the first little uphill: the riser to the second level, which takes us to the Rooftop KOM. I bumped my power up from my target (370W) to just over 400W, to keep speeds high on the climb without blowing myself or my teammates up. It seemed to work well, which was a good sign for me: it meant I was riding strong enough that teammates who are better climbers weren’t coming around me on uphills. But as we crested the top and Will began his pull, a gap opened up to Captain Neil, who was valiantly riding his second TTT of the day.
A bit of instruction from Chris for the front to ease, and we were back together for the start of the Rooftop KOM. We stayed roughly in formation on the lower part of the climb where speeds are high as you stairstep between slack climbing and flat road. Then it was time for my fourth pull as we hit the spot where racers traditionally attack, so I let everyone know I would just hold steady power and try to pace us to the top of the KOM.
Climbs can be messy in a TTT, and it can really simplify things if you know a particular rider is just going to keep it steady to the top.
I probably should have kept my #6 camera view live during this entire pull, but I didn’t activate it until I heard Chris ask me to ease up a bit, as a gap was forming. It’s never easy to hit that perfect pace in a situation like this, because you basically want to push as hard as your team can possibly go on a climb, since that’s where you can make up a lot of time in a TTT scenario.
Anyway, I eased, we regrouped, then we came over the top and settled in for lots of descent and flat roads, all the way down to Urukazi.
As usual, I had Sauce for Zwift running so I could see time gaps to nearby teams. It was showing that we were catching riders ahead, and pulling away from the team behind. Good signs! But it ain’t over ’til it’s over…
The next big effort we’d face would be the Pain Cavern, and as we were getting close to it, teammate Will had to skip some pulls. We made the call to have him do one last suicide pull in the run-in to Pain Cavern, and he executed it perfectly, holding the target pace until he blew up. We came around and kept pushing on, rotating through our remaining riders.
As I started my pull, we were in the middle of the figure 8 portion of the Pain Cavern, where racers typically attack. I eased a bit to keep the team together, then the road flattened and speeds ramped up as we exited the cavern with 2km to go and a team just a few seconds ahead!
Shorter pulls are often the way to go in the final 1-2 minutes of a race, as legs are tired but you want to finish fast. With 1.3km left in the race I came to the front and announced I’d be pulling for just 30 seconds, but pulling hard to catch the team ahead. Let’s go, boys! I do love a good carrot.
We passed the team with 900 meters to go, and I dropped a Ride On bomb as their lead rider waved. Class! Then Fabian came to the front and three down one last pull before rotating off with 500 meters left. Go go go!
Everyone on the team was pushing hard, a sort of friendly final race to empty the tank and not be last across the line. If it was a race, I guess I pipped Andrew at the line:
Heading over to WTRL’s website, we learned that we had indeed taken first place:
WTRL has placed us in the B2 division this round, which seems a bit odd since we took second place in B1 last round. Perhaps WTRL will re-sort the divisions after this race?
On the other hand, given the hilly nature of every other race this round, perhaps B2 is exactly where we should be. Because while our TTT result would have beaten all the B1 teams as well, our strength as a team has never been found in the hills.
Personally, I was happy with my performance in this race. I felt like my heart rate was a bit lower than usual, possibly a product of all the heat training I’ve been doing. And I was able to consistently put in 1-minute pulls, which I haven’t always been able to do.
We wrapped up the day with our traditional team photo:
KICKR CORE 2 Firmware Update Supports Bridging of Zwift Ride And Click v2 Controllers
Yesterday, Wahoo released updated KICKR CORE 2 firmware (version 2.5.4 / 3.5.4) to enable the trainer to bridge Zwift Click v2 or Zwift Ride handlebars.
What is “bridging,” how does it work, and why does it matter? I’m so glad you asked! Let’s dive in…
Bluetooth Bridging
“Bridging” refers to a device’s ability to act as a hub or “go between,” connecting one or more Bluetooth devices to another. Why is bridging useful? Mostly because Apple TV limits you to connecting to only two Bluetooth devices (for example, your trainer and HRM). This isn’t a big deal when all you’ve got is a trainer and heart rate, but with more and more riders using Zwift controllers (often for the benefits of virtual shifting), people are finding themselves hitting this connection limit:
Bridging consolidates multiple Bluetooth connections into one. Only your KICKR CORE 2 needs to be connected to your Zwifting computer (in this case, Apple TV), but it will send along the datastream of the additional devices it is bridging.
