In 2023 I achieved alot and I made a video about these accomplishments. ruclips.net/video/-BbpjaTWMGc/видео.htmlsi=icA06ng6JW1rk7PI It also includes my most recent Alpe Du Zwift PB attempt. 😉
The guy pushing through on the third race Is my dad. He keeps saying he has to learn to wait for the sprints but he gets bored sitting there. He says Great job Ryan.
To win you need to: 1. Increase FTP (in category D the limit is 3.1 W/kg, so that is your competition, whether they belong in D or not) 2. Increase max power and 15s max power (for sprinting) You know this already. How do you achieve this: 1. Long rides in zone 2 (let's say 60% of FTP). It must feel EASY! 2. Interval training. Minimum 20 min warm-up. Do 4x30 sec sprints (above FTP, 1 min recovery after each sprint, 5 min recovery between sets), repeat 3 times. Cooldown 10 minutes. 3. Most important: Recovery (you should feel fresh and energized before a race/interval training) Recovery in terms of eating after training, rest after training (enough sleep) and a rest DAY after a race / interval training where you sprinted! I see you do races a lot and your races are similar to a long FTP effort. Your body can not recover during the race and your body can not recover for two races in two days. I respect it a lot, but that is not how you increase you max power. I think you need more recovery and should plan to do maximum 1 race per week (until you have built up the recovery ability and feel fresh the next day). Possibly also maximum 1 interval training. Then it would be great if you have time to get one long easy ride in. Besides my unsollicited lecturing, I love the videos and I'm rooting for you to reach your goals!
This is my I love Zwift. Subscibers like you take so much time to share really good advice like this. I appreciate that! I've screenshot this for my training plan. 👍 Thanks again.
@@RyanCondon I'm happy to share from my experience. Also, I added some details for the interval training for recovery time between sprints and between sets.
@bartdikken7618. Thanks for the advice. Just one question if I may. I have just done a ride at 60% FTP and quite enjoyed it. However did you mean by long in terms of time or distance? I did 1hr 15m but only went 25km. Is that long enough or should I have done more mileage. Thanks in anticipation.
@@awebbo1426 I meant in terms of time. Great work! Depends on how much time you have and what your fitness level is. Maybe try 2 hours if it is still comfortable? I think it is most important that you enjoy it. It is all about the long term process, so don't worry about how far you went. It is pretty cheesy, but consistency is key. I think this actually means that you need to keep challenging your body and then letting it rest. Challenging, rest, challenging, rest, etc. If you take a very long time resting without challenging then you stop improving or digress. When you keep challenging, challenging, challenging without rest, than your body does not recover and you will improve less. My point is: only you know how you feel, so this is your journey to feel whether you are ready to challenge yourself or that you need rest. Actually the long easy rides are a form of active recovery, where you do not challenge your body too much, but blood is flowing everywhere and refreshing your muscles. Also it teaches your body that it is normal to be active for a long period of time and your lungs/heart/muscles/etc. will get used to this. So short answer: Try 2 hours if possible Long answer: Feel for yourself if you can go a longer Ps!!: If you have a heart rate monitor, try to stay in zone 2 (60%-70% of max. heartrate) instead of using 60% of FTP Goodluck!
It's hard mate. When I got super close to winning a Cat C, I ended up getting bumped to Cat B. 😂 There's a fine balance to pushing yourself to win, but not pushing so hard you end up getting bumped up a category, and then find yourself at the back of the pack again! Keep up the effort though. You're closer to winning than all those who don't race.
Did the same in D cat , 7 year of only cycling time trial in bynea Cycling club. Distance 10miles, 25miles 30mile 50miles 100miles, 12hours/236miles my best.
You'll either need to train a sprint (squats in the gym, cadence work and sprint intervals when fresh) or youll end up winning by doing what those guys are doing (a time trial effort off the front while everyone behind doesnt wanna do a 30 min all out effort).
Ryan, I have a few thoughts. 1. Just because you haven’t won a race doesn’t mean you can’t, someday you will. 2. Remember, zwift has cheaters. People lie about their height and weight and there are apps that let you ride at a lower resistance. 3. Have you spent time training sprinting? It’s a skill that needs developing. You are an inspiration!
Thanks for the comment. I will win, I won't give up until I do. I also need to train my sprint, you are 100% right. 🙌 I'm not bothered about the cheaters, don't see the point myself but it must flick their switch in some way. Thanks for watching. 💪
I agree with @thesbman . Stop thinking about winning and start small . Don’t chase those speedy flyers . Stick in the pack because they will bring them back . Save your energy till the end . Don’t burn matches . More importantly have fun .
@@ChristophVonBagel no harm in going for a win. Zwift is category enforced which (unlike running) I actually have a chance of winning so why not aim for it. I enjoy the racing more than the training so that's the fun for me. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Hey, nice job getting fitter. As a competitive C (borderline lousy B on a good day) one tactic I have found very helpful in circuits with short climbs is letting yourself drift to the back of the group when approaching it then starting your effort just before the climb, using draft when it's still effective and carrying more speed into the climb. This should help you conserve energy as the laps tick - or if feeling good you can push to hurt others. It's helped me win a few, either solo or sapping others' legs for the coming sprint (since I identified one of my strenghts is repeating short hard-but-not-max efforts). Equate segments to time and sustainable power - for example 800m is ~1 minute at a typical race pace. You should know by now what power you can sustain for 1 minute - that knowledge can be stronger than the pain just for a while. Work on your sprint technique outside of races so your body knows what to do when you get to 250m (~15 seconds) even when in agony. With your build you should be able to outsprint many lighter riders with just a little practice.
