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Spring Training 2024 Workout Series Announced

Eric Schlange
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20
Spring Training 2024 Workout Series Announced

Spring Training 2024 Workout Series Announced

Today Zwift announced the second annual Spring Training – a 6-week workout series featuring one fresh workout each week “to help you build endurance for those long, outdoor rides.” The series begins April 15 and Zwift says, “Whether your goal is to lead the pack, train for an upcoming event, or just not get dropped, this Spring Training Series will gear you up for the outdoors!”

New this year, women-only events are being held. There’s also a new kit to unlock and a printable worksheet to help guide your training! Let’s dive into the details…

Workout Details & Schedule

Group workout events are scheduled hourly each day. You can also complete the workouts on your own as on-demand workouts from the Spring Training folder in your workouts library.

Workout 1 – Sweet Spot Foundation, April 15-22

Let’s start by building a strong endurance base!

Long: 48 min // Short: 29 min
Route: Countryside Tour
View Events >

Workout 2 – Endurance Escalator, April 22-29

Let’s take it up a notch! We are focused on escalating our endurance and stamina.

Long: 49 min // Short: 30 min
Route: The Muckle Yin
View Events >

Workout 3 – Cadence and Cruise, April 29-May 6

Now is time to challenge ourselves with cadence variations to enhance our agility and endurance.

Long: 48 min // Short: 29 min
Route: Big Flat 8
View Events >

Workout 4 – Power Surge, May 6-13

Let’s now focus on our ability to handle changes in intensity. This will help us build strength as we move to longer rides.

Long: 52 min // Short: 28 min
Route: Turf N Surf
View Events >

Workout 5 – Endurance Ascent, May 13-20

Let’s focus on enhancing our climbing ability with hill climb simulations.

Long: 46 min // Short: 29 min
Route: Downtown Titans
View Events >

Workout 6 – Sweet Spot Summit, May 20-27

You’ve reached the end! Let’s now maximize our endurance gains with Sweet Spot Summit.

Long: 43 min // Short: 26 min
Route: Castle to Castle
View Events >

Make-Up Days May 27-June 2

If you missed one or more workouts but want to make sure you complete all six stages, there is a make-up week at the end of the series. You can also do the workouts on your own – see below.

On-Demand Workouts

If you can’t fit a group workout into your schedule, or just prefer to do the workout on your own, all Spring Training workouts are available as “on-demand” workouts from the workout folder. Completing the workout as an on-demand workout counts as completing the stage.

Women’s Events

Women-only Spring Training workout events are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays every two hours. Join the Zwift Women’s Training Club to see the events in the Companion app automatically, or see upcoming ZWTC events at zwift.com/events/tag/zwtc.

Kit and Badge Unlocks

Riders will receive the Spring Training cap after completing one stage, the sunglasses after completing three stages, and the 2024 Spring Training Kit and achievement badge after completing all six stages.

Printable Worksheet

Zwift created a “Spring Training Workout Worksheet” to guide you through this series. It includes tips for getting some outdoor riding in alongside the workout series.

Download the Sprint Training Workout Worksheet >

Learn More

See all upcoming events and other details at zwift.com/spring-training-workouts.

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

Woman Racer Spotlight: Sue Satchithananda 

Karla Williams
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0
Woman Racer Spotlight: Sue Satchithananda 

Woman Racer Spotlight: Sue Satchithananda 

Name: Sue Satchithananda 

Hometown: Audlem, Cheshire UK 

How did you get into cycling? I was an active rower but during lockdown I couldn’t row, so I got my old bike on a cheap trainer in the garage and joined Her Spirit for workouts. 

How long have you been racing on Zwift? 4 months 

Are you part of a Virtual team? Galaxy 

What do you love most about racing? Competition and challenging myself. 

What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? TTT or iTT 

What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? Flamme Rouge was my first and most epic race Tour. 

What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? I raced the National 24-hour Time trial in July 2023. It was an incredible experience. So many people believed in me, and the support from my IRL club, Crewe Clarion Wheelers, was amazing. 

What is your favourite food to eat post race? I have invented a ‘recovery sandwich’. It is made on wholemeal bread with mature cheddar, peanut butter, marmite, salad, and beetroot . It is a great savoury hit (which I usually crave after a long race) and has a good amount of protein.

