A year ago, Alison Cremins’ didn’t even own a bike. She had no idea what an FTP was, thought a bib was for babies, and had never heard of drafting. Fast forward to today, and she’s racing in the Zwift Racing League (ZRL), setting ambitious climbing goals, and even leading Cryo-Gen group rides!
This is the story of how sheer determination, structured training, and an incredible community helped Alison go from complete beginner to competitive racer in under a year.
A Humble Beginning – February to April 2024
Alison first dipped her toes into Zwift using a spin bike, just to see what the cycling side of the platform was all about. It didn’t take long for her to realize she wanted the full experience. In April, she made the leap, investing in a Wahoo KICKR Core and a Cannondale road bike, marking the true start of her cycling journey.
Early Struggles and a Mission to Improve – April to July
Like most new riders, Alison started with badge hunting and basic workouts before venturing into group rides. Sub-2 rides at 1.5 w/kg became her training ground, teaching her the dynamics of group riding, cadence, and pacing.
One of her first challenges came in May, when she tried a Cryo-Gen Tempo Thursday ride (1.8-2.5 w/kg) and got dropped. Instead of getting discouraged, she set herself a goal: increase her FTP and come back stronger. Over the next few months, Alison pushed herself out of her comfort zone, tackling more climbs, sprinting at every opportunity, and immersing herself in Zwift videos to learn tactics like drafting and pack positioning.
Two months later, she returned to a Cryo-Gen Endurance ride and finished strong. It was a turning point – clear proof that her hard work was paying off.
Building Strength and Unlocking the Tron – August to November
By August, Alison was riding at least five times a week, joining nearly every Cryo-Gen ride. The structured variation of Tempo, Endurance, and social rides helped her keep training fun and effective. She also gained confidence to try her first race – securing 4th place in her debut event!
During this period, Alison also took on one of Zwift’s ultimate climbing challenges: unlocking the Tron bike. Over six climbs up Alpe du Zwift, she shaved 20 minutes off her time, dropping from 90 minutes to 70 minutes.
From Long Distances to Racing – December to January
December saw Alison pushing her limits further, completing her first 100-mile ride on Zwift – an achievement that left her feeling stronger than ever. Her confidence in racing was also growing. She entered another event, stayed with the pack until the finish, and placed 6th. The next step was clear: it was time to join Cryo-Gen’s racing team.
Taking on ZRL – February and Beyond
With her growing fitness and race experience, Alison joined Zwift Racing League (ZRL) – starting with a Team Time Trial (TTT) and her first ZRL points race. She quickly discovered just how intense ZRL can be, but she embraced the challenge, eager to keep improving.
Beyond racing, Alison has started helping lead Cryo-Gen group rides, giving back to the community that helped her get to this level. She is also focused on hitting her next major target: a sub-60-minute Alpe du Zwift climb. To get there, she’s increasing the intensity of her training, working on sprinting, and incorporating strength training to build more power on the bike.
A Life-Changing Journey
In less than a year, Alison has gone from someone who did not even own a bike to a dedicated Zwift racer, group ride leader, and integral part of the Cryo-Gen family. The transformation has been more than just physical – she has gained confidence, made incredible friends, and even convinced her husband and brother to join Zwift!
Alison’s journey is a perfect example of what is possible with consistency, a strong support system, and the willingness to push past limits. From struggling to keep up in group rides to holding her own in races, her story is truly inspiring.
We can’t wait to see what she achieves next! Sub-60 Alpe? More race podiums? Watch this space.
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