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Which bike is fastest on Zwift Scotland’s City and the Sgurr route?

Eric Schlange
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57
Which bike is fastest on Zwift Scotland’s City and the Sgurr route?

Which bike is fastest on Zwift Scotland’s City and the Sgurr route?

Scotland’s City and the Sgurr is a spicy new route that’s just right for hill repeats and tough climbing races. The route takes in both sides of the Sgurr climb; the longer side (Sgurr Summit North) is 1.6km long at 3.7%, while the shorter side (Sgurr Summit South) is 1km at 3.3%.

The climbs are really the focal points of the route. Everything else is just turnarounds and descents!

What makes it really interesting, though, is that the longer climb is mostly gravel. With different types of bikes rolling at different speeds on different surfaces, City and the Sgurr’s mixed-surface design leaves riders asking: which type of bike should I use for this course?

Our Test Bikes

To answer the question, we tested the route using three different frame/wheel combos and a solo rider (75kg) holding steady wattage (300W) with no drafting. Here are the bikes, in order of their performance on a flat, paved road:

  • Tron Bike (Zwift Concept Z1)
  • Specialized Crux + CADEX wheels (gravel bike)
  • Scott Spark RC World Cup (mountain bike)
CADEX Tri + DT Swiss Disc wheels
Venge S-Works + DT Swiss Disc wheels
Tron
Specialized Aethos + Lightweights
Specialized Crux + Rovals
Scott Spark RC World Cup

Results: Sgurr Summit North

This is the main climb on the route, so naturally we were curious how each bike would perform. Not surprisingly, the gravel bike (Crux) beat everyone else, hands-down.

Frame + WheelsetKOM Time
Specialized Crux + Rovals3:55.99
Scott Spark RC World Cup (MTB)4:05.04
Tron4:01.2

Results: Sgurr Summit South

What about the paved side of the climb? Again, the results aren’t surprising – the road bikes won, and aero won the day:

Frame + WheelsetKOM Time
Cadex Tri + DT Swiss Disc2:09
Specialized Venge S-Works + DT Swiss Disc2:11
Specialized Aethos + Lightweight Meilensteins2:12
Tron2:12
Specialized Crux + Rovals2:21
Scott Spark RC World Cup (MTB)2:31

The Venge and its heavy disc wheels edging out the Tron and Aethos may be surprising, but this can be attributed to a few factors:

  1. The climb is short, leaving already closely-matched frames without enough road to pull away from each other
  2. The climb isn’t very steep on this side, so aero abilities still matter
  3. Strava is only precise to the second, so the time difference could just be a rounding error

Results: Full City and Sgurr Course (Not Including Lead-In)

Now the big question: which setup is fastest over one lap of the course?

Frame + WheelsetTime
Cadex Tri + DT Swiss Disc10:29
Specialized Crux + Rovals10:37
Specialized Venge S-Works + DT Swiss Disc10:43
Tron10:43
Specialized Aethos + Lightweight Meilensteins10:49
Scott Spark RC World Cup (MTB)11:11

Why did the Cadex Tri win? Because TT bikes on Zwift are much more aero than other frames. But in a race with drafting, a TT frame definitely isn’t your best choice.

In a drafting race, the Crux wins. Why? Do the math. The route is only 5.9km long, and that includes going up and down the 1.6km gravel climb. That’s ~3.2km of gravel, which means more than half the route is gravel.

If you include the lead-in, the gravel percentage actually increases to ~55% of the course. And in fact, if you include the lead-in, the Crux beats the Cadex Tri in a TT race by 2 seconds. Truth.

More to Consider

Hopefully, the timings above are a helpful guide when choosing your bike for the City and Sgurr route. But before you go, there are a few more things worth noting:

Watch the Finish

The last bit of the gravel climb is actually paved, so if you’re on a gravel bike racing riders on road bikes, you’ll want to shake them off your wheel before you get to the end.

Last Climb Counts

In a race, riders will generally save what they can and then go all-in on the final climb. That final climb is the gravel side, and you’ll probably want every advantage you can get for your last ascent of the Sgurr.

Power Savings

Based on the Crr numbers, gravel bike power savings is around 2x that of the road bike, when each bike is on its ideal surface.

Example: at 40kph a road bike saves 36W over gravel on pavement. But at that same speed on gravel, a gravel bike saves 66W over a road bike!

Bike Choice Doesn’t Matter (Much)

Don’t stress about using the exact same gravel or road bike setup as I did in my tests. The fastest gravel bike or fastest road bike you have access to will turn in very similar times. The biggest concern is the type of bike (road vs gravel).

