{"id":43307,"date":"2022-11-08T16:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-08T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=431484"},"modified":"2022-11-08T16:48:17","modified_gmt":"2022-11-08T15:48:17","slug":"zwift-racing-explained-everything-you-need-to-know-about-setup-categories-formats-and-tactics","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/zwift-racing-explained-everything-you-need-to-know-about-setup-categories-formats-and-tactics\/","title":{"rendered":"Zwift racing explained: everything you need to know about setup, categories, formats and tactics"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Simon von Bromley\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 08 November 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Whether you\u2019re training for an event<\/a> or just want to tear the legs off your riding buddies in the virtual world, as well as the real world, racing on Zwift is a great way to compete, train and have fun on your bike.<\/p>\n

Zwift racing is one of the newest forms of bike racing out there, and if you\u2019ve not yet taken the plunge, you could be missing out \u2013 not only on some great training but also on a lot of fun.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve invested in a smart trainer<\/a>, racing on Zwift is one of the best ways to get the most out of your new toy because it enables you to compete against other like-minded cyclists from all over the world, whenever suits you, and from the comfort of your own home.<\/p>\n

And while a Corinthian spirit might be admirable, it\u2019s not all just fun and games \u2013 virtual racing can be a serious business, for pros and amateurs alike.<\/p>\n

The first UCI Cycling Esports World Championships took place on Zwift in 2020, while a number of racing leagues now exist for committed virtual racers, alongside community-organised events.<\/p>\n

So how can you get involved? And what do you need to get started? We\u2019re here to help. And if you\u2019re completely new to Zwift and wondering what it\u2019s all about, don\u2019t forget to check out our in-depth Zwift guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What you need to get started<\/h2>\n
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A direct-drive smart trainer will give you the most realistic, immersive and accurate experience.<\/span><\/figcaption> Zwift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Before you can start racing, you\u2019ll need to sign up for a Zwift account, if you don\u2019t already have one.<\/p>\n

You can get a free 14-day trial if you register for a Zwift account online<\/a>, but after your trial period ends it costs \u00a312.99 \/ $14.99 per month to continue using it.<\/p>\n

There are a few things specific to racing, beyond the standard turbo trainer accessories<\/a>, that you\u2019ll want to ensure you have in place before you jump into a race.<\/p>\n

You can race online using any Zwift setup<\/a>, from a budget turbo trainer to the ultimate indoor smart bike<\/a>, but for the best experience, you ideally want to use a smart trainer, such as the Zwift Hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Get your indoor setup fine-tuned for the demands of virtual racing.<\/span><\/figcaption> Zwift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

If you only have a classic-style \u2018dumb\u2019 trainer, you can use an on-bike power meter<\/a> to race, but you\u2019ll miss out on simulated gradients, which are a key aspect of creating an immersive experience.<\/p>\n

Just like in the real world, the most important thing before you step on the (virtual) start line is to make sure you\u2019re prepared for the entire duration of the race (races tend to last between 20 and 40 minutes).<\/p>\n

If you have to stop mid-race to fill your water bottle, turn up your fan or grab a towel, you\u2019re going to be dropped immediately.<\/p>\n

So, make sure you\u2019ve got two full bottles (consider filling one with water and the other with a sports drink<\/a>), your towel is within reach, your fan is set up correctly and all of your devices are plugged into their chargers.<\/p>\n

How to sign-up to Zwift<\/h2>\n

Visit the<\/span> Zwift website<\/span><\/a> to sign up for a free 14-day trial. After your trial period ends, Zwift costs \u00a312.99 \/ $14.99 per month.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to find a race on Zwift<\/h2>\n
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You can use the Zwift Companion app to find a race.<\/span><\/figcaption> Zwift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Races in Zwift are classified as events, so the easiest way to find them is on the Events page<\/a> in-game or to use the Zwift Companion app.<\/p>\n

You can then filter events according to what kind of race and category (more on this later) you\u2019re looking to enter. Once you\u2019ve found a race you like the look of, simply tap the plus icon next to your category to enter the race.<\/p>\n

Before signing up, make sure you read the description carefully because each race can have slightly different rules, and you risk getting disqualified from the results if you break any of them.<\/p>\n

You should also consider signing up for a ZwiftPower<\/a> account so you can be included in the official race results. Once you\u2019ve done that, you\u2019ll be able to link it to your Zwift account via the connections page of your profile on my.zwift.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Virtual racing is now big business.<\/span><\/figcaption> Zwift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

What races are there?<\/h2>\n

Community events<\/h3>\n

The majority of races on Zwift are put on by community event organisers \u2013 just like the real-world heroes who stand by the side of the road in a hi-vis jacket volunteering at local road races and time trials.<\/p>\n

With dozens of races every day, you\u2019re sure to find one that works for you.<\/p>\n

ZRacing Monthly Series<\/h3>\n

Zwift launched the ZRacing Monthly Series in August 2022 as a way for individual riders to compete in a series-based event year-round.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s designed to cater for all levels of rider, whether you\u2019re racing competitively or looking to build up your fitness, and features one stage a week through the month. Races take place hourly every day, so you can find a time convenient to you, in order to complete the week\u2019s stage.<\/p>\n

Races last between 30 and 40 minutes, and results are available on zwiftpower.com<\/a>. Riders can also compete for an overall position in each month\u2019s global general classification on ZwiftPower.<\/p>\n