The massive Zwift Games race festival is underway, and this weekend is the big Climb stage! A/B riders will be taking on Road to Sky (including Alpe du Zwift!), while C/D riders will be on the new Mountain Mash route. Bring your climbing legs!
The first-ever Zwift Big Spin series has launched, and Zwifters are loving these groups rides as a fun way to spin together and unlock some new prizes including the Atomic Cruiser and (soon to be fixed) Tri Spoke wheel.
We’re still on Stage 1 this weekend, which means you have a choice between two routes: Country to Coastal (longer A group) or Suki’s Playground (shorter, B group). Which ever ride you choose, you’ll get the prize spinner at the end!
Chasing Tour 2024 has begun, and the first monument of the season is on Saturday! Chasing Sanremo will have Zwifters taking on one lap (69.9km) of Watopia’s Big Foot Hills.
To join the race you’ll need to register at chasingtour.com – the website will provide you with the private racepass links to the events once you’re signed up. Four timeslots to choose from on Saturday: 10:30, 13:00, 18:30, and 1:00 (Sunday) UTC.
Another race event in honor of the IRL Milan-Sanremo race happening this weekend! PETA-Z’s event is held on The Big Ring with a 135.4km length for A/B and 86.5km for C/D. Double drafting is enabled, which will help keep groups together.
This popular weekly ride has three different categories, each with its own pace. There’s also a Discord server, and a zapping fence the leader can use to keep things together.
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 Companion App Device Pairing Tips from Zwiftalizer’s Mike Hanney
One of Zwift’s unique features is the Companion app designed to run alongside the game and enhance the experience. While many Zwifters use it when they aren’t zwifting (to find events, chat with Club members, etc), it’s also commonly used while zwifting to interact with the game and chat with others.
Depending on your Companion device and Zwifting setup, though, the app’s connection to your active Zwift session may not be stable. This is annoying at the best of times, and race-ending if you’re pairing your devices through Companion!
Then just a couple of weeks ago, our friend Mike Hanney at Zwiftalizer posted a helpful video with a few more tips that are definitely worth sharing. Watch it below, or scroll down for a summary:
Router Settings
Turn off 2.4 GHz
Set up media prioritization (aka “Quality of Service” or “Packing Shaping”)
Get all your neighbors to turn of 2.4 GHZ as well 😂
Phone Settings
Turn off Cellular Data for Companion App and/or disable Wi-Fi Assist on your phone overall
Turn on Device Connection in Companion Settings
Using Zwiftalizer To Troubleshoot Connections
Mike explains how to use Zwiftalizer‘s Connection Attempts chart to determine where in the signal chain your Companion app connection is getting dropped.
Pairing Devices In the Right Order
Zwift’s pairing screen behaves a bit oddly if you’re pairing multiple power sources (for example, a smart trainer and power meter pedals). Mike explains how to pair things up in this situation.
Companion App’s Bluetooth Dropout Device Indicator
If you’re connecting via Companion and have a dropout, the Companion app can tell you which device has dropped out. This information isn’t available anywhere else in Zwift, oddly enough, so Mike explains how to find it.
He also points you to the Trackit app, which can be used to get your signal strength from all your devices.
UPDATE: Zwift released a game update which significantly increased the performance of these wheels. The numbers below are not accurate for Zwift version 1.61+.
The new Zwift Big Spin series has just kicked off, and many riders are joining the events in hopes of spinning and winning limited-time novelty unlocks. One of the most popular is the “Zwift Tri Spoke // Disc Wheel”. It’s an eye-catching wheelset and the first tri spoke in game, so many Zwifters are riding extra Big Spin events just for these wheels!
The new wheelset is rated 3 stars for aero and 1 for weight. But Zwift’s star ratings aren’t precise enough to communicate actual in-game performance in a useful way, so we ran the wheels through our battery of speed tests.
Here’s everything you need to know about the performance of the new Tri Spoke // Disc Wheel in Zwift.
Aero (Flat/Rolling) Performance
Tri spoke + disc wheels are commonly seen on TT setups because they’re fast. So we expected Zwift’s new Tri Spoke to be pretty zippy on the flats.
But it’s not. Far from it, in fact.
The wheels turn in a test time of 53:43 on our test course, which is two laps of Tempus Fugit totaling 34.6km. That makes them over 2 minutes slower than the former slowest wheels in game (the “Zwift Classic”). and 3 minutes and 18 seconds slower than the fastest wheels in game (the DT Swiss ARC 62 Dicut Disc).