Racing Tips: City and the Sgurr on a Gravel Bike

If you opt for a gravel bike on your next City and the Sgurr race, here’s how I would break up the race mentally in order to finish well against other gravel bike riders while dropping the roadies:

  1. Paved Lead-In (0-1.1km): Be ready to go hard for the first kilometer: Zwift race starts are always a bit spicy, but this will be extra hard for you since you’ll be trying to keep up with road bikes on pavement. Sit in the draft, hold a good position, and wait for the gravel before you attack.
  2. First Gravel Climb (1.1-2.6km): keep the pace high, but know that if you go off the front you’ll get pulled back by roadies on the paved descent and climb. Put the hurt on the road bikes if you can, or just maintain a good pack position if you’re struggling.
  3. Paved Descent (2.7-3.7km): normally you’d be recovering on the descent, but you may need to put in a bit of work to stay in the wheels of the road bikes. Try not to let them drop you, as you may never pull them back if they get too far away this early!
  4. Paved Climb (4.1-5.1km): this will be the most challenging part of the ride in terms of maintaining a good place in the peloton, since you’re fighting against advantaged road bikes. Grit your teeth, sit in the wheels, and push hard – you’ll be able to recover on the gravel descent just up the road.
  5. Gravel Descent (5.1-6.7km): probably the easiest part of your race, unless you’re needing to push to bridge across to groups ahead. If you’re in the front group you should be able to almost soft pedal here and get that heart rate down.
  6. Second Gravel Climb (7-8.6km): there’s probably carnage all over the race course, but this final climb is going to be extra brutal. If you’ve survived in the front pack, be sure to drop any roadies before the final paved ~100m to the line, so they don’t outsprint you. Mid-pack or near the back? See how many roadies you can catch before the top. Go for gravel glory!

Question or Comments?

Post below!

UCI Esports Worlds February 18: Start Lists, Where to Watch, Routes + More

Eric Schlange
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28
UCI Esports Worlds February 18: Start Lists, Where to Watch, Routes + More

UCI Esports Worlds February 18: Start Lists, Where to Watch, Routes + More

The third edition of the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships happens on Zwift this Saturday, February 18. This year’s Esports Worlds looks very different from previous years, as riders will be racing on the new Scotland course in an exciting 3-race elimination format: the Zwift Battle Royale.

Where to Watch

Get in on the action is via the live stream on Zwift’s YouTube channel or GCN’s YouTube channel. It will also be available via Eurosport (digital).

The broadcast begins at 6pm UTC (1pm ET/10am PT) on Saturday, February 18.

Start List: Men

Start List: Women

Race/Route Details

For the first time ever, this year’s eSports Worlds won’t be one simple scratch race. Rather, it will be three shorter elimination races, where riders must finish well-placed to progress to the next race.

Everyone will take to the start line for race 1, “The Punch”, but only the top 30 will make it through to race 2, “The Climb”. Finally, the top 10 from race 2 will proceed to race 3, “The Podium”, for a series of knockout laps.

Each race will be separated by a ~10-minute gap.

The UCI is holding almost all of its Worlds competitions during a “super Worlds” this August in Scotland, so Zwift created a new Scotland map for the Esports Worlds. It’s a beautiful course purpose-built for racing, and each of the Esports Worlds races will take place in a different portion of the map:

Race 1 takes place across 1 lap of Scotland’s “Rolling Highlands” route. This rolling, figure-8 route has the key Breakaway Brae punch at the end of the 5.1km lead-in as well as the end of the race.

Powerup details: riders will receive one burrito powerup at the Breakaway Brae banner.

What to watch for: early attacks will fly on the sneaky Castle Corkscrew climb just 2km from the finish, but most of the top finishers will be riders who sat in the wheels and conserved for the final sprint up Breakaway Brae.

The first 30 riders across the line will advance to race 2.

Race 2 is held on Scotland’s “City and the Sgurr” route and features three ascents of the Sgurr climb, with the finish line at the top of the third ascent. Riders will climb the gravelly Sgurr Summit North first, then descend the other side, turn around, and climb the shorter, paved Sgurr Summit South. Then it’s one final descent and turnaround before the last climb up Sgurr Summit North to the line!

Powerup details: riders will receive one anvil powerup early in the ride at Glasgow’s Central Station.

What to watch for: riders will be holding their positions in the pack, waiting for the final ascent. Watch for big attacks on that last climb, especially when the road pitches up extra steep!

The first 10 riders to finish will advance to the final race.