Note: another way around the Bluetooth connection limit is to use a trainer that can connect via WiFi or Direct Connect… read this post for details.
When the KICKR CORE 2 was released in September 2025, it already had what Wahoo calls the “KICKR Bridge” feature, but this only worked to bridge heart rate monitors.
Yesterday’s update added bridging support for Zwift Click v2 and the controllers on the Zwift Ride handlebars. This means you can connect your trainer, HRM, and controllers, using just one Bluetooth connection. (Or, I suppose, if your KICKR CORE 2 is connected via WiFi, you’d be using no Bluetooth connections at all!)
This should simplify connection and startup for Apple TV users, who are a huge segment of the Zwift population. Why? Because Apple TV is a simple and affordable device for Zwifting!
Test Results
I’ve been using the new firmware for a couple of weeks here in the Zwift Insider Lab, and it’s been working well! I’ve mostly used it with the Click v2 controllers, and here’s what you see on the pairing screen when you first click the “Controls” box to pair:
Unlike bridging for other apps, this bridging is done automatically when you’re using Zwift. According to Wahoo’s support docs, “The Zwift game ignores the heart rate monitor stored in the trainer/BIKE’s firmware, but once a CORE 2 or BIKE PRO on current firmware is selected in the Zwift pairing screen, Zwift will have the trainer search and bridge any available compatible heart rate monitors and/or Zwift controllers.”
I’ve even tried some “officially unsupported” connection schemes, like pairing the classic Zwift Play controllers via Bluetooth, while the Click v2 is connected via bridging. Notice the bridged device has a little trainer icon next to it, while the direct Bluetooth connections use a Bluetooth icon (and a green icon signifying the use of Zwift protocol):
This scheme works well, though I’ve occasionally seen the Play controllers respond slowly, while the Zwift Click v2 remains very responsive. Not sure what that’s about.
Overall, the updated KICKR Bridge works well on Apple TV, PC, or any other device that can run Zwift.
Upgrading Your Play + KICKR CORE 2 Firmware
To start connecting to your Click v2 or Ride controllers through the KICKR CORE 2 bridge, you’ll want to make sure your controllers’ firmware is up to date, and also update your trainer’s firmware.
Update your controllers via the Zwift Companion app. Click More>Equipment>Your Controllers to update. Here’s what I saw when I connected to my Click v2:
Update your KICKR CORE 2’s firmware via the Wahoo app.
There’s much to discuss, including crucial course segments, powerup usage, bike decisions, and strategic options. Let’s go!
Looking at the Route
Yorkshire’s 2019 Worlds Harrogate Circuit is 13.9km long with 245m of elevation gained per lap. A and B teams will be racing three laps of the course for a total of 41.6km with 737m of elevation, while C and D teams will race two laps for 27.8 km with 492m of elevation. Here’s the lap profile:
As you can see, this route is never flat. Racing well on this course requires constant heads-up riding, and the ability to put in hard 1-3 minute efforts to maintain position on climbs.
Out of the start pen you’ll get a feather powerup at the lap arch, then the road turns a hard right, and the first climb begins. The Otley Road climb is 1.8km long and averages just 3.1%. Even though this isn’t a points segment, efforts will lift, and you can expect some riders to get dropped.
Tip: With a rather low average gradient, speeds will be high enough for drafting to play a significant role, so hold onto those wheels!
A few lumps and bumps bring us to the steepest descent on the route, down Pot Bank. Play this one right with momentum and/or powerups and you may be able to bridge up to riders ahead. Play it wrong, and you’ll get dropped!
Then we climb up a bit from Pot Bank, descend to the river, and begin the Yorkshire KOM, our first points segment. At 1.2km and 5.5% average, this is the second key selection point for the race, and the place where the biggest efforts will happen each lap:
You’ll get an aero powerup at the KOM arch, perfect for use on the upcoming sprint or perhaps the finishing sprint on the final lap.
Descend from there and turn a hard left onto Cornwall Road, AKA Millionaire’s Row. A short climb will sap the legs, then you’ll turn a hard right and hit the Yorkshire Sprint start line, the second points segment on each lap. The finish line isn’t even visible until the final ~10 seconds, so this is a tricky sprint for sure!
