A huge congratulations to Leah Thorvilson of Little Rock, Arkansas who has landed a pro contract with the Canyon//SRAM racing pro women’s team as the winner of the first-ever Zwift Academy.
“Prior to Zwift Academy, I never would have guessed this was possible. [Finalists] Jessie and Yvonne are tremendous athletes whom I now consider close friends. I’m so grateful for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to begin this next chapter with the Canyon-SRAM Racing team.”
Leah was a national-level runner who turned to cycling only recently (her first ride was July 2, 2015). Read about Leah’s journey here >
The third and final stage of the ODZ Omnium led the racers through the hardest roads of London: all of them, as they took on the “London 8” course. In the A category, the two main contenders, Brett Boniface and Justin Purificati (Team ODZ), went head-to-head for the major part of the race. Boniface ultimately went on to take the win after having gone through the hellish situation set by Team ODZ.
Boniface and Purificati.
Attacking before the first climb of Box Hill, Brett Boniface showed his intentions early on in the race. At the top of the climb, only 4 riders composed the lead group, with a sub-6 time up the KoM: Brett Boniface, Justin Purificati (Team ODZ), Robert Lyons (Team ODZ) and Alexandre Gagnon (Team ODZ). This lead group quickly grew his advantage over the chase, but exploded coming into the second climb of Box Hill. Relentlessly attacking the GC leader, Brett Boniface earned his “q/l Report Super Combative” award for the ODZ Omnium, but more importantly, the opportunity to duel Purificati for the stage win. In the final head-to-head sprint, Boniface was the fastest to cross the line, taking the stage victory. Regarding the general classification, Justin Purificati (Team ODZ) ended up on the highest spot of the podium. Boniface took 2nd place, and Alexander Koop managed to keep his 3rd place.
Ron Sines going takes the stage win.
In the B category, the first climb of Box Hill allowed the main contenders to form a big group, including Lefebvre (Team ODZ), Mosbaek (Vision), Anderson (KissRT), Divine (Team ODZ), Sines (Team ODZ), Denning (Team ODZ) and Leech (Team ODZ). Going into the second lap, only 3 of them remained for the stage win: Peter Mosbaek (Vision), Ron Sines (Team ODZ) and Tex “Batman” Divine (Team ODZ). Ultimately, the Vision rider went on to be the “referee” in the match opposing Sines to the GC leader, Divine. Ultimately, Sines went on to take the stage win with a comfortable lead over Divine, Mosbaecktaking 3rd place. GC-wise, Tex “Batman” Divine (Team ODZ) held on to his advantage and won the B Category classification. Ron Sines (Team ODZ) took 2nd place, and Stephane Lefebvre (Team ODZ) took 3rd place.
Street takes over
For the Cs, the race was tense as Skyler Street (KissRT)was only 6 points behind GC-leaders Leigh Huberdeau (Team WBR) and Tim Dodd (Team ODZ), tied at first place. The KRT rider went alone in the first lap and managed to hold on to his position to take the stage win. The fierce battle for 2nd place was won by Jules Gagnon (Team ODZ), in front of Leigh Huberdeau (Team WBR) and Tim Dodd (Team ODZ). In the General Classification, Skyler Street (KissRT)and Leigh Huberdeau (Team WBR) ended up tied, but Street’s 2 stage wins might give him an advantage over the Canadian racer.
Lyons’ helping hand.
Consistent in his effort for the 3 stages, Art Pacione won the D category race for the 3rd day in a row. Finally, the “q/l Report Combativity Award” for stage 3 goes to Robert Lyons (Team ODZ), sacrificing himself for his teammates Justin Purificati and Alexandre Gagnon. “Rob did a fantastic teammate job“, says Gagnon. “He paced us well on the flat sections, and he came back for me when I got dropped on the second climb of Box Hill.Staying along was a huge help for me, to keep away from Koop, in order to go for the podium. Rob played the ultimate teammate card.”
The second stage of 2016 ODZ Omnium took place over 2 laps of the “London Loop.” GC leader Justin Purificati (Team ODZ) took the win in this individual time-trial, taking a huge step toward the final GC victory.