Race 3 takes place on Scotland’s “Glasgow Crit Circuit”, a punchy, twisty city crit course perfect for elimination-style races. The last rider through the Clyde Kicker and Champion’s Sprint banners will be eliminated on each lap, leaving just 3 riders to fight it out for podium positions in the final sprint.

Powerup details: racers will receive a burrito powerup at the Champions Sprint banner each lap.

What to watch for: solo breakaways as the number of riders dwindles. Glasgow Crit Circuit is a great course for breakaways, and a rider who could jump away from 3-5 others who may not be willing or able to work together and pull him/her back.

Fairness

The UCI and Zwift have structured their rules to create fair races for all participants. Riders received a complete set of rules upon qualification, but here are some key things riders and fans may like to know:

  • Zwift’s Esports Rules and Regulations apply to these Esports Worlds events, as well as UCI’s Regulations. The UCI assumes overall responsibility for the governance of the events.
  • Riders have to hold a racing license valid in the relevant country.
  • Riders are required to comply with the UCI’s anti-doping program.
  • All UCI Esports Worlds riders will use the same trainer for the big race: Wahoo’s KICKR v6
  • Trainer Difficulty of 100% will be automatically set for all riders
  • Bikes and wheels will be neutralized in terms of performance, so riders can select any frame or wheelset they’d like (not TT bikes, disc wheels, or “novelty” bikes allowed)
  • All riders must complete a performance verification prior to the race. This can either be a dual-recorded ZADA workout test on Zwift, or data files/Strava links which evidence a rider’s best IRL efforts across several time intervals.
  • Height and weight verification videos are required from all riders.

Prizes

Rainbow Jersey

The winner of the men’s and women’s events will be awarded the UCI Cycling Esports World Champion’s Jersey which includes the famous rainbow stripes:

UCI Cycling Esports Rainbow Jersey

Like other cycling disciplines, winners will earn the right to wear a physical rainbow jersey during the sanctioned esports races and activities they take part in throughout the following year. Winners will also be able to wear a digital version of the UCI Cycling Esports World Champion’s Jersey while on the Zwift platform. 

Prize Money

Prize money will be awarded as follows in both the men’s and women’s races:

1st place: 8,000 euros
2nd place: 4,000 euros
3rd place: 2,000 euros

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

Rapha Rising 3-Day Series Announced February 23-26

Eric Schlange
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40
Rapha Rising 3-Day Series Announced February 23-26

Rapha Rising 3-Day Series Announced February 23-26

Next weekend a Rapha-powered series launches on the biggest climbs in Zwift. Three rides in three days, with 9881′ (3012 meters) of elevation gain. Are you up for it?

Along the way you’ll unlock the Rapha Rising kit, and there’s also a GC competition on ZwiftPower. Expect a big turnout, as last year thousands signed up for each stage!

Categories, General Classification, and More

These events use the standard ZwiftPower categories based on rider FTP:

  • A: 4+ w/kg
  • B: 3.2 w/kg
  • C: 2.5 w/kg
  • D: below 2.5 w/kg

There is also an “E” category for women only.

These are doubledraft events with staggered starts, so categories will not be mixing.

Although these are classified as rides, not races (so no ZwiftPower ranking points) a General Classification has been set up on ZwiftPower to rank riders across all three stages based on the cumulative stage times. Riders who are registered on ZwiftPower will be listed in the overall GC for the series.

See the GC rankings on ZwiftPower >

Stage and Schedule Details

Each stage will be available every two hours across a 36-hour period, with stages overlapping. There will be no makeup rides for the Rapha Rising, so make sure you plan ahead!

STAGE 1:
Climber’s Gambit
Watopia

Thur Feb 23 2am-Fri Feb 24 noon UTC

18.64 miles/30 km
2,300’/701 m
Route Details >

STAGE 2:
Tour of Fire and Ice
Watopia

Fri Feb 24 2am-Sat Feb 25 noon UTC

17.6 miles/28.3 km 
3,809’/1,161 m
Route details >

STAGE 3:
La Reine
France

Sat Feb 25 2am-Sun Feb 26 noon UTC

14.2 miles/22.8 km 
3,875’/1,181 m
Route details >

See all upcoming events at zwift.com/events/series/rapha-rising-2023

Kit Unlock

Riders will progressively unlock the 2022 Rapha Rising kit as they complete each stage:

  • Complete Stage 1: 2022 Rapha Rising socks
  • Complete Stage 2: 2022 Rapha Rising cap
  • Complete Stage 3: 2022 Rapha Rising kit

Note: this is the second year of Rapha Rising, and this year’s unlocks are the same as last year’s.