What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? Just go for it! Have fun pushing yourself at your level and don’t get any preconceived ideas about who can race.

Notable Zwift Events for the Weekend of April 6-7

Eric Schlange
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0
Notable Zwift Events for the Weekend of April 6-7

This weekend’s picks are a delightful mix of long rides, fresh races, and fun social rides. Choose your fun!

🥇 Zwift Epic Races – Paris Roubaix Femmes Avec Zwift

✅ Endurance Challenge

Looking for a long race this weekend? The just-announced Epic Races give you two options: the “standard” race which is 3 laps of France’s R.G.V. (72.7km, 399m), or the “long” race which is 1 lap of France Classic Fondo (145.9km, 1099m). Events happen at the top of every hour over the weekend, alternating between standard and long races.

See our guide for these Epic races >

Multiple time slots all weekend
See upcoming events zwift.com/events/tag/prfa

🤝 Stage 4 | The Zwift Big Spin 2024

✅ Beginner Friendly　✅ Unique Unlocks

The Zwift Big Spin series is wrapping up this weekend (although we’ll have 2 weeks of makeup events to follow) so if you want to knock out stage 4, now is a great time to do it!

Read all about The Zwift Big Spin >

We’re in France for Stage 4. Insider tip: Stage 4’s shorter routes cover 2 laps in each event, meaning you get 2 prize spins!

Multiple timeslots all weekend
See upcoming events at zwift.com/the-zwift-big-spin

🥇 Rhino Racing Short Crits on Glasgow Reverse

✅ New Route 　✅ Unique Event

The new Glasgow Reverse route is being used for the ZRL finals, and racers who want to recon the course are invited to join the Rhino Racing Short Crits events this Saturday. There are five time slots, so they’re accessible to everyone!

Multiple time slots on Saturday
See upcoming Rhino Racing crits at zwift.com/events/tag/rhinocrits

🤝 Vikings Valhalla Sunday Skaal ride

✅ Endurance Challenge 　✅ Beginner-Friendly　✅ Unique Event

We’ve featured this event several times in the past, as it’s always well-attended, well-led, and offers two pace options. Experienced leaders and sweepers do their best to keep the groups together with the help of doubledraft and a zapping fence, so everyone can work together to knock out a long ride!

This week category C will ride at 2.3-2.7 W/kg on Sugar Cookie for 106km, or choose category D for a 1.7-2.2 W/kg pace on 1 lap of The Mega Pretzel (111km).

Sunday, April 7th @ 7:05am UTC/3:05am EDT/12:05am PDT
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/4319136

🥇 Tiny Races: Tour de Worlds

✅ Unique Event　✅ Popular Event　✅ Kit Unlock

This week’s Tiny Races will take you on a chronological tour of Zwift’s World Championship courses: Richmond, Innsbruck, Yorkshire, and Scotland.

Remember: Tiny Races are actually a set of four races, each lasting 15 minutes or less, so you can knock out all four for a splendid 1-hour session.

3 Time Slots Each Saturday
See details at zwiftinsider.com/tiny

How We Make Our Picks

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!

Zwift Women’s Racing Series #4 Announced

Eric Schlange
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12
Zwift Women’s Racing Series #4 Announced

Zwift Women’s Racing Series #4 Announced

After a long hiatus, the Zwift Women’s Racing Series is returning, and the next round of 8 races has just been announced.

This is an 8-week series featuring different types of races: two individual time trials, three scratch (first over the line) races, and three points races. Riders accumulate points based on their weekly performance, and it all begins on Tuesday, April 30th! See all the details below…

Event Schedule

Races happen on Tuesdays (Wednesdays in Australia/New Zealand) in four different timeslots:

  • 8:30am UTC/4:30am EDT/1:30am PDT
  • 5:30pm UTC/1:30pm EDT/10:30am PDT
  • 10:30pm UTC/6:30pm EDT/3:30pm PDT
  • Wednesday 1:30am UTC/Tuesday 9:30pm EDT/Tuesday 6:30pm PDT

New for this round, there is also one timeslot each Saturday at 2:30pm UTC/10:30am EDT/7:30am PDT.

Browse upcoming events in the series at zwift.com/events/tag/zwiftwomen >

Route Details for Series #4

Here are the routes and dates for each race of series #4. Note: be sure to read the event description when signing up for details on points race segments, etc.

