I've narrowed my personal motto for Zwift racing down to two choices. Either "Oh well, someone has to finish last." or "There's ALWAYS somebody fast and there's PROBABLY somebody slower."
Awesome video. After getting dropped in my first race due to starting off too slow, I now make sure I'm fully wamed up and ready for a big burst of power to start the race. 15-20 minutes of spirited riding before the race at a minimum.
There are only a few presenters I try never to miss and you're one of them. Best explainer ever. I would change your title to that . Always compelling with a great perspective. The info may be available elsewhere but I never miss your version.
Excellent tips and information - thank you! Signed up for ZwiftPower about 1 month ago and totally agree that it is extremely beneficial to get a more realistic power profile.
Great info and advice on racing with these tips and tricks. I've found that I'm very good on the longer events with lots of climbing as opposed to trying to hold wheels on flatter stages with the more powerful racers who have higher 1-5 minute power outputs. Thanks for all these great videos as I never miss one when you release your content.
Thanks for the info. I had my first cat D race 22 miles. 1000ft climbing. Came last. 😂😊. I enjoy it. But boy! Hard work. Good idea trying the group rides. I'll try that next. Need to recover from today first. 👍. I think my cycle to work will be slow tomorrow 😉
Another great video! Another tip is to ride the route before you race it! It helps you get familiar with the course and note down where there are climbs, sprints or areas where you can attack! You can also search the route on Zwift Insider and that will give you a breakdown of the route. Ride On!
Did you close a door on that cats tail....looks a little crooked ! Fun, why do we do this to ourselves after thirty years still love it! Dang your great in getting info out!
He broke it when he was a baby. Twice. Once before I adopted him and once one vertebrae down when I was at work, not sure how, the vet thought it might have just been a week spot and he's a spaz. It looks like a perpetual question mark 😂
I've worked my way through a lot of your Zwift videos to try and learn as much as I can., they've been so useful!!! I did my first race tonight and accidentally sandbagged everyone. I had no idea, I've only been on Zwift for 2 weeks, and don't really do much cycling. On Zwift Power, it sams my minimum category is now A+, how is that different to A?
As ever always on point with the Zwift tips! I never realised why it was difficult to pass someone in game till now.. the Sticky draft” and I get it totally. But weirdly this has happened going up ascents like alpe. Surely there isn’t draft aid on gradients? Or isn’t only once the gradient goes above a certain point, drafting or sticky draft won’t work? Ride on 🚴♀️👍
I think that's more an issue with the code. So long as your w/kg number is higher than the guy you're riding behind, you'll break the sticky draft after a small amount of time. Otherwise even on hills its still there.
@@Falkirion Now that’s a surprise, about the sticky draft on hills. I heard from others(could be mistaken of course) that you don’t get drafts going up hill/ but this might be me also confusing a sticky draft to a standard draft and they quite different functions. Interesting point about wkg and the bias towards higher values which help you pass another rider. Say for example.. there are 3 riders first guy in front starts to do higher wkg, but middle guy isn’t pushing, I’m at the back trying to get pass, it’s a struggle(almost a delay in reaction) by that time, first guy has the jump on ya.. it almost feels like the middle guy avatar is blocking you from getting passed.. 🤣 I know Zwift isn’t perfect by any means, it’s there for the cycle community to enjoy too... it will always have variables. Thks for your input 👍
Is there any way to race with a MTB? I only own a MTB and use zwift for training (ERG) so gearing did not matter. However I wanted to give racing a shot but for flat cat B races I spin out. Any ideas besides buy a roadbike are appreciated.
You'll want to make sure your trainer difficulty is set all the way up if it's not already to make sure the resistance is maxed out. If you're still spinning out your only two options are to explore alternate gearing or maybe a cheap bike to throw on the trainer or if your trainer manufacturer has an app with a workout function or you have another app, you don't connect the smart trainer to zwift and run a "workout" make something steady state for the amount of time you're going to race and put the resistance mode to a level where you can get your power as high as you need to. It's definitely not ideal, you will really need to focus on the HUD to change your output. A lot of people find a cheap used road bike that is only for the trainer. You could use an MTB as well I suppose for the geometry and just get a larger crank.