Grab a feather powerup at the sprint arch, then enjoy the short descent before proceeding over a couple of lumps and a quick climb back to the lap start/finish banner.
That’s one lap done. But you’ve got one or two more to go!
For this race, specific powerups will be given at each arch:
Feather at Lap banner
Aero at KOM banner
Feather at Sprint banner
Lightweight (feather): reduces your weight by 10% for 30 seconds. Use on climbs, when weight matters the most. These will be most helpful on the steepest parts of the Yorkshire KOM.
Aero Boost (helmet): makes you more aerodynamic (reduces your CdA by 25%) for 15 seconds. Use at higher speeds (flats and descents), especially when no draft is available (although it is still useful when drafting.) Useful if you’re contesting the sprint for points, or going all in for the finish.
Bike Recommendations
This race’s sawtooth profile definitely make us steer away from pure aero setups and look at climbing bikes and all-arounders instead. Because while a more aero setup has a pure time advantage on laps of the full course, that time advantage evaporates if you get dropped on the first climb!
Our recommendation, then, is to use the new ENVE SES 4.5 PRO wheels paired with one of these bikes:
Of course, your frame’s upgrade status should impact your decision. A fully upgraded Aethos will outclimb the other four frames, but that’s not the case when comparing un-upgraded versions.
Lots of recon events are scheduled on upcoming ZRL routes, led by various teams. See upcoming ZRL recons for this race at zwift.com/events/tag/zrlrecon.
Additionally, riders in the Zwift community do a great job every week creating recon videos that preview the courses and offer tips to help you perform your best on the day. Here are the recons I’ve found (comment if you find another!)
These charts show the maximum points a team of 6 could earn in a race with 60 participants. To learn how ZRL points races work, see this post.
Because the Harrogate Circuit is laid out the way it is, all the points are “hidden” behind challenging short climbs. If you get dropped before the top of the first Yorkshire KOM, you’re out of the running for significant KOM and Sprint points, as well as finishing points.
That said, this is the type of course where lots of riders will get dropped. If that includes you, remember: in ZRL, every point counts. The points you earn by continuing to push from the chase group may just be enough to put your team over the top.
What sort of strategic decisions will we see in this race?
I predict riders will fall into three groups:
Racing snakes: Riders with high ~3-minute power to weight would be well-served to attack the early climbs to thin the pack and drop sprinters. Once the big selection is made, the front pack will just need to keep the pace high enough to stay away and mop up all the big points. (It worked for MvdP in 2019… until he blew up!)
Puncheurs: If your VO2 power lets you hold your own on climbs, but you’ve also got some pure watts in your sprint legs, you may just be in the sweet spot to grab a lot of points in the race. (Alternatively, if the climbers rip your legs off on the KOMs, but you still survive in the front group, you can at least repay the favor by taking the sprint points.)
I’m a survivor: Not sure how you’ll fare on one KOM, let alone two or three, plus that blasted Otley Road climb? You’re not alone. At least ZRL’s FAL points structure gives everyone something to fight for. Remember: every point matters, and sometimes you can chase back on the descents!
Your Thoughts
Any insights or further thoughts on this race? Share below!
Zwift ended 2025 with abang, bringing the highly requested draft indicator to the game. As we head into 2026, one Zwifter shares 7 things that he thinks Zwift should add in 2026!
Also included in this week’s picks are videos about FTP tests, Tour de Zwift 2026, brutal Zwift races, and fitness testing.
7 Things Zwift Should Release in 2026 (Everyone Would Love This)
Adam from Road to A shares 7 features that he thinks Zwift should add in 2026.
My first FTP test – With my new Zwift bike!
Moloko Cycling shares why she got the Zwift Ride, sets up the Zwift Ride, and tackles her first FTP test on Zwift.
Tour de Zwift 2026: Watch This Before You Ride
Bike Bonk Biff shares everything you need to know about Tour de Zwift 2026.
My FTP Went Up After This Brutal Zwift Race | London Uprising
Dead Last Cycling tackles stage 4 of the Fresh Outta 25 series. Watch as he pushes himself to the limit and sets a new FTP!
My First Zwift FTP Test In 2 Years
For the first time in nearly 2 years, Giorgio Coppola tackles an FTP test to see where his fitness is at.
Got a Great Zwift Video?
Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!