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

Review: Pedal Mafia’s Tour de Zwift 2023 Kit

Eric Schlange
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13
Review: Pedal Mafia’s Tour de Zwift 2023 Kit

Review: Pedal Mafia’s Tour de Zwift 2023 Kit

As Tour de Zwift 2023 comes to a close, I wanted to test and review this year’s TdZ cycling kit for anyone pondering a purchase. I know there are many people who put in the work to finish all 8 stages so they could unlock the virtual kit, but something really cool about wearing a kit IRL that matches your avatar!

Designed by Zwift and produced by Pedal Mafia, the Tour de Zwift 2023 kit is an eye-catching ensemble for sure. Based on Pedal Mafia’s workhorse “pro” line, it’s a high-quality, pro-level kit that works outdoors and in.

Shop the Pedal Mafia TdZ 2023 kit >

Note: In the interest of full disclosure, Zwift sent me this kit free of charge. Also: sizing can be tricky with cycling kit. I put my actual measurements in the text below where appropriate.

Pedal Mafia Pro TdZ 2023 Bib Shorts

Priced at $199USD, the Tour de Zwift bibs are based on Pedal Mafia’s “pro” bib line, which they describe as their “trusted staple”. In Pedal Mafia’s bib lineup, the pro bibs are only bested by the much more expensive PMCC line.

It’s worth noting that the base color of the bibs is a much darker grey than you’ll see on the virtual kit in Zwift.

Pedal Mafia’s TdZ bibs aren’t indoor-specific, so they don’t include some of the extra-breathable features indoor kits often have like mesh panels and super lightweight strapping. That said, the brace paneling is nicely perforated (Pedal Mafia calls it “pro-ventilated”), even though the straps are not.

As Pedal Mafia states, these bibs are “suitable for all-day wear in all climates & conditions.”

I haven’t been able to run these bibs through the wringer as much as I’d like, given that they’re tied to TdZ and I wanted to get the review out in a timely manner. That said, after several washings and a close examination, they seem to be holding up quite nicely with no fraying or loose ends.

Chamois fit is a very personal thing, but I prefer thinner pads, especially for indoor riding. The TdZ kit’s chamois is neither remarkably thin or thick.

I ordered the medium bibs, and the leg length was longer than many of my large bibs. This isn’t an objectively good or bad thing, of course. It’s more of a stylistic preference unless you’re a person with remarkably short or long legs.

If you look close, you’ll see some nice finishing touches on Pedal Mafia’s pro bibs. Stylish internal labels, a logo on the chamois, seamless straps, extra-wide leg grippers, plus the feel-good factor of 65% recycled nylon composition… these aren’t just basic bibs.

Pedal Mafia Pro TdZ 2023 Jersey

The TdZ jersey, like the bibs, is based on Pedal Mafia’s “pro” line. Priced at $139USD, this is a well-made, nicely-fitting jersey with lots of finishing touches. It’s also got an eye-popping design which, while not being everyone’s cup of tea, will certainly grab drivers’ eyes if you’re riding outdoors!

I ordered the medium jersey based on the numbers I put into Pedal Mafia’s size finder (5′ 11″, 185 pounds, 36-45 years old). Sizing was excellent, with nothing to complain about. I appreciated that the neck opening was slightly larger than many jerseys I’ve worn, giving me plenty of space without feeling like I needed to unzip a bit to breathe.

This isn’t an indoor-specific jersey, so it doesn’t boast the breathability of an all-mesh kit. That said, the sleeves are a lightweight almost-mesh weave, and the main panels of the jersey use a material that wicks nicely, even if it’s not as breathable as a pure mesh material.

Like the bib shorts, I haven’t been able to wear this jersey enough to give it a full long-term durability test over several months and many washes. With that said, the jersey seems very well-made, with stitching reinforced in all the right spots, and no fraying or loose ends seen after several washings.

Lots of finishing touches on this jersey, including a PM-branded waist gripper, a tag with spaces to write your emergency details, and my favorite: that little pouch to cover your zipper when fully zipped.

Pedal Mafia TdZ 2023 Socks

Like most cyclists, I love a good pair of socks. It’s always fun to get a new pair in the mail and take them for a spin!

There are two striking things about Pedal Mafia’s $20USD TdZ socks: the design, and the fit. Design-wise, you’ve got two different-colored socks with completely different graphics on each. This works nicely with the overall kit, although it may not be what you’re looking for if you prefer a more muted look.

In terms of fit, these socks are longer than almost any of the cycling socks I own – and I own a lot!

Two colors, lots of length
Want big calves? Wear tall socks. 🙂

If you’re looking for “pro-length”, these are your socks. They rest quite a bit higher up the leg than most of the socks in my drawer. This isn’t necessarily good or bad – it’s a question of what look and feel you prefer.

