ZwiftHQ has announced that Zwift Academy will return for 2017.
This groundbreaking talent ID program debuted last year, with over 1100 ladies participating. The Academy was open to all women, and participation meant taking part in specific workouts and group rides over a period of several months.
Based on data from those rides, 12 semi-finalists were chosen and took part in additional Zwift rides. Three finalists were chosen to fly to Mallorca, Spain to take part in a Canyon//SRAM team training camp to decide on the final winner.
In the end, Leah Thorvilson of Little Rock, Arkansas finished on top and took a contract with Canyon//SRAM for the 2017 UCI World Tour season.
From what I’ve heard, the Zwift Academy workouts and group rides are an excellent way to increase fitness and enjoy riding (virtually) with other women around the globe. According to ZwiftHQ:
Registrations for year 2 of Zwift Academy are expected to open in June, with the qualification phase starting in September. In keeping with the 2016 program, participants will be tasked to complete a series group rides and structured workouts during qualification. New for 2017, we’ll be introducing an evolved racing component for the Semi-Finals. Once again, 3 top performers will be selected for the Finals to join CANYON//SRAM Racing at their team camp in Mallorca, Spain, in December.
Read the announcement from ZwiftHQ >
Leah Thorvilson, 2016 Zwift Academy winner, riding with her new team!