Or, to put it another way: the Zwift Aero frame with these wheels turns in almost the same time on our flat test as a gravel bike and wheels.
Climb Performance
Given the Tri Spoke’s 1-star weight rating and terrible flat performance, we didn’t expect great things on our Alpe test. We got what we expected.
The Tri Spoke // Disc Wheel turns in an Alpe climb time of 51:40.5, which is 2 minutes and 12.5 seconds slower than our baseline (the Zwift 32mm Carbon wheels) and 2:26.5 slower than the best climbing wheels (the Lightweight Meilenstein and Roval Alpinist CLX.)
Note: all test results above are from a 75kg, 183cm rider holding 300W steady using the Zwift Aero frame.
Conclusions
We didn’t expect the Tri Spoke to be the fastest wheelset in game (Zwift-branded garage items are never top performers), but given how aero tri spoke + disc combos are IRL, we thought it would hold at least its own against other wheelsets. But that’s not at all the case.
Guessing that the dismal performance of these wheels was due to a configuration error on Zwift’s side, we asked Zwift if that was the case. And they said yes! The rear wheel has the wrong Crr setting, and this will be updated in the next Zwift update (which should release next week, March 19th, if they stick to their current schedule).
Until then, we’ll be duly impressed by anyone who can win a race on these wheels. Comment below if you’re brave enough to try!
Questions or Comments?
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.
How the Race Was Lost: Going Coastal w/Erik Lee (Again)
In case you aren’t closely following my riveting tales of Zwift racing, I raced Watopia’s newish Going Coastal route for the first time recently in a massive event with over 500 riders of all categories (read how that went here). It was also my first time going head-to-head with Youtuber Erik Lee (Don’t Get Dropped Cycling), and he came out the victor.
Several days later, looking for a race in my available timeslot, I decided to hop into another event on this same route. But this one would be altogether different! There was a much smaller crowd (around 40 B riders), and without category enforcement in place, which meant we might have some high-powered sandbaggers to keep it interesting.
Part 1: The Start
The race began with 43 B riders, and our pace stayed very steady through this first section, which I say ends in the Fuego Flats oasis at the 5.3km mark. Just how steady was the effort? We started with 43 riders, and hit the end of this section with 42! An easy pace with nearly zero attrition.
Averages for this section: 42.6 kph, 266W
Averages for this section in my L’Etape Race: 45.5 kph, 303W
Best of all, just after the race began I noticed Erik Lee was also in the race. This was becoming our timeslot! It was time for a rematch.
Part 2: The “Easy” Middle
In my L’Etape race, this next section was the easiest. Not so today! Our effort out of the Oasis stayed high thanks at least in part to some sus riders attacking, including one “M. Axisa” and a “Mora” whose zFTP according to Sauce was 375W! (Unsurprisingly, neither was signed up for ZwiftPower…)
But that’s what you get when your race doesn’t use category enforcement.
Carl Dyson was in the mix on the front as well, and I know he’s a strong and smart B. So I kept my eye on his moves.
Averages for this section: 45.3 kph, 283W
Averages for this section in my L’Etape Race: 46 kph, 278W
Part 3: The Tough Finish
The final half of this course is where the real work happens. You leave the nearly pan-flat desert and hit the Southern Coast’s rolling road which is tailor-made for intermittent attacks, and that’s exactly what happens.
Some big attacks came heading into the sandy Woodland Sprint, and our front pack of 36 broke up into a few groups. I was in the first chase pack with Erik Lee (who was clearly marking me… or was I marking him?) and eventually we got dropped by a strong group off the front of Axisa + 4 legit B riders (these 4 were some of the strongest in the race – they would finish 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th overall). The pack behind caught us, and now it was 24 chasing 4.
I was feeling the chase effort, so I decided to gamble and play the numbers game, sitting in the wheels in hopes that we’d reel in the breakaway. And it worked! With 3.5km to go, it all came back together. Then as we hit that magic 2.5km mark, the pace eased palpably.
Everyone was taking a breath and preparing for the final push. It felt almost comically slow as we twisted down the short descent at 1.7km. One rider (Akparaov) pushed off the front in a halfhearted breakaway effort. I sat on his wheel in the draft, and Erik Lee was right there with me, both of us steering into the optimal line.