These are very lightweight socks, making them great for riding indoors or in warmer weather. They seem to wick sweat nicely and have the thinner feel I prefer in riding socks.

Final Notes

Overall, I’d describe this year’s TdZ kit as being of top-notch quality, with a design that stands out from the crowd. And while I’d like to see more indoor-specific features on some of the kits Zwift sells directly or chooses for their events, I can also see the appeal of choosing a more general-purpose kit that works in a variety of settings.

I should also note that there’s a tech t-shirt (for runners, etc) and towel included in Pedal Mafia’s TdZ line, which I didn’t review.

Shop for your TdZ 2023 kit on Pedal Mafia’s site at pedalmafia.cc/collections/tour-de-zwift. They ship worldwide, and orders over $99 receive free shipping to many popular locations.

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

Notable Zwift Events for the Weekend of February 11-12

Oli Chi
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6
Notable Zwift Events for the Weekend of February 11-12

This week’s notable events include special guest rides, endurance rides, and some fun race series. Two additional events worth noting:

  1. The Zwift Insider Worlds Experiences races begin this weekend
  2. Makeup stages for Tour De Zwift 2023 wrap up this weekend


🤝 Breakfast with The Unicorn p/b AHDR

This endurance group ride is an extremely popular event amongst Zwifters. Throughout the ride there is lots of chatter, making it extremely engaging and fun for riders. Speaking from personal experience, I only expected to do ~30 minutes of the ride, but I ended up completing the ride because of how enthusiastic and engaging the ride leaders were. This ride is much quicker-paced than most endurance rides, with two groups available. Category C is paced at 2.5-3.2 w/kg and category B is paced at 3.2-4.0 w/kg. Leaders and sweepers will be present in the ride.

Riders should expect a very quick pace, with category C likely finishing in less than 2:30, and category B finishing in less than 2:15. The ride takes riders through the R.G.V. course in France. 

Sunday, Feb 12  @ 6:05pm UTC/1:05pm EST/10:05am PST
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/3510460


🤝 MGCC Bagel

The MGCC Bagel ride is a group ride that takes place every Saturday on the roads of Zwift. The ride features a longer route, a quicker-paced group ride, and a sprint in the final 700 meters. There are two different categories available; category C at 2.3-3 w/kg, and category B at 2.5-4 w/kg. The pace will vary based on the terrain, but the general range will be the advertised pace.

MGCC encourages riders to join their Discord to engage with other riders. Both categories will be riding on the same course, 1 lap of Big Foot Hills in Watopia.

Saturday, Feb 11  @ 12pm UTC/7am EST/4am PST
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/3507462


🤝 Ride with Team Jumbo-Visma: City and the Sgurr

As part of the Ride Scotland series that Zwift is putting on in the new Scotland world, special guests from Team Jumbo-Visma will be leading a ride. This week’s ride will be with Maud Oudeman, winner of the 2021 Zwift Academy Road who now races for Jumbo-Visma!

Riders will be riding on the City and Sgurr course in Scotland for 30 minutes. The ride is openly paced, meaning the leaders are not obligated to remain at a certain pace, so don’t get mad when Maud starts hammering up the climb…

Saturday, Feb 12 @ 4pm UTC/11am EST/8am PST
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/3514865


🥇OTR Snap Crackle Pop PunchFest2

If you enjoy the format of the Zwift Insider Tiny Races, you are sure to enjoy these. Instead of the four back-to-back races that the Tiny Races feature, this series has seven back-to-back races! However, the thing that makes these events stand out from others is the neutral start. With these races, there is always a leader who will have the fence enabled, giving the organizers the ability to have a neutral start. The series is also scored on points, which can be obtained on the climb of each race.

This is a one-pen-styled race, meaning all riders join category E. The scoring and course also vary from race to race, so the best way to gather all the details of this race is through the event description.

Special settings: points race

Sunday, Feb 12 @ 4:50pm UTC/11:50am EST/8:50am PST
See all Snap Crackle Pop Events zwift.com/events/tag/snapcracklepop


🤝 Bike MS Winter Training Ride – Super Bowl Volcano Laps

The team at Bike MS is hosting a group ride to help the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In 2022, Bike MS raised over $50 million for the National MS Society, helping work toward a cure for MS while also helping people affected by MS to live their best life. 

Riders will be riding on the Volcano Circuit course in Watopia. The ride is 60 minutes long and is openly paced, so riders are free to go at whatever pace pleases them.