@@EverythingIsPhotogenic Thx, for the reply.Thats what I thougt as well. Would be awesome to just set Trainer difficulty at over 100%(already running 100) ;) Probably someone would argue it is cheating haha
Just signed up for a race but wasn’t able to join before the start of it to warmup etc, was only able to join after the race has started so I missed the pack... any ideas???
Hmm, might be a glitch. Usually using the companion app to unjoin and rejoin does the trick if it doesn't prompt you to enter the event or it's not responding. That's definitely not something you'll usually see though
@@EverythingIsPhotogenic Yeah it totally screwed me over and since I'd just come off the back of a 70 min Z2 ride, after burning 500W matches for a while I was toast and unable to hang onto the back of the group... which seemed to be doing an awful lot of wattage for the w/kg! Better luck next time. Thanks for another useful video
Zwift doesn't penalize you unless it's a beta anti sandbagging event. zwift Power may disqualify you from results, but the context here is learning how to function in a race. It doesn't matter at the end of the day. If you're inexperienced and racing in good faith trying to get your bearings with respect to power and dynamics it's for no one to judge. Zwift is a social platform first. They're not going to beat up on people for miscategorizing themselves
I've narrowed my personal motto for Zwift racing down to two choices. Either "Oh well, someone has to finish last." or "There's ALWAYS somebody fast and there's PROBABLY somebody slower."
there always will be someone better then you. so dont fret about it
Awesome video. After getting dropped in my first race due to starting off too slow, I now make sure I'm fully wamed up and ready for a big burst of power to start the race. 15-20 minutes of spirited riding before the race at a minimum.
There are only a few presenters I try never to miss and you're one of them. Best explainer ever. I would change your title to that . Always compelling with a great perspective. The info may be available elsewhere but I never miss your version.
Thank you for the generous compliment, I truly appreciate it!
Your explanation of Zwift is so refreshing and easy to follow… thanks
I was waiting for this one! Thanks Sarah!!!
Excellent tips and information - thank you! Signed up for ZwiftPower about 1 month ago and totally agree that it is extremely beneficial to get a more realistic power profile.
Thank you for this video! You have helped me gain confidence to do my first race as a Newby! Loving your channel!
Great info and advice on racing with these tips and tricks. I've found that I'm very good on the longer events with lots of climbing as opposed to trying to hold wheels on flatter stages with the more powerful racers who have higher 1-5 minute power outputs. Thanks for all these great videos as I never miss one when you release your content.
Thanks for the info. I had my first cat D race 22 miles. 1000ft climbing. Came last. 😂😊. I enjoy it. But boy! Hard work. Good idea trying the group rides. I'll try that next. Need to recover from today first. 👍. I think my cycle to work will be slow tomorrow 😉
Great job, you just have to start. It is all going to get better from here!
Great video. I think this is going to help a lot people getting started on Zwift racing. 👌
Another great video! Another tip is to ride the route before you race it! It helps you get familiar with the course and note down where there are climbs, sprints or areas where you can attack! You can also search the route on Zwift Insider and that will give you a breakdown of the route. Ride On!
Your videos are the best, thanks for it all Sarah!
Such on point information and encouraging delivery. THANK YOU!
Brilliant, very informative and speaks on a "real" level. Keep up the amazing work.. X
OUTSTANDING JOB, TEDDY!!!!!...oh, and yeah, you did good too, Sarah.
I didn't get it on camera but he brought his crinkle toy and jumped on the desk and demanded to play fetch.
@@EverythingIsPhotogenic 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great video, Sarah. Thanks for putting out such great content!
Huge thanks for sharing your tremendous experience with all of us !! Thank You! :)
P.S. "Sir" the cat, is awesome :)
Did you close a door on that cats tail....looks a little crooked ! Fun, why do we do this to ourselves after thirty years still love it! Dang your great in getting info out!
He broke it when he was a baby. Twice. Once before I adopted him and once one vertebrae down when I was at work, not sure how, the vet thought it might have just been a week spot and he's a spaz. It looks like a perpetual question mark 😂
Another very interesting video. Kudos!
Great tips, awesome video
I've worked my way through a lot of your Zwift videos to try and learn as much as I can., they've been so useful!!! I did my first race tonight and accidentally sandbagged everyone. I had no idea, I've only been on Zwift for 2 weeks, and don't really do much cycling. On Zwift Power, it sams my minimum category is now A+, how is that different to A?
are there any age group races, especially TT events on Zwift? I have not joined up yet but probably will in the next few days.