Dude!! I think you may have won but not sure. Watching on phone but i think Vander person averaged 2.7 wpkg. He might get DQ’d log back on ZP see if it’s changed!! Also few tips (easier when you watch others): don’t push the front to much your gifting quite a few watts to other people. You’re right pushing but get back in the pack quicker to stop tow ing people as much. Try and stay 3 people back better draft. Also your last race is epic you jumped from 2.1wpkg to 2.3!!!! Big jump man that’s not to be sniffed at!!! Love your channel keeps me riding can’t wait for next video. Hope you get a win soon!!!
I saw another comment mention structured exercises and rest which I fully agree with - have you tried any of the Zwift academy? Its nearly over now but those lessons are fantastic in increasing strength but also race preparation. I also dont mean to knock your attitude - your progress is inspirational and clearly works for you. I know you say you have a super positive attitude but you carry so many clouds over you its gotta drag you down. Every video I have watched of yours you mention having a disadvantage as a heavier rider. Right there you have given yourself an excuse to fail and you are feeling you are having to work so much harder than everyone else. I think you are probably about average looking at weight for cat D on zwift power now, so I'd try and get any feelings of disadvantage out the way now - you belong and are clearly challenging the top of the category on your own merit. Secondly, I'd love to see you enjoy the race more. You are carrying so much tension and pressure trying to get a win. Tension will cause tiredness so relax more both in mind and body - if you have someone sitting on your wheel then take it as a positive - he is working 100% just to stay on your wheel and you are the stronger rider. See if you can do one of the Zwift Academy races before the 18th. You probably won't win as the field is much larger and winners will likely be >3kg/w but they are just really fun races to ride and you might see an improved personal performance. The win will come for you at some point but likely when you least expect it so in the meantime just enjoy the ride 😊 happy holidays
Thanks for taking the time to write this comment. I'm pleased you've watched a few of my vids and enjoyed them. Watch some of my running ones, they're alot more light hearted. Zwift is new to me so I'm putting myself under pressure to succeed as that's how I best operate. I'm also adding a little bit of poetic drama to make the video more entertaining (some light peril, will he won't he? Stuff) but don't tell anyone. 😅
Maybe that's it - I watched a 10k vid I think it was (actually thinking back it was maybe marathon 😂) and you were chatting, smiling, banter with volunteers - so enjoying the suffering. On zwift you are alone without even a smile 😂
@@louiskirkham9845totally agree with your advice above. I’d never had any aspirations to race in Zwift but, as you said, the Zwift Academy features 2 races this year which you have to complete to graduate so I thought to myself that I’d just take it nice and steady on the 1st race “no stress!” (think that was flatter than the 2nd one). No expectations from myself to do well but to just, ideally, finish in the top 50%. Anyway, got about 1.5kms from the finish, was in the bunch and thought to myself “could get a top 10 here if I’m lucky!” Again, still no expectations so got to about 600m out and 1 guy shot off so I emptied the tank to try and catch him and managed 2nd place. Was over the moon about that! I’m 98kgs and hills destroy me so definitely worth trying to find races that suit. So I think your point about not putting pressure on yourself is absolutely spot on and so relevant. Can’t wait to see the video where Ryan wins his first race. I’m sure it won’t be long 💪
@@RyanCondonI second what Louis has mentioned above. The Zwift Academy workouts have been a brilliant way to train. Think it ends on the 18th Dec but they will all be available in the workouts afterwards anyway
Perfect timing on this one, Ryan. Just jumped on for an hour of Z2 which you helped me get thru with ease. Cheers! Mate, I just wanna say that with determination like yours.. just showing up to a race is a win mate. No matter where you place, smalls gains each time will amount to something big so don't stress too much bud. You're doing great! I've managed a couple of wins in Cat D but like the rest will say its never easy. Just hanging on is a win for me lol. And I bet by the time you master Cat D, you'll get bumped up to Cat C and have to start again!! Keep riding and sharing your journey mate, it definitely inspires others!! Ride On 👍🏾
Just keep at it mate! I am in a very similar physical constitution as yourself, racing in D and have had a fifth and a third place as my best results. Winning will be down to not only your own effort and capacity, but also luck, - as in depending who you ride against. Speaking for myself, - I would take a good finish in a really strong group over a win against lesser riders any day. Winning means nothing really, while my effort means everything. Your videos are great, keep it up please! Cheers!
I really enjoy your videos it’s been quite motivating being a new zwift rider myself one thing I will say having done a few criteriums in the past is the importance of a good warm up generally the shorter the race the longer the warm up needed
Enjoyed the zwift video Ryan, admire your energy and enthusiasm