Akparov was pulling us at 5-6 W/kg, but we were easily sitting in at 3 W/kg. (Great work by Akparov if you’re a domestique, but if you’re trying to win the race, it’s not a winning strategy.) I kicked for a few seconds in a fake attack to see if I could get anyone to go early and provide me a sprint leadout, but no such luck.
Now it was just a matter of timing and power. The Sasquatch Sprint Reverse is one where I’m familiar with the layout, but not familiar enough with how to time things. Where do you trigger a 15s powerup, for example?
I kept myself near the front of the group but out of the wind as we began the quick descent toward Harry’s and the sprint start line, then I activated my aero powerup (too early, it turns out) as I saw other powerups fly and riders accelerate. We all began to hammer as the road tilted upward with 300m to go…
My legs felt strong, and I stayed seated, hammering out 850W+ for the final 15s of the sprint. On my screen I could see it was going to be close – there were four of us within a bike length of each other across the line!
Alas, I was the 4th.
But Erik was 10th!
Averages for this section: 44.9 kph, 333W
Averages for this section in my L’Etape Race: 47.7 kph, 317W
It’s been a while since I raced a B event that wasn’t category enforced. Always a bit of a Wild West experience! I’ve found I have the best experience when I go into these races expecting some sandbaggers and knowing that keeping up with them will make me push extra hard. (There’s nothing you can do to stop them, so if you’re going to race the event you might as well embrace it, right?)
That strategy worked today. The strong riders kept it spicy (look at my average power on that final Southern Coast road section!), but not so spicy that it blew apart the race. Medium spicy.
Often, larger group sizes on Zwift lead to harder races. Why is this? Because a larger group means a higher probability of strong riders. So I was expecting today’s race to be significantly easier than the massive L’Etape event.
It definitely was not.
As always: the racers make the race. A smaller pack can make for a very challenging and strategic race, if they’re willing. And that’s what happened in today’s race.
My big mistake in this race was powerup timing. I activated my aero about 5s too early, and it’s possible that cost me a podium spot in the end. Next time I’ll remember: activate the aero right as the road tilts upward at 1%.
Still, I’m happy with the overall result. It brought my battle with Erik to an even 1-1, and also earned me a small points upgrade in ZwiftPower! Better than a kick in the pants.
The new Zwift Big Spin series has just kicked off, and many riders are joining the events in hopes of spinning and winning novelty unlocks like the tri-spoke wheel and orange headphones.
Chief among the Big Spin unlocks, though, is the “Zwift Atomic Cruiser” – a tribute to “futuristic” mid-century bikes like the Spacelander. To be clear: there’s no way to purchase this bike. The only way to unlock it is to finish a Zwift Big Spin event and have the prize spinner land on the bike space, which is the lowest probability prize on the spinner.
Here’s how it is described in Zwift’s Drop Shop:
“Look up ‘joyride’ in the dictionary, and you’ll find a picture of The Atomic Cruiser – the first Grand Prize of The Big Spin. Stylish at any speed, this blast from the past is a classic speedster.”
This frame is rated 2 stars for aero and 2 for weight. But Zwift’s star ratings aren’t precise enough to communicate actual performance in game in a useful way, so we ran the Atomic Cruiser through our battery of speed tests.
Here’s everything you need to know about the performance of the new Zwift Atomic Cruiser frame in Zwift.
Aero (Flat/Rolling) Performance
The Atomic Cruiser may look like a super-aero rocketship, but unfortunately… it’s not.
Its test time of 51:43 means it is slower than every other road frame in game, apart from the mighty Buffalo Fahrrad. It is 21 seconds slower than our “baseline” Zwift Aero frame and 29 seconds slower than the fastest frames in game on our test course, which is two laps of Tempus Fugit, totaling 34.6km.
Climb Performance
Clearly, Zwift’s Atomic Cruiser is not a lightweight frame. We think Zwift was pretty generous in making the frame as light as they did, considering it looks like it should weigh more than any other frame in game!
The Atomic Cruiser turns in an Alpe climb time of 50:07, which is 39 seconds slower than our Zwift Aero baseline and 77 seconds slower than the best climbing road frame in game – the Specialized Aethos. Once again, it is slower than every other road frame in game, other than the Buffalo Fahrrad.
Note: all test results above are from a 75kg, 183cm rider holding 300W steady using Zwift’s stock 32mm carbon wheelset.
Conclusions
It’s probably best to think of Zwift’s Atomic Cruiser in game like you’d think of having this same bike IRL. It’s a novelty frame that will grab eyes and stir up nostalgia, but you don’t want to ride it if you’re looking for speedy performance.