Sunday, Feb 12 @ 1:30pm UTC/8:30am PST/5:30am PST
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/3488620

Your Thoughts

Got other events that stand out this weekend? Share below in the comments!

Wahoo KICKR Race Mode Released

Eric Schlange
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52
Wahoo KICKR Race Mode Released

Wahoo KICKR Race Mode Released

Wahoo released a firmware update on Friday, February 3 to deliver a feature never before seen on Zwift: race mode.

Until now, trainers have generally read power data multiple times per second and then computed a 1-second average of those readings for sending to software like Zwift. Zwift receives more than 1 transmission per second from most trainers, but since the data is averaged to the second, it’s functionally like receiving one transmission per second. A 1Hz power reading.

Wahoo’s new race mode increases that to 10Hz, meaning your power numbers will be read by your KICKR and sent to Zwift up to 10x faster, resulting in a ride that is more responsive to power changes.

Shane, our favorite Aussie lama, explains it all very nicely in this video. (He also runs some of the same tests we would have done, if he hadn’t so nicely done them for us!)

Enabling Race Mode

Race mode is only available for KICKR v6 owners at this time, and it only works if you’re using WiFi or Direct Connect.

To enable race mode, first make sure you’re on the latest firmware. Then just toggle “Race Mode” in your settings:

How it ACTUALLY Works

It’s worth mentioning that Wahoo’s race mode support page explains that enabling race mode means your power number will be updated up to 10 times per second.

“KICKR Race Mode updates power upon each flywheel revolution”, Wahoo says, so as long as your flywheel is spinning at least 10rps, you’ll get the 10Hz power updates. Wahoo says “During a high-speed sprint this can be up to 10 times per second” but a few tests on our end show that it doesn’t even take a high-speed sprint to get your flywheel turning at 10rps+.

A Racing Advantage?

Does race mode provide a competitive advantage? You’d better believe it.

Zwift racers generally agree that it’s hard to follow attacks crisply. Many of us have chalked this up to an inability to see other riders in real time, but it’s also caused by a lag between your power being input and Zwift actually seeing the new numbers.

During steadier efforts, race mode doesn’t feel noticeably different. But reducing that response lag leads to a much more responsive feel when it comes to race jumps and attacks, as Shane mentions above.

The KICKR v6 is on sale for $150 off – Buy Now >

Coming to the KICKR 5

If you’re a KICKR v5 owner, good news: Wahoo tweeted early this week that race mode is coming for v5 using Direct Connect:

No word yet on whether it’s coming to the new KICKR Bike or when, but we assume that’s in the plans.

Who’s Next?

Zwifters are already wondering when Tacx, Elite, Saris, or others are going to release a similar feature on their trainers. In theory it should be possible with most trainers, at least over Bluetooth which can easily handle 10Hz. (The ANT+ standard is 4Hz).

(The Tacx NEO 2T already supports 4Hz transmission, which while better than 1Hz is still slower than Wahoo’s new race mode.)

Zwift already uses the 4Hz standard for ANT connections and receives Bluetooth packets at whatever rate the device sends them. We just need smart trainers to start sending data more frequently. Get on it, trainer companies!

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

Video Screenshots Released on iOS and Mac

Eric Schlange
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48
Video Screenshots Released on iOS and Mac

Video Screenshots Released on iOS and Mac

Zwift co-CEO Eric Min has been teasing Strava followers for months with short recordings of his Zwift rides, and yesterday Zwift finally took their new “Video Screenshots” feature live. While it’s only available on certain Apple devices at this time, Zwift says all devices will be supported “shortly”.

Here’s a quick sample recorded on my iPhone:

Supported Devices

This feature is only available for iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Mac users at this time.

Zwift says “This feature is available today on iOS and MacOS devices, followed shortly by TVOS, Android, and other devices.”

How It Works

Recording

Recording a “video screenshot” is easy – just bring up the action bar (by tapping on the screen in iOS, or clicking the screen or hitting your up arrow on Mac) and tap the filmstrip icon:

Coming soon, you’ll also be able to tap the same icon in your Companion app.

Tapping this icon saves the last 15 seconds of gameplay onto your device. So this isn’t a “start recording/stop recording” sort of feature, but rather a simple one-click tool that saves your most recent 15 seconds.

Handily, Zwift’s existing “notable moments” feature which takes snapshots of activity highlights will also record video clips of those highlights, which include:

Manually recording will often not be necessary, though, since most of your highlights will be automatically recorded as Video Screenshots thanks to Zwift’s notable moments feature. Automatically recorded highlights include:

  • Taking a segment jersey
  • Setting a new PR
  • Finishing a challenge or mission
  • Gaining a level
  • Unlocking an achievement
  • Finishing an event
  • Completing a workout or training plan
  • Completing a new route

This means most of the highlights you’d want to record should be automatically saved to a video clip.