S.Lefebvre (Team ODZ) – B
On the first intermediate time check, which would be the first time every rider crossed the line, each category leader was already in first place. Purificati (Team ODZ) had a 21″ advantage over Becker (Team X), Lefebvre (Team ODZ) came across 10″ before Tex “Batman” Divine (Team ODZ), Huberdeau (Team WBR) had a 6″ lead over Dodd (Team ODZ)and Pacione was 1’27” up in front of Cheng.
T.Emrick – C
In their respective categories, Justin Purificati (Team ODZ), Stephane Lefebvre (Team ODZ), Leigh Huberdeau (Team WBR) and Art Pacione all went on to take the stage win. GC-wise, Purificati (Team ODZ)now has a 12-point advantage over Brett Boniface in the A category. In the B category, the fight gets real with Tex “Batman” Divine (Team ODZ) keeping a 6-point advantage over Stephane Lefebvre (Team ODZ) and Ron Sines (Team ODZ). For the Cs, Leigh Huberdeau (Team WBR) and Tim Dodd (Team ODZ) are tied at first place, with a 6-point margin over Skyler Street (KissRT).
Character maketh rider
J.Hubbard (Team ODZ)
Now, it’s hard to see a rider standing out from the others since it’s a TT, but today’s “q/l Report Combativity Award” goes to Jim Hubbard (Team ODZ). It takes a lot of character to do an all-out 45-minute individual time-trial, but it takes even more character to do a 65-minute one, and that’s why he’ll be wearing the Orange & Gray bib in the final stage. In tomorrow’s stage, which will be the final one, the racers’ character will be put to a huge test once again, as they’ll take on 3 laps of the “London 8” route.
Surprising everyone on the London Classique course for the inaugural stage of ODZ Omnium, Justin Purificati (Team ODZ) took the win after a race where nobody could “touch this.” Brett Boniface took 2nd place, and Justin Wagner (Team ODZ) completed the podium for the As.
Purificati goes TT.
Right from the first kilometers, before even coming to the Classique course, Justin Purificati (Team ODZ) took the peloton by surprise by attacking and taking a 10-second advantage. The Canadian rider held onto that gap for half the race before being caught by the peloton. The pack was powered by strong and attacking riders like Boniface, Becker (Team X), Koop or Heath (Team Type 1), but controlled by the ODZ team, with Gagnon, Wagner, Flores and Pakkala. “The first move was just to force other riders to chase,” says Purificati. “I wanted to set my teammates to sit on, and counter when the time would come. Regular Cat & Mouse game!”
Final sprint on the Mall.
A lap and a half before the finish, Purificati attacked again, leaving the pack behind. The ODZ rider counted up to 30 seconds over the pack. In a joint effort, Darren Heath (Team Type 1) and Brett Boniface managed to bring back Purificati’s advantage to less than 10 seconds. In the last Traffalgar climb, Boniface went on to catch Purificati, leaving Heath behind. At the flamme rouge, Boniface and Purificati were up by 8 seconds over a 15-rider pack. In an ultimate effort, Purificati (Team ODZ) was able to get the better of Boniface at the finish line. Winning the bunch sprint, Justin Wagner (Team ODZ)took 3rd place over Justin Liborio (Team ODZ) and Alexander Koop. “I had some energy left, and with a shorter effort, I figured I could go a little harder,” says the first stage winner. “When I got a 25-second gap, it looked they weren’t going to chase. But they did and it came pretty close.”
Flat doesn’t always rhyme with sprint
Boniface on the sprint.
With a new race comes a new classification. And after showing the usual attacking spirit he’s known for, and relentlessly powering up the chase behind the leading man, Brett Boniface won the first “q/l Report Combativity Award,” symbolized by a (very) virtual Orange & Grey bib. “Justin did a fantastic race,” says Boniface. “I had nothing left after bridging up to him, I was just happy to make it. Coming second to a legitimate cat 1 pro is pretty good in my book, that early in the morning, with freezing cold temperature.”
Street takes the C win.