So pull it out of your garage on recovery days, enjoy a cruise, and don’t forget to smile.
Questions or Comments?
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.
In a sport where wins are determined by fractions of a second, every little gain can make a difference. In this week’s top Zwift video, learn about whether you are choosing the right bike!
We’ve also selected a training update video, a long-term review of the KICKR Bike Shift, and a Zwift race commentary/analysis video.
Are You Using The Wrong Bike In Zwift Races?
One of the really unique aspects of Zwift is that your in-game bike choice affects your speed. David from the Zwift Analysis Network provides an in-depth look into how you should actually decide which bike to use on Zwift.
New FTP AGAIN – 2 Month Training Progress Zwift Ramp Test
After two months of training, Henry Chung does another FTP test to see where his fitness is at. Watch as he tackles a ramp test on Zwift.
Wahoo KICKR Bike Shift: 6 Months Later
After nearly 6 months with the Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift, Tariq Ali from Smart Bike Trainers provides a long-term review of the smart bike.
Finally A Week With No Sickness! Back To Regular Zwift Riding
After being off the bike for a while, Matt is back on Zwift! Watch as he updates viewers with his latest week of training.
Riding the Zwift Bus! 🚌 // Zwift Games Stage 1 (B)
The Zwift Games are underway, and Brendan, a young content creator who raced in the first sprint stage provides commentary and analysis of his race.
Got a Great Zwift Video?
Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!
Kathrin Fuhrer Makes It Two In A Row, Winning the Zwift Games Women’s Epic Race
The Zwift Games Epic Championship took place over the weekend, with the men and women taking on the same tough long course. Below you’ll find Zwift’s complete press release on the women’s event (read the men’s here).
For the second week in a row, the world’s best Zwifters lined up on the start line, this time for the Zwift Games Women’s Epic Race. On a brand new course specially built for the Zwift Games, the racers took on over 80 kilometres with over 800 metres of climbing. Two primes at the top of Titans Grove, with $1,000 on offer on top of the $7,000 for first place laid the foundations for action-filled racing.
The first meaningful split came just over 20 minutes into the race, 1 kilometre from the first prime. Maria Holdcroft reached over 10 watts per kilo as she crossed the line first. Commentator Hannah Walker’s tongue in cheek comment “$1,000 in the pocket, thanks for coming”, ended up holding some truth as that was the last we saw of the rider in the front group.
There were a number of attacks over the next hour of racing. Emma Belforth and Kristen Kulchinsky tested their legs, and their competitors, but it would be late on in the race until the big names went head to head.
UCI WorldTour Pros from Fenix-Deceuninck Carina Schrempf and Olha Kulynych featured in the front group but felt the increased pace as they dropped from the front group as the second prime approached. Kulchinsky, with her trademark out-of-the-saddle style, made winning the final prime look easy.
As the riders hit the final ascent of the QOM the attritional race meant there were only just over 15 riders left in the lead group.
Lou Bates attacked at over 9 w/kg as the climb reached its steepest gradients, Gabriela Guerra matched her pedal stroke for pedal stroke, Kulchinsky sat in third wheel refusing to be distanced by the lead two. With 500 metres to go, Fuhrer, resplendent in the Gold Leaders Jersey, riding the Gold Concept Z1, passed Kulchinsky, then Guerra, then dropped her featherweight powerup. Bates dropped hers in reply but couldn’t match her power. Fuhrer hit peak power just as she came out of Bates’ draft. Two wins from two from the Swiss rider.
The question is, can she make it three?
Tune in next week for the Zwift Games Climb Championships and to find out who wins the Wahoo Overall Championships.
Neal Fryett Wins the Men’s Epic Championship at the Zwift Games
The Zwift Games Epic Championship took place over the weekend, with the men and women taking on the same tough long course. Below you’ll find Zwift’s complete press release on the men’s event (read the women’s here).
The Men’s Epic Championship at the Zwift Games lived up to its name, featuring the world’s elite Zwifters battling fiercely on an arduous 81.5km course. Attacks came relentlessly as racers chased the two $1000 Primes over Titans Grove and Titans Grove Reverse, all while regrouping for a fiercely contested finale. The ultimate prize awaited the winner: $7,000 and a coveted Gold Concept Z1 bike.