Saving to Strava

When saving your activity, video clips are indicated by a filmstrip overlay:

If you’ve got your Strava account connected to your Zwift account, you can select 1 video to upload to Strava, and up to 5 photos, when you save your activity.

All video snippets are saved on your Zwift device, where (just like photos) and you can upload them to social media sites, or do anything else you’d like (including deleting the files).

Turning it Off

Want to disable the recording of video screenshots entirely? It’s easy to do, from your main settings menu:

A First for Strava

Zwift’s press release notes that “Zwift is the first Strava partner to take advantage of the video API since Strava launched video functionality for its community of over 100 million athletes globally in June of 2022.”

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

Zwift Racing League 2022/23 Round 3 Week 6 Guide: Scotland’s Rolling Highlands

Eric Schlange
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10
Zwift Racing League 2022/23 Round 3 Week 6 Guide: Scotland’s Rolling Highlands

The final race of Zwift Racing League 2022/23 Round 3 happens Tuesday, February 14. We’ll be ending the round on a high note, racing Zwift’s new Scotland map for the first time in ZRL history!

Let’s dig into the race, including tips for bike choice, powerups, strategy, and crucial segments.

Looking at the Route: Scotland’s Rolling Highlands

Each lap of Scotland’s Rolling Highlands route is 9km (5.6 miles), with 77m of climbing. But don’t miss that there’s a long 5.1km lead-in to the start of that first lap, ending with the short Breakaway Brae KOM!

A and B categories are racing three laps for a 31.9km long race with 260m of climbing. C and D will race two laps for 23km and 183m of climbing.

This is a constantly-undulating course, but none of the pitches are particularly steep or long. (Think NYC’s Central Park.) Our advice: keep your eyes open, mind your pack position, and do a few test laps before Tuesday!

There’s just one intermediate segment that will be contested for points: Breakaway Brae. 620 meters long, with a 2.4% average grade, this climb will be over quickly!

Two more climbs on this route are worth mentioning, as they’ll provide platforms for hard attacks/pushes:

  1. The climb up through the Cliffs area is the longest uphill of the route, but it’s not a continuous grade nor is it very steep. This climb begins just after you ride through the mystical roundabout.
  2. The sneaky “Corkscrew Castle Climb” won’t be contested for points, but serves as an excellent attack point due to its punchy steepness. This one arrives after the longest descent on the map, so rest your legs and prepare to hammer!

Read more about the Rolling Highlands route >

PowerUp Notes

Riders will be awarded powerups through the KQOM and lap banners, meaning A/B will get 7 powerups over the course of the race, while C/D will get 5. Three powerups will be given out at each banner:

Lightweight (feather) (33%): reduces your weight by 10% for 15 seconds. Use on climbs, when weight matters the most.

Aero Boost (helmet) (34%): makes you more aerodynamic (reduces your CdA by 25%) for 15 seconds. Use this if you’re contesting a sprint or attacking in the wind at high speed. Great for the final flat meters of this course, or catching riders on a descent.

Draft Boost (van) (33%): increases the draft effect you are experiencing by 50% for 30 seconds. Use at higher speeds (flats and descents) when you are already drafting off another rider (since this powerup only helps when you are drafting.)

Bike Frame + Wheel Choice

None of the climbs here are long or steep enough for a true climbing bike to be the sensible choice. A full aero bike will deliver the fastest overall lap time at steady state wattage, but with the course’s rolling hills and uphill finish, the Tron is probably going to be the most popular choice since it’s a bit more nimble on the climbs, where every second will count.

See Speed Tests: Tron Bike vs Top Performers (Scatter Plot) for more nerd-level detail on frame and wheel performance.

Tron bike
Venge + Disc

More Route Recons

Many events are now being planned each weekend on the upcoming ZRL route. If you’re unfamiliar with this course (and many will be, since it’s so new!), jump into an event and do some recon! Here’s a list of upcoming Rolling Highlands events.

Si Bradeley

Strategic Options

Points Distribution, Rolling Highlands

A/B

C/D

Each chart shows the maximum points a team of 6 could earn in the race.