In the B category, Drew Rosdale was able to take the win just at the category limits, by hanging on the longest to the lead group. Tex “Batman” Divine (Team ODZ) took 2nd place over his teammate Matt Roth (Team ODZ). For the Cs, Skyler Street (KissRT) took his third straight win. Finally, in the D category, Art Pacione took the win for his first race on Zwift. The second stage will be a time-trial across the streets of London: 2 laps of the “London Loop,” which means twice the famous Box Hill.
The KISS EU race of Dec 13th was fast and furious over 1 lap of the Figure 8 course. In the B Category, Ant Smith (BRTeam) won the final bunch sprint over Alejandro Callejo (PTz) and Rob Hamill.
Callejo in the last climb.
Right from the first climb, the lead group got away from the rest of the race, with Sternefalk (Vision), Wiltox (BRTeam), Mosbaeck (Vision), Kadlec, Hamill, Thomassen (Vikings), Verhoeven (CTWT), Smith (BRTeam), Callejo (PTz), Andreassen (Vikings), Barbera (KissRT), Hagebakken (GTD) and “AW” (Team Poland). The Polish rider got dropped going into the water tunnel after repeated attacks from Hagebakken (GTD) and Andreassen (Vikings).
On the last KoM, Alejandro Callejo (PTz) was the only one able to get to the front, leaving the rest of the group 10″ behind. This hill was also the moment Thomassen (Vikings)got dropped from the lead pack.
Callejo “All By Himself”
Final sprint.
In the final kilometers, after Callejo was caught, there were 11 riders heading for the finish line. Andreassen (Vikings) was the first one to throw down in the first Esses’ bump, but nobody could break away and the race came down to a bunch sprint. At that game, Ant Smith (BRTeam) took the win over Alejandro Callejo (PTz) and Rob Hamill. “I’m not a very fast sprinter, so finishing 2nd in a bunch sprint doesn’t disappoint me,” says Callejo (PTz). “When I was on the front, by myself, I didn’t really know what to do. When I saw they regroupped behind me, I understood I wouldn’t go far. Well, I’ll have other opportunities to get the win!”
Street wins the C race.
In the A race, Niall Paterson was the fastest to cross the finish line after an attack in the last KoM. Cuélebre (ForoMTB)took 2nd place, and Justin Purificati (ODZ)completed the podium. For the C’s, Skyler Street (KissRT) took his 2nd straight win over Jason Robinson (BRTeam)and Mike Preece. Finally, for the D Category, James Takis took the win over Jan Van Der Haegen and Paul Bellamy.
UPDATE: Automatic cloud sync of workouts is now active in Zwift, so the easiest way to get your custom workouts onto your iDevice (phone, tablet, AppleTV) is to create or download the workout on a Windows or Apple PC, boot up Zwift on the PC so that workout is copied to the cloud, then boot up Zwift on your iOS device to sync with the cloud.
If you don’t want to run Zwift on your PC you can still use the process below to manually modify the contents of your workouts folder on your iDevice. But you will still need to use a PC!
The process is actually pretty easy once you’ve got it set up. You only need to install a piece of software that lets you browse your iDevice’s files from your computer. Once that is done, copying your existing workout files to your iDevice is as easy as dragging and dropping them to the proper location. (Note: see “Additional notes” at the bottom of this page for alternative methods of copying workouts.)
Copying Workouts to Zwift for iOS:
Download the file explorer software. After a bit of research, I chose to install iFunbox since it was free and well-reviewed. You can download it for Mac or Windows here >
Connect your iDevice to your computer via USB and run iFunbox.
In iFunbox click “Managing App Data” then click on the Zwift app under “iTunes File Sharing” and choose “Open Sandbox.”
Double Click the “Zwift” folder to open, then double-click “Workouts.”
Click the folder with your Zwift userID.
This is the folder where you should place your custom workout files. Just drag and drop them in and you’re set–run Zwift on your iDevice, select “Choose Workout” and your workouts will show up.
Additional notes:
iExplorer is another popular (but not free) alternative to iFunbox.
You can also copy workouts using only iTunes, although the process is different. See instructions here >
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”Accordion” border_style=”solid” _builder_version=”3.0.51″] [et_pb_accordion_item title=”Will it work with my trainer? What about my power meter/cadence/speed/heart rate monitor?”]
