Woman Racer Spotlight: Jen Panteluk

Name: Jen Panteluk 

Hometown: Edmonton, AB 

How did you get into cycling? Mountain biked when I was younger and bought a road bike after university when I decided I needed to do a triathlon to ‘check it off’ my bucket list. I was terrified to clip in and went to a local park and rode around in circles until I had it mastered. Looking back on this now I laugh and think about how I could do it in my sleep now!! 

How many years have you been racing on Zwift? In 2021 I signed up for Zwift and would enter a community race here and there but was mostly on the platform for workouts and to chase badges. A friend of mine encouraged me to join Coalition in August 2022 and I raced in ZRL that September and I was hooked! 

Are you part of a Virtual team? Yes – Coalition which is such an amazing community! 

What do you love most about racing? Everything – I love the journey to get to the start of any race, the intensity and strategy that goes into racing, and most importantly the dynamic of virtually racing with a team. 

What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? Ooo…this is such a tricky question! TTT is fun because of the team dynamic working together, but points races with a team are also enjoyable trying to figure out how to leverage the strengths of each person and how you can support each other. As a triathlete, I also love a little duathlon action too! For me, who you’re racing with is more important than the format. 

What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? Warrior Games runs a number of fantastic series throughout the year which always engage a wonderful women’s field. I also have a soft spot for ZRL – I was placed on the most amazing team and honestly was inspired by each person on that team. The support and encouragement from those women was (and continues to be) phenomenal!

What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? Triathlon World Championships in 2014 – representing Canada as an age group athlete at home in Edmonton was a really special experience. 

What is your favourite food to eat post race? I like a good recovery shake – sometimes it takes a bit before I want to eat after a race. 

What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? Have fun and don’t overthink it! Sometimes there is a lot to wrap your head around, but if you take the pressure off and go in with a goal of enjoying the race you get that first one under your belt and grow from there.

Any upcoming race you are looking forward to? Virtually, the mini 3-day series are a lot of fun to challenge yourself multiple days in a row. In person – 1/2 Ironman World Championships next November. 

Where can people follow your racing adventures? On Zwift and when I remember to post on Instagram @trijenpanteluk.