Not at the moment, but that would be a great idea!
BTW, Your Channel and also VeloHarmony are the 2 best channels on all of RUclips. If the both of you did a collaboration it would be mind-blowing.
Thank you this is really good
Thank you.
What is Sir’s name????
😂His name is Teddy, and he's an attention hog
As ever always on point with the Zwift tips! I never realised why it was difficult to pass someone in game till now.. the Sticky draft” and I get it totally. But weirdly this has happened going up ascents like alpe. Surely there isn’t draft aid on gradients? Or isn’t only once the gradient goes above a certain point, drafting or sticky draft won’t work?
Ride on 🚴♀️👍
I think that's more an issue with the code. So long as your w/kg number is higher than the guy you're riding behind, you'll break the sticky draft after a small amount of time. Otherwise even on hills its still there.
@@Falkirion Now that’s a surprise, about the sticky draft on hills. I heard from others(could be mistaken of course) that you don’t get drafts going up hill/ but this might be me also confusing a sticky draft to a standard draft and they quite different functions.
Interesting point about wkg and the bias towards higher values which help you pass another rider. Say for example.. there are 3 riders first guy in front starts to do higher wkg, but middle guy isn’t pushing, I’m at the back trying to get pass, it’s a struggle(almost a delay in reaction) by that time, first guy has the jump on ya..
it almost feels like the middle guy avatar is blocking you from getting passed.. 🤣 I know Zwift isn’t perfect by any means, it’s there for the cycle community to enjoy too... it will always have variables. Thks for your input 👍
Gonna do my own little Zwift racing video next week- wish me luck!😂🤣
Good luck, I will check it out, just subscribed to your channel.
Is there any way to race with a MTB?
I only own a MTB and use zwift for training (ERG) so gearing did not matter. However I wanted to give racing a shot but for flat cat B races I spin out.
Any ideas besides buy a roadbike are appreciated.
You'll want to make sure your trainer difficulty is set all the way up if it's not already to make sure the resistance is maxed out. If you're still spinning out your only two options are to explore alternate gearing or maybe a cheap bike to throw on the trainer or if your trainer manufacturer has an app with a workout function or you have another app, you don't connect the smart trainer to zwift and run a "workout" make something steady state for the amount of time you're going to race and put the resistance mode to a level where you can get your power as high as you need to. It's definitely not ideal, you will really need to focus on the HUD to change your output. A lot of people find a cheap used road bike that is only for the trainer. You could use an MTB as well I suppose for the geometry and just get a larger crank.
@@EverythingIsPhotogenic Thx, for the reply.Thats what I thougt as well.
Would be awesome to just set Trainer difficulty at over 100%(already running 100) ;) Probably someone would argue it is cheating haha
Just signed up for a race but wasn’t able to join before the start of it to warmup etc, was only able to join after the race has started so I missed the pack... any ideas???
Hmm, might be a glitch. Usually using the companion app to unjoin and rejoin does the trick if it doesn't prompt you to enter the event or it's not responding. That's definitely not something you'll usually see though
@@EverythingIsPhotogenic Yeah it totally screwed me over and since I'd just come off the back of a 70 min Z2 ride, after burning 500W matches for a while I was toast and unable to hang onto the back of the group... which seemed to be doing an awful lot of wattage for the w/kg! Better luck next time. Thanks for another useful video
Just wondering dose using the different bikes actually make a difference in the virtual world or is it just aesthetics
Actually makes a big difference, both the frame and wheel set improves the speed of your virtual bike
@@TheSivertish oh really ok. Time to go shopping for a new bike for this wkends race and upgrade from my zwift bike
I thought Zwift penalizes you if you put out to much power for a race class. Going a class lower should cause Zwift to penalize you. Has that changed?
Zwift doesn't penalize you unless it's a beta anti sandbagging event. zwift Power may disqualify you from results, but the context here is learning how to function in a race. It doesn't matter at the end of the day. If you're inexperienced and racing in good faith trying to get your bearings with respect to power and dynamics it's for no one to judge. Zwift is a social platform first. They're not going to beat up on people for miscategorizing themselves
Oh, and there will always be weight and height dopers...you hit it on the head...If you aint having fun, you aint doing it right!
Hm, strange, your cat does not talk.