Cervélo TT Mission announced

Zwift rolled out an update today which includes the new Cervélo TT Mission. Like past in-game missions, this game challenges Zwifters to ride a particular distance/course to be entered for an incredible prize drawing.

This new mission celebrates the launches of Cervélo’s new S3 Disc workhouse and P5x triathlon machine, both incredible bikes in real life. Zwift has replicated them in-game, and you get to ride them for the mission!

Completing the 40 km TT earns 1 entry and completing the 180 km TT earns 5 entries. Participants may do both the 40 km and 180 km TT separately for a total of 6 entries.

One lucky winner will be chosen to receive a Cervélo S3 Disc in the size of their choice.

You must enter by October 30th, 2016 at 9PM PDT.

Good luck, everyone!

Zwiftcast Episode 10

Episode 10 of Zwiftcast has been released. Here’s the full episode description:

Simon and Nathan get their teeth into a possible future for Zwift – in the form of Virtual Reality. With the Oculus Rift headset becoming more available and with Zwift already VR-capable, could this deeply immersive technology catch on in the fitness arena?

Shane gives his first reactions to using the headset with Zwift and Simon and Nathan discuss some of the more obvious downsides as well as looking at the possibilities of this exciting technology.

Some think the superb Zwift Academy scheme  – which aims to use the platform to identify  a potential professional female rider – has been flying a little under the radar. Not the hundreds of women who’ve been taking part in the rigorous programme of training over the summer, but perhaps this scheme isn’t as well known in the wider Zwift community as it might be.

The podcast has three interviews with graduates of the Academy. Leah Thorvilson, Rachel Elliot and Bel Flint have all made it through to the final 12 riders – hear how they reacted to getting the news.

Andrew Tilin is a veteran cyclist, an ex-racer and a high profile cycling journalist and author. He’s just completed an assignment investigating the appeal of Zwift for Outside magazine. Simon interviews him to discover more about his journey from cynic to convert.

Scottie Weiss is a real Zwift veteran – he’s been on the platform from day one and the ex-professional rider is as used to showing the field a clean pair of heels as he is helping new Zwifters and leading Group Rides. This summer Scottie achieved two magnificent wins at the World Masters Championships in Austria. Simon talks to Scottie about the role Zwift played.

And we have a little more from the sports tech guru Ray Maker, aka D C Rainmaker, who Simon spent some time with at Eurobike. This episode puts Ray on the spot and asks him to identify his favoured trainer at various pricepoints.Ray also raises a tricky issue for US buyers – should they consider buying a trainer from European retailers who sometimes offer great deals and free shipping? “All good” says Ray, “until something goes wrong.”

October course schedule posted

The October course schedule for Zwift has been posted, and it is nearly identical to September’s schedule with London on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Richmond only being used two Wednesdays of the month, and Watopia on all other days.

The only exception to this schedule is we’ll be staying on Watopia Sunday, October 16th instead of riding in London.

What do you suppose Zwift HQ has up their sleeve on Sunday the 16th?

Zwiftcast Episode 9

Episode 9, the “Eurobike Special” of Zwiftcast has been released. Here’s the full episode description:

Simon, Shane and special guest DC Rainmaker are at the biggest bike show in the world.

These are exciting times for indoor riders and the excitement is reflected at Eurobike, where trainer manufacturers are showing their wares for the coming indoor season.

D C Rainmaker, otherwise known as Ray Maker, makes a special guest appearance to discuss all the news with Simon and Shane, and concludes:”There has never been a better time to buy a Smart Trainer”

The Zwiftcast tours the gigantic show, stopping for interviews with Tacx, whose Flux Smart Trainer was a show stealer; Wahoo, who launched the new Kickr;  Elite, whose new Drivo is claimed to be the most accurate Smart Trainer in the world, and Cycle Ops, whose Hammer and Magnus are also promising great things.

The Zwiftcast trio discuss how trainer manufacturers have responded to the new indoor riding  world Zwift has helped create and how Zwift itself may cope with competitors in the market.

We also discuss the trend for manufacturers to announce new product earlier and earlier – but struggle to deliver trainers to meet the demand at the start of the season.

Shane and Ray also give their verdict on the most impressive thing they saw at the show.

Win a trip to 2017 Prudential RideLondon

Zwift HQ has launched a new in-game mission. Completing the mission enters you for a chance to win a trip to the real Prudential RideLondon 2017 event! Here are more details…

• Prize: one lucky winner will receive an economy class ticket to London, 2 nights hotel accommodations and entry into the 2017 Prudential RideLondon event.
• Entry details: completing the half course earns 1 entry, completing the full course earns 5 entries. You may also do both courses for a total of 6 entries.
• Deadline: ride must be completed before 04:00 UTC on September 28th, 2016
• Acknowledgement: successful completion of the Mission and entry is acknowledged with an in-game popup when you reach 100%.
• Drawing date: winner chosen October 5th.

Good luck, everyone!