How will the race unfold, and what strategies will riders employ in the final race of round 3? Here’s what we predict:

  • Going long on the Corkscrew Castle Climb: the sneaky Corkscrew Climb begins just 2km from the finish line on the last lap. Surely someone will try to go long… for end-of-season glory!
  • Saving it all for the Brae: make no mistake – every single point of the race will be decided on the Breakaway Brae. Many racers will simply ride as efficiently as possible apart from this segment.
  • Sneak attacks: all the small climbs on this loop lend themselves well to a coordinated sneak attack from 2-4 teammates. When it happens (and it will happen), everyone else will have to decide if they should chase or let it go.

Your Thoughts

Any insights or further thoughts on this race? Share below!

Zwift Insider Worlds Experience Races Announced

Eric Schlange
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53
Zwift Insider Worlds Experience Races Announced

Zwift Insider Worlds Experience Races Announced

With the UCI eSports World Championships just around the corner and Zwift’s fresh new Scotland open to events, we decided to shake up our race schedule! For the next two weekends (February 11-12 and 18-19) our popular Saturday Tiny Races are being replaced by back-to-back-to-back races replicating what the pros will experience for the UCI eSports Worlds events.

Sign up at zwift.com/events/tag/worldsexperience

Race Details

Worlds Experience Races are being delivered in sets of three, and the idea is that you should race all three events in sequence, much like our Tiny Races. This will take about 75 minutes to complete.

Each race uses the same single powerup type that Worlds racers will receive.

Race 1, “The Punch”, is a single lap of Rolling Highlands (14.1km long, 106m elevation). Riders will receive one burrito powerup at the Breakaway Brae banner.

30 minutes later Race 2, “The Climb”, begins: a single lap of City and the Sgurr (8.6km long, 166m elevation). This twisty, climby route will take you up to the Sgurr summit a total of three times, and two of those climbs will be on the gravel side. Riders will receive one anvil powerup early in the ride at Central Station. Use it wisely!

Lastly, Race 3, “The Podium” begins 25 minutes after Race 2. This race will be over 4 laps of Glasgow Crit Circuit (each lap is 3km long, 33m elevation). Racers will receive a burrito powerup at the Champions Sprint banner each lap, which means everyone will get 4 burritos.

At the end of the race set you will have completed three races on three separate Scotland routes, much like the world’s top eracers on February 18.

Ready to sign up? Visit zwift.com/events/tag/worldsexperience

Weekend Timeslots

In an effort to make the Worlds Experience Races available to everyone, we’ve set up six timeslots each weekend:

Saturday and Sunday times:

  • 10am UTC (5am ET)
  • 4pm UTC (11am ET/8am PT)
  • 10pm UTC (5pm ET/2pm PT/Monday 9am AEDT)

The Worlds Experience Races will be held this weekend (February 11-12) and next (February 18-19).

Ready to sign up? Visit zwift.com/events/tag/worldsexperience

Final Results on ZwiftPower

The final winners for each time slot’s set of three races will be determined by points. You earn points based on your finishing position in each of the three races, then the rider with the most points wins. Points structure can be found on the ZwiftPower results pages below:

Rules

We’re using the same rules as Tiny Races. Category Enforcement will determine each racer’s minimum category.

  • No skipping then returning. If you skip race 1 or 2, but finish a later race, your later result(s) will be annulled.
  • You must have an active ZwiftPower account
  • Heart rate monitors are required for podium positions
  • Smart trainer or power meter must be paired as your power source in order to join the races.

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

Top 5 Zwift Videos: Platform Comparisons, Breakaways, and Pace Partners

Karissa Minn
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0
Top 5 Zwift Videos: Platform Comparisons, Breakaways, and Pace Partners

This week’s Top 5 Zwift Videos take a look at a new Zwifter’s experience, a comparison between TrainerRoad and Zwift, tips for breakaways and racing, and how to ride with a RoboPacer (a.k.a. Pace Partner).

What The Heck Is “ZWIFT” And Why Am I Sweating On My Birthday?!

Former professional BMX rider Scotty Cranmer decided to try Zwift on his birthday, jumping right into a stage of the Tour de Zwift.

TrainerRoad or Zwift ? I need to be honest with you…

After using both platforms in training, SeeSmithTV compares Zwift and TrainerRoad. What are the pros and cons of each?

How to ride with a Pace Partner in Zwift

Breakaway B gives instructions on how to ride with a Pace Partner – also known as RoboPacers.

The key to breakaways on Zwift!

It’s famously hard to make a breakaway stick in Zwift races, but it can be done! If you want to get ahead of the pack, Oli Chi (ZRace Central) has some advice for you.

How To Win a Zwift Race: Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Winning in Zwift

Tariq Ali from SMART Bike Trainers has learned some lessons from his Zwift races – including one that he won! Here are some of the tips he wants to share with others.

Got a Great Zwift Video?

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

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