Zwift for iOS only works with bluetooth signals, no ANT+. Fortunately, today many smart trainers, power meters, and other sensors broadcast on both ANT+ and Bluetooth.
If your device only supports ANT+ I recommend the Viiiiva Heart Rate Monitor from 4iiii which (among other things) acts as an ANT+ to Bluetooth bridge, consuming your device’s ANT+ signals and rebroadcasting them via Bluetooth. Learn more here >
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Yes! You’ll need an adaptor to do so–Apple’s Apple Lightning Adapter does the trick. It even includes a second place to plug your charging cord so your iDevice can charge while Zwifting on your big screen.
Some Zwifters are using Airplay to send Zwift from their iDevice through AppleTV to their TV, but I have heard reports of poor framerates using this method. One user told me this problem is AppleTV version specific, with 3rd generation not doing very well but 4th generation handling Zwift quite nicely.
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Very smooth and sharp on the actual iDevice. If you run your device into a big-screen TV you will lose some sharpness, but the overall quality is still quite acceptable, on-par with a mid to upper-range desktop computer running Zwift.
Generally, going from a iPhone to a TV will give you a worse picture than going from an iPad to a TV, since the iPhone runs at a lower resolution. But both maintain high frame rates and decent picture quality even on a large screen.
iPhones display at 16:9 aspect ratio, so Zwift on an iPhone will fill the entire screen of a typical big-screen TV. iPads display at 4:3, which means you will have unused space on either side of your picture.
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Zwift for iOS requires iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, all iPad Pro models, iPad (5th generation), and iPod touch (6th generation).
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Zwift needs a lot of power to run smoothly, so you should plug your iDevice into a charger while Zwifting. If you are unable to do that, try to start your Zwift session with a fully-charged battery and don’t plan to ride for more than 45-60 minutes.
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Zwift has a lot of jerseys you can unlock, but there is no way to do it in the iOS app due to restrictions by Apple on in-game promo codes. For now, you will need to open your Zwift account in the desktop (PC/Mac) version, get into the game then hit “P” on the keyboard to enter your unlock codes. A full list of available kits can be found here.
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Two-finger touch brings up a full list of gestures.
It is touch-enabled. Here are some of the things you can do while riding:
You can swipe with one finger to remove the left-hand leaderboard or right-hand rider list.
Tapping once on the screen will bring up a list of options you can click to give a ride on, send a group message, flip a u-turn, etc (swipe right or left to scroll through the options).
Tapping with two fingers brings up that entire list so you can easily select one.
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[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Does Zwift for iOS support my Bkool trainer?”]
It will read power, but the resistance cannot be controlled by Zwift over Bluetooth thanks to Bkool’s proprietary protocols. So the answer is, “Not really.” But don’t blame Zwift! Read more here >
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Nothing! This is a known bug that will be fixed in the next Zwift iOS version. From Lead Developer Jon Mayfield, “Whenever the next iOS update goes out it’ll most likely have airplay audio support.”
How to use your wireless ANT+ sensors on Zwift for iOS
Intro to Wireless
Cyclists use a variety of devices to measure their speed, heart rate, power, cadence, and more. When wireless versions of these devices first hit the market they used proprietary standards developed by each manufacturer, but today these devices typically use ANT+, Bluetooth, or both.
ANT+ has been largely popularized by Garmin, while Bluetooth is a more open protocol which has gained ground in recent years.
No ANT+ on Zwift for iOS
Zwift for iOS only communicates via Bluetooth. The desktop (PC and Mac) version of Zwift lets you connect directly to ANT+ devices using an ANT+ dongle, but if you want to connect ANT+ sensors to Zwift for iOS you will need to purchase a device which acts as a bridge between the ANT+ devices and Bluetooth.
This is where 4iii’s ~$80 Viiiiva Heart Rate Monitor shines. Not only is it a heart rate monitor which can store fit file data, it can also work as an ANT+ to Bluetooth bridge.
Enable Bluetooth on your iDevice, open the Viiiiva app and pair your Viiiiva to your iDevice.
Wake up your ANT+ devices and pair them via the Viiiiva app. Be sure to click “Done” to save your pairing.
