Zagreb Virtucup Brings Croatian Riders and Friends Together Indoors

Last week, the Zagreb Cycling Federation took an important step into the world of virtual cycling by launching Zagreb League 1, the first organized virtual cycling league of its kind in Croatia. Organizers tell me the idea behind the league is simple: to promote virtual cycling as an accessible and enjoyable form of training and racing – especially during the colder, rainy winter months when outdoor riding is limited.

The debut race delivered an impressive turnout, with 129 riders on the start line, including around 40 riders from Croatia. Feedback after the first race was overwhelmingly positive, and with five races still to come, the hope is that even more riders will join this week!

What makes it special?

There’s a lot about the Zagreb League’s setup that makes it stand out from the crowd:

• Age-Based Results: Race categories are divided into five age-based groups, allowing riders to participate even if they do not yet have an established FTP on Zwift. This makes the league especially welcoming for new Zwifters.
• Gender-Based Results: While race signups are age-based, the final race results on ZwiftPower and all bonus point allocations are additionally split by gender. This means that women and men each have their own full set of five age-category rankings, ensuring fair competition and equal recognition across the league.
• Alternating Scratch + Points Progressive Races: The league includes 3 Scratch races and 3 Points races, with courses becoming progressively hillier as the series unfolds (see routes below).
• Best of 5: Although the first race has already taken place, the overall league standings are calculated from the best five results out of six, so it’s not too late to join.
• Neutralized Bikes: Equipment is fully neutralized, so beginners aren’t disadvantaged.
• Steering and Braking Disabled: So no riders have a steering advantage over others.
• Mass Starts: Races feature mass starts, and results do not affect the Zwift Racing Score, allowing riders to participate without pressure and focus on enjoyment rather than rankings alone.

Schedule and Routes

Zagreb League 1 consists of six races, held weekly on Thursdays at 18:20 UTC/13:20 ET/10:20 PT, running until the end of March.

• February 26: Coast to Coast (26.8km, 163m) – Points Race
  • Powerups: Draft/Aero/Ghost
• March 5: Turf N Surf (24.7km, 196m) – Scratch Race
  • Powerups: Feather/Draft/Steamroller
• March 12: The Muckle Yin (23.7km, 281m) – Points Race
  • Powerups: Feather/Draft/Steamroller
• March 19: London Uprising (20.9km, 356m) – Scratch Race
  • Powerups: Feather/Burrito/Anvil
• March 26: Royal Pump Room 8 (27.7km, 390m) – Points Race
  • Powerups: Feather/Burrito/Anvil

Sign up at zwift.com/events/tag/zbsvirtucup/ >

Registration + More Info

Register for upcoming races at zwift.com/events/tag/zbsvirtucup.

More information on Zagreb League 1 can be found in the Google race doc.

Join the Zwift club, named “ZBS Virtual” to see future events.

See race results on ZwiftPower at zwiftpower.com/league.php?id=3197

Questions or Comments?

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