Points Scoring and Series Competition

This is a points series where your best result each week earns you a certain number of points. Your best 6 weekly results will then be used for the overall ranking, which means you can miss two weeks or perhaps have an off week or two but still be competitive in the overall rankings.

Final results for each race can be found on ZwiftPower, and the overall series rankings can be found under Leagues>Zwift Women’s Racing Series.

Rules

This series uses Category Enforcement to keep racing fair.

If you upgrade mid-series, your points cannot be transferred to your new category. If you think it is likely that you will upgrade during this series, we recommend entering all races at the higher category.

These races are open to all women, but for your results to count, you must be wearing a heart rate monitor and using either a smart trainer or power meter. zPower riders will not be allowed to join these events.

First-Timers

Never raced before on Zwift? This is a great place to start! Here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Sign up for ZwiftPower so you’ll be included in the final results
  2. Read How to Race on Zwift (Setup, Strategy, and More)
  3. Have fun! Just sign up and give it your best. You’ll get a great workout in with a bunch of amazing ladies!

Join the Club

This series is housed under the Zwift Ladies Only (ZLO) Club. You can join it here for easy access to these and other ladies-only events. I also recommend joining it on Facebook as that’s where most of the discussion happens.

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

Epic Races Announced for Paris Roubaix Weekend

Eric Schlange
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7
Epic Races Announced for Paris Roubaix Weekend

Epic Races Announced for Paris Roubaix Weekend

This weekend is a favorite in many cycling fans’ calendars as the world’s top riders are racing The Hell of the North – Paris Roubaix! With its challenging cobblestone sectors, rabid fans, and storied history, this attritional race is one not to miss.

Zwift is the title sponsor of Saturday’s women’s race, officially titled “Paris Roubaix Femmes Avec Zwift”, and has spun up some epic long races for the weekend to honor the event.

See upcoming Epic Race events at zwift.com/events/tag/prfaz >

Events begin at the top of the hour every hour, Saturday and Sunday, April 6-7.

Each hour alternates between a “standard” race and a “long” race:

Standard Race: 3 laps of France’s R.G.V.

Length: 72.7km (45.1 miles) // Elevation: 399m (1309′)

Long Race: 1 lap of France Classic Fondo

Length: 145.9km (90.6 miles) // Elevation: 1099m (3605′)

More Race Details

These races use category enforcement, so you can only sign up to a category that matches your power numbers, or a higher category if you choose.

For these races, all riders are leaving the start pens together. That means you will start off riding with riders from all categories. Be sure to pace yourself and don’t blow up early trying to hang with stronger riders!

Tiny Race Series – April 6 Routes and Last Week’s Results

Eric Schlange
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0
Tiny Race Series – April 6 Routes and Last Week’s Results

Tiny Race Series – April 6 Routes and Last Week’s Results

See zwiftinsider.com/tiny for current Tiny Race details.

Zwift Update Version 1.62 (128160) Released

Eric Schlange
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145
Zwift Update Version 1.62 (128160) Released

Zwift version 1.62 begins its phased rollout today. It’s a minor game update, but does include a new level 100 unlock (confetti socks!) and a note from Zwift about upcoming XP system changes. See details below…

Confetti Socks!

When Zwift revamped rider levels in December 2023, they promised a second prize for level 100 riders. This week’s update delivers that prize: confetti socks!

Level 100 riders who are wearing confetti socks have a special ability: their Ride Ons are confetti-filled and include a +2XP bonus! That is, when you receive a Ride On from a confetti sock sporting rider, you’ll see confetti on your screen, and get a small XP boost.

You’ll also unlock the “Party On!” badge the first time you get a Ride On from a level 100 Zwifter. This badge is worth an additional 50XP:

Here’s what it looks like when our bot gives a Ride On bomb to the five closest riders:

The confetti is only visible to the rider who gives the level 100 Ride On, as well as the rider who receives it.

Like the fire socks, confetti socks can be put on or taken off via your garage:

Zwifters who have already reached level 100 (impressive!) will see confetti socks unlock the first time they sign into Zwift version 1.62.

XP Changes (Now and Upcoming)

This week’s update includes some changes to Zwift’s XP system, but there are much bigger changes coming soon. Zwift says, “We’ve heard your feedback that the new 100-level system (along with bonus XP from ride streaks) makes leveling-up much more achievable and engaging than it was in the past, but that there’s a desire to make leveling-up more challenging and prestigious, especially for higher levels.”

In this week’s update, weekly ride streak XP bonuses are now only granted for the first ride of each week, instead of the first two. Also, XP details (your current cycling level and XP remaining until the next level) are now shown in the Ride Report:

Zwift says the 100-level system will be revised in May. We don’t have all the details, but Zwift shared the following:

  • The XP required to reach maximum Level 100 will increase from the current 591,000 XP to 1,000,000 XP.
  • Leveling-up will still be faster than the previous 60-level system, helping to make progression feel more attainable.
  • You will not lose any levels or progress when moving to the revised system. Whatever your current level is, you will keep that same level in the revised system.
  • There will be no change to the amount of XP required to reach your immediate next level. You’ll earn your next level based on the requirements of the previous system and the revised system will take effect after that.
  • There will be no changes to XP requirements for Levels 1-27.
  • The amount of XP required to earn levels will continue to increase proportionally for higher levels as it does with the current system. Compared to the current system, the revised system will have a moderate increase in required XP throughout levels 28-50, a higher increase between levels 50-90, and a further higher increase between levels 90-100.
  • Just as with the previous 100-level system, existing Zwifters will receive “XP discounts” based on their ‘banked XP’ from the previous level system to reach their equivalent new level in the revised system faster. This means that you’ll still get the satisfaction of leveling up, but each level will be faster to earn while you complete the transition to the revised level system.

Read/discuss upcoming XP leveling adjustments on Zwift’s forum >

Fewer Streaks Screens

Zwift continues to fine-tune the experience of their recently introduced Streaks screen. Starting with today’s update, it will only show when you start a new streak, or when your streak increases to a new week.

That means the screen will only pop up once each week, instead of after every activity. Hurray!

Virtual Shifting Sound

Zwifters enjoying the glory of virtual shifting will now hear a slight sound effect whenever they shift. Want to hear it? Click below, and listen closely…

Bug Fix: Apple TV Logouts

For Apple TV users, Zwift says this update, “Fixed an issue that could potentially cause users to be logged out or reset their game settings after an update.” Zwifters were complaining that Zwift would inconsistently lose their login status or settings when an update was installed, forcing them to re-log in and set up settings, which feels like more hassle than it already is when you have to use the Apple TV remote to do it!

Today’s update should stop this from happening.

More Release Notes

Zwift provided notes on additional tweaks and bug fixes in this update:

  • Improved the look of tiles on the edges of the home screen.
  • Added missing workout localization to the HUD and Workout dashboard in the Zwift game.
  • macOS: Fixed an issue that could cause a yellow line to appear across the roadway when using 2015 (and earlier) Mac devices.

Discuss this release on Zwift’s forum >

Questions or Comments?

If you spotted any other changes or bugs in the update, please comment below!

Top 5 Zwift Videos: Zwift Graphics, Zwifty News, and Chasing 6 w/kg

Oli Chi
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0
Top 5 Zwift Videos: Zwift Graphics, Zwifty News, and Chasing 6 w/kg

Riders have debated the quality of Zwift’s graphics and user experience since the platform’s early days. In this week’s top video, a professional game designer puts Zwift to the test and shares his thoughts on the platform’s first time user experience.

We’ve also selected a video with a recap of the latest Zwifty news, a rider’s journey to climb the Alpe du Zwift at 6 w/kg, a review of the FTP Builder plan, and of course… more Zwift racing!

Professional Game Designer Plays Zwift for the First Time!

Some people love Zwift’s graphics. Others… not so much. Adam Russell, who has been a professional game designer for the past 14 years, shares his thoughts on Zwift’s first-time user experience.

ZWIFT Game Updates v1.60 & v1.61: New RideOn Bomb Animations // Zwift Big Spin // Web Race Results

Get a quick recap of the latest news on Zwift including information on game versions 1.60 and 1.61, the Ride On Bomb Animations, The Big Spin, and Web Race Results.

Alpe Du Zwift – Chasing 6W/kg – Ep.1 Is Bench Press The Secret?

The Alpe Ape is hard at working chasing 6 w/kg up the iconic Alpe du Zwift. As he journeys toward this incredible amount of power, he is documenting his progress and the things he is doing to reach this goal.

Zwift FTP Builder Reviewed: How Many Watts Gained in 12 Weeks?

Over the past 12 weeks, Team Saunders Tri on YouTube has been following the FTP Builder plan on Zwift. Was it worth their time? How many watts did they gain? Learn all about it in this video.

Sometimes I’m Just Getting SMACKED!!! (Zwift race)

Norwegian Watts attempts another Zwift race as he continues his journey to improve his fitness.

Got a Great Zwift Video?

Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!

Wear Your Goggles for April Fools’ Day 2024 on Zwift

Eric Schlange
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17
Wear Your Goggles for April Fools’ Day 2024 on Zwift

Wear Your Goggles for April Fools’ Day 2024 on Zwift

This is our 10th April Fools’ Day on Zwift, and each year ZHQ has come up with something fun for the community. For the last two years we had special April Fools’ Day events, and in 2021 we were big wheeling. In 2020 we were transported to 1989, and in 2019 we were burning rubber. The year before that it was Paperboy. In 2017 we had big heads, 2016 gave us the old-timey effect, and in 2015 we rode big wheels on Jarvis.

This year Zwift has a new surprise – VR goggles. Ha!

Removing Your Goggles

Not interested in being silly? Visit your garage and choose the no headgear option, and the VR goggles will go away.

Your Thoughts

Share below!

Woman Racer Spotlight: Kate “KJ” Phillips

FemmeCycle Collab
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Woman Racer Spotlight: Kate “KJ” Phillips

Woman Racer Spotlight: Kate “KJ” Phillips

Name: Kate “KJ” Phillips 

Hometown: Washington, DC 

How did you get into cycling? I’ve been on a bike for as long as I can remember… As kids, my friends and I rode all over town, we were feral kids; no cell phones, no trackers…we just roamed, and nobody got in trouble or hurt bad enough not to ride home…Scrapes/bruises/cuts were not an issue for us. In my teens, I worked for myself as a court/legal messenger, doing all of the work via my bike until I got a car. Raced BMX as a kiddo (when I mowed lawns to cover the race entry fees), I did MTB stuff (non-racing) and Sprint/Olympic Triathlons in my 30’s, and now I’m racing on Zwift, Road/Gravel, and CX in my 50s.

How many years have you been racing on Zwift? I am in my 3rd year. Started in D’s (was 10 mins off the back), currently in C’s, and maybe I will hit B’s next season

Are you part of a Virtual team? Yes, I race for The Coalition. 

What do you love most about racing? I love being invited to compete with other women and making friends with those I race with and against. 

What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? Points races suit me… I am a sprinter, so I get to ‘do my thing’ in those races. 

What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? I have only done ZRL, but I am open to trying others in the coming year. I think I have held myself back from trying new series from a lack of confidence (something we all struggle with). Until the end of ZRL ’22/’23, that had been a real challenge for me.

What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? I remember the last race of ZRL last year, going up the Breakaway Brae I was in about 20th. At that turn to the left, I went all out and dug deep within myself to catch the front. (At this time, I was a D racer by ZPower but I raced all season in C’s because I wanted to learn and challenge myself.) Well, I caught up to the leaders and only missed taking the top of the podium by hundredths of a second! I was super proud of that effort, and in the end, I finally got promoted to C, LOL! It was a big deal for me because I used to be the “big girl” in the back of the race, working the hardest just to finish… and now I was charging up the hill with the leaders. It was a turning point for my racing, both indoors and out! I had a great road/gravel season in ’23. 

What is your favourite food to eat post race? CARBS!!! Pizza, tacos, cookies, cake, and all the other things on the ‘naughty’ list! 

What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? My advice is try a race, forget worrying about ‘what ifs’ or negative self-talk, and once you enter it, finish it. The performances of others don’t matter; YOURS does. Don’t compare yourself to others, meet cycling where YOU are at… and above all, have fun with it. At the end of it all, CHEER for those who do well (send nice notes in the Companion App, or write a race report on Strava that includes others, your competitors, in it), and cheer for those in the back, too… they are the folks who worked hardest and longest in the race. There are victories to be had everywhere through the effort, on the front, in the middle, and in the back…embrace that, and you will have a winning spirit that transcends your placement in the race.

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