Turn off the Viiiiva app and start up Zwift, which will now be able to see your ANT+ sensors after it connects to your Viiiiva through Bluetooth.
Additional Notes
After pairing your ANT+ devices to Viiiiva you must turn off the Viiiiva app before Zwift can connect to your Viiiiva. This is a limitation of Bluetooth, not Zwift or the Viiiiva: Bluetooth devices may only interact with one app at a time.
Many smart trainers and power meters include cadence in their power meter ANT+ channel. If that is the case, do not pair up an additional cadence channel from the same ANT+ device or you will confuse the Viiiiva and cadence numbers will be wildly inaccurate.
Zwift’s much-anticipated iOS version arrived in the App Store just minutes ago, giving millions of iPhone, iPad, and iPod users access to Zwift’s incredible virtual cycling platform.
This is the most significant event in Zwift’s short history, apart from their initial beta launch. Why? Because until now Zwift has only been available on 64-bit PC and Mac platforms, leaving those without powerful enough computers out in the cold (literally).
I expect to see a massive influx of new Zwifters since the iOS version lets you connect using only your iDevice and sensors/trainers you already own. (Of course, you’ll still need to pay $10/month!)
Episode 16 of Zwiftcast has been released. Here’s the full episode description:
Simon, Shane and Nathan get together to discuss the latest in the land of Zwift… with the seemingly endless wait for the iOS version the first subject for a bit of light-hearted banter. The other eagerly-awaited new toy for Zwifters, the Tacx Flux, did show up this week – but the boys are a little concerned about its laggard sprint capabilities.
A matter which caused no little controversy on Zwift was Christopher O Hearn’s idea for a Trip Advisor-style ratings site to assess the quality of group rides. The notion has not gone down well with ride leaders and Christopher appears on the podcast to make his case. Simon, Shane and Nathan assess its merits, or otherwise.
The Zwift Academy scheme, whereby one female rider will be recruited to pro team Canyon SRAM after a months-long talent trawl on the platform, reaches its finale in the coming week. Finalist Leah Thorvilson, one of three riders to make the grade in the last casting call, tells listeners how she’s feeling about the test that awaits.
Trainer Road fought back this week – with a post from their CEO pleading with people to stop copying its workouts into Zwift. It’s a fair point and he’s quite right – but it prompts a discussion on how effective a competitor Trainer Road can remain as Zwift’s social cycling model just gets bigger and bigger.
Whilst Leah is in the final three of the ZA scheme, another very strong rider, Rachael Elliott, agonisingly, isn’t. Despite being invited to Mallorca, Rachael had to decline. The popular Zwift power-house explains what led her to have to say No.
With hundreds, perhaps thousands, of new Zwifters flooding on to the platform, the podcast asks: What Are Teams For? One of the biggest and most pioneering teams in Zwift, ODZ, is on hand to supply answers.
The lads wrap up this edition with a brief return to iOS – still trying to find the funny side.
For the Cs, the race was tense as Skyler Street (KissRT) was only 6 points behind GC-leaders Leigh Huberdeau (Team WBR) and Tim Dodd (Team ODZ), tied at first place. The KRT rider went alone in the first lap and managed to hold on to his position to take the stage win. The fierce battle for 2nd place was won by Jules Gagnon (Team ODZ), in front of Leigh Huberdeau (Team WBR) and Tim Dodd (Team ODZ). In the General Classification, Skyler Street (KissRT) and Leigh Huberdeau (Team WBR) ended up tied, but Street’s 2 stage wins might give him an advantage over the Canadian racer.
Zwift for iOS only works with bluetooth signals, no ANT+. Fortunately, today many smart trainers, power meters, and other sensors broadcast on both ANT+ and Bluetooth.
Cyclists use a variety of devices to measure their speed, heart rate, power, cadence, and more. When wireless versions of these devices first hit the market they used proprietary standards developed by each manufacturer, but today these devices typically use ANT+, Bluetooth, or both.
Zwift’s much-anticipated iOS version arrived in the App Store just minutes ago, giving millions of iPhone, iPad, and iPod users access to Zwift’s incredible virtual cycling platform.