How it Unfolded
The race ignited with ferocity as riders surged from the starting line, the peloton immediately propelled to speeds exceeding 50km/h on the flat terrain. Thomas Perren made an early push, quickly countered by the pack’s swift response, setting the tone for a thrilling contest. Sébastien Havot surged ahead, joined by Riccardo Panizza in a bid for the initial $1000 Prime. With relentless determination, they built an 11-second lead, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. Havot’s explosive sprint at 14w/kg secured the first Prime over Titans Grove, igniting the race’s fiery tempo.
As the peloton pushed hard, strategies unfolded amidst the chaos. Draft power-ups were deployed as the pack splintered, with 84 riders forming a formidable lead group. Amidst the frenetic pace, Michał Kamiński, the current GC leader, maintained a watchful eye from the safety of the pack. Throughout the race, aggression became the norm, with breakaways attempting to fracture the peloton’s unity. Each attack was swiftly countered, ensuring a relentless pursuit. Even on the challenging dirt section, where the pace momentarily dipped, the determination remained unyielding which could be seen on riders cameras.
At pivotal moments, riders like Erik Levinsohn and Mickael Plantureux showcased their Zwift prowess, briefly distancing themselves from the pack. However, the pace set by Kamiński ensured no advantage lasted long. The second Prime saw a flurry of attacks, with Jasper Paridaens emerging victorious with a staggering 14.7w/kg effort.
With the lead group whittled down to 35 riders, the race’s intensity only surged. Johan Norén’s late solo effort hinted at victory, yet Teugels and Fryett remained relentless in their pursuit. As the finish line neared, Teugels unleashed a furious sprint, only to be overtaken by Fryett’s explosive acceleration. Dropping his feather power-up with 300 meters to go, Fryett’s 11w/kg effort left Teugels trailing behind, epitomizing Zwift mastery.
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Fryett claimed a sensational victory. The Zwift Games Men’s Epic Championship delivered exhilarating racing, showcasing the unparalleled talent and relentless drive of its participants.
I Raced the Danish National E-Cycling Championships
The Danish Cycling Federation recently hosted the 2024 national e-cycling championships. But this year, besides the elite category, they also let some of us ordinary dad zwifters have our day in the sun.
I couldn’t quite believe it. The commentators and the live audience couldn’t either.
With about ten kilometers to go of the Danish national championship race, I was alone at the front. Pedaling furiously to keep my 20-second gap to the pack. Could this complete nobody surprise the favorites and actually run away with the gold medal?
But before I get ahead of myself, give me a minute to explain how I ended up in this situation…
Out of the Shed and Into the Limelight
You all know the feeling. Go into the shed, basement, bedroom, or wherever you have your Zwift setup. Race your heart out in Scotland, Watopia, or Innsbruck, get off the bike, and hit the showers without ever leaving home.
But have you ever wondered what it would feel like to get on your zwifting bike in a public venue, your opponents panting and grimacing right beside you? To do an official weigh-in before the race? To have commentators and a live audience applauding your brave but ultimately hopeless breakaways?
And to top it off, doing all that with a national championship on the line?
Well, I got to try it – despite being anything but an elite zwifter.
And let me just tell you: I highly recommend the experience.
A Championship for Shed Racers
For those top zwifters who rank highly within their country, doing an in-person event with the prospect of getting an actual championship medal around your neck probably seems feasible. Like a thing that could happen in this version of the universe.
To me – a 41-year-old dude who zwifts in a tiny shed when the kids are asleep – it seemed completely outlandish.
But when I heard that the Danish Cycling Federation had decided to host not just the elite riders at the 2024 national championships, but also set up separate events for the more chronologically enriched people aged 40+ and 50+, I did start to dream. And I signed up faster than you can descend the Radio Tower.
Four Races to Qualify
The whole thing started in January. The Federation had set up a series of four qualifying races, giving riders four chances to gather enough points to grab one of the 16 spots at the live finals event. With bikes and wheels being neutralized, and with 100% trainer difficulty being enforced, you kind of felt that these races were different to your average Zwift event – and with a way bigger carrot at the end. The fact that they were live-streamed with an ex-pro commentating added some extra gold dust.
Of the four qualifiers, the first one seemed to suit me the best. As a relative lightweight, three laps on Spirit Forest and four quasi-ascents of Temple KOM would be a litmus test for my chances to qualify. To my horror, I was pretty much dropped from the front group on the first lap, but somehow managed to claw my way back and stay on to finish in 8th place. Off to a good start!
Let the Dieting Begin
I got similar results in the three remaining races and ended up qualifying as number 10 out of the 16 finalists. Not exactly a strong showing, but with a lot of experienced racers in contention I was basically happy just to get a foot in the door. Now it was time to prepare.
I’ve never been much for structured training, and I must confess that even the prospects of racing in a national championship didn’t make me want to try it out. I know workouts and Zone 2 rides are good for you, but they also bore me out of my skull, and I am here to have fun!
What I was prepared to do, though, was to try and see if I could improve my WKG output by adding a bit of structure to my diet. Or rather, by removing structure from my diet.
I had already cut the late-night snacks, but a friend advised me to also try a so-called low-residue diet in those last days leading up to the event.
This basically means that you cut fibre and salt to drop excess water weight and get rid of those pesky, ehm… residues… that are just creeping about in your guts without adding any power to your pedaling. It also means you save a lot of money on toilet paper.
And I do mean a LOT of money.
…which you can then spend on white bread, white rice, cottage cheese, and other ghostly, colourless substances needed to keep your energy levels up for the big event.
The Final – Finally!
The diet did its job. At the official weigh-in before the race, I was several kilos lighter than I’d ever been on Zwift, but without feeling tired in any way.
So I entered the venue in high spirits. They were lifted even further when I saw the winner of the 50+ age group cross the finish line. That loud, triumphant groan as he outsprinted his last competitor convinced me that even though we might not belong to the elite category, a national championship title is still something special – and you are allowed to take it seriously.
Our event was six laps of Loch Loop. Straight from the gun, one rider took off. Having won silver (scratch) and bronze (iTT) at the 2023 world championships for amateurs in Scotland, we all knew that this guy meant business, even if this was an indoor event.
That’s me in the black headband (credit: Torsten Ahlbeck, Stjær e-Cycling)
He managed to stay away for two full laps, but eventually we caught him, and he duly received a round of applause from the audience.
The next laps were slowish, the pack acting nervous and hesitant. I knew I was generally a giant underdog in this race, but with my sprint being my worst feature, I knew my chances of getting a result would be worse the longer the pack stayed together.
As we approached that final draggy ascent on the fourth lap, I decided to go for it. With 16 km to go, I got out of the saddle and started to push away from the pack. I had hoped to maybe get one other rider with me, but I quickly realized I would have to do this alone.
Build the gap. Try to ration the efforts. Work hard on the uphills, ease off a bit on the downs. Suddenly I felt the crushing heat at the venue. The fan I had brought felt ridiculously underpowered. But when I approached the final draggy climb with a 20-second lead, I could hear the commentators starting to speculate if this heroic feat could actually be carried out.
It quickly became apparent that it could not. Several riders in the pack started to crack open the box of orange numbers. My gap started to come down. 15 seconds. 10 seconds.
By then I had started to ease off, wanting to save energy to follow attacks on the last lap. I took some pride in the audience applauding my effort, but to this day I’m still unsure if I could have gone all the way if I had fought harder.
I didn’t, however, and now I was back in the pack, approaching the finish for the last time. Attacks started coming left and right, several riders wanting to use that final ramp to get away. Although paying a price for my earlier efforts, I was still able to catch up to the leaders and get in the draft for the last 500 meters.
My lack of a sprint meant that I never got in contention for 1st or 2nd, but I did come within inches of snatching the bronze medal. Many people probably loathe 4th place more than anything, but if you had offered me that before the race, I would have taken it without hesitation.
credit: Torsten Ahlbeck, Stjær e-Cycling
Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes at night, my toes still curl up when I consider what might have been. Could I have built a big enough gap if I had gone deep in the red to stay away? Could I have had a gold medal hanging in the shed by now?
I will never know.
But what I do know is that this whole project was such a great experience from start to finish. Besides bringing a whole new sense of purpose to my zwifting, it also had the added bonus of validating my previous Zwift performances. You know that tiny little doubt you sometimes get that your equipment could somehow be overestimating your numbers, or your scale could somehow be underestimating your weight? Gone. Having done an official weigh-in and riding on a smart trainer tested by the cycling federation, I can now let go of those doubts for good.
Which is almost as good as a medal. But let’s be real. Not quite as good as a medal.
As a last shout, I really want to thank the Danish Cycling Federation for putting on this event, and especially for opening it up to us ordinary Zwift racers. I highly recommend having a national cycling federation as cool as the Danish one. If yours is less cool, feel free to send them this article and convince them to up their game.
