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In our Team Celebration Series, we’ve really taken notice of how united teams are across all categories. One of the most coordinated and dedicated groups of riders we’ve seen is Team Cryo-Gen’s D category. Their teamwork in the Series has been incredible, and their commitment to taking the win is as strong as any other category leader in the series!Â
We caught up with D-cat ring leader Chris Butters to learn a little more about their squad…
Q: Tell us about yourself and your Cryo-Gen Team. What are some of the features and goals for the team as a whole across all categories?
A: I’m fairly new to the racing side of Zwift, I’ve been more of a social rider. I took over the Saturday Sub-2 club ride from Mark Cottenham (who is super busy compiling the daily team results) with the encouragement of the team founder Tam Burns.
Recently I’ve been made El Capitano of the D-squad and added to the team admin, more for my vocal input than cycling ability. The team is set up to offer riders the team experience, rather than racing solo–join some teamies and go for a ride. We never pressure riders to turn out as it’s always when/if you are available. The main goal is to ride the team events, and the bigger the better. The Team Celebration Series has been a great experience for those new to racing and seasoned riders, too. Everyone is excited about the next race!
Q: Cryo-Gen has one of the largest D-category squads in Zwift. How did that all come together?
A: We have a dedicated recruiter in Dave Clarkson, who has been successful in reaching out and attracting D riders. Many have been surprised that a team would want them, but why wouldn’t we? As a community team, covering both European and Americas time zones, most of our riders are very active, with many of them joining tours and group rides as well as races.
Q: Does Cryo-Gen have a social component? Group chatting on Discord, for example.
A: Yes, the team comes together pre-race in the D chat group. All the team categories have this feature via FB messenger which allows us to discuss tactics and the course. Once in the pen, there is chat on Discord with each category having their own channel, which is great for encouraging each other during the race or group ride.
We also have 2 team rides on Saturdays: Sub-2 and Sub-3. The Sub-2 sets off 20 minutes before on their leisurely ride with the Sub-3 in hot pursuit. These rides are usually around 1.5 hours long.
Q: Does the team coordinate in races–working together to get the team onto the podium?
A: We always try our best to have a plan of attack for the course we are on, mainly sticking as a group for as long as possible with the stronger riders making a break when they feel the time is right. The Discord channel is open all race for communication.
Q: D category has been one of the toughest categories to get a good number of team riders together. What tips would you give other teams to help them gain numbers in this category?
A: It’s never easy to attract riders–perseverance is key. Reach out to those that ride regularly especially in team events, as numbers build it gets easier but make sure you have the support network in place first. Our admin team is 20+ and growing to cater for each category!
Q: Tell us about some of your favorite moments with the team on Zwift.
A: Fielding 10 D-cats was amazing and having our D team feature on live stream in the Team Celebration Series was such a buzz for us all as it wasn’t all about the fast guys but us slower ones going through the same pain but getting some recognition. The Team Celebration Series has seen a lot of D cats go up to C and we love that.
Q: If other riders were interested in joining the Cryo-Gen team, what steps would they take?
A: It’s easy to join us and we always welcome new riders to the team experience, from A+ to D. Simply go to www.zwiftpower.com, sign up for an account, go to Teams>Team Cryo-Gen>Join then if possible please join us on Facebook as we have a closed group and use this to keep everyone in touch with what’s going on in the team. Once you join us you will receive a welcome post where you will be greeted by other team members and added to your category chat group so you are in contact with riders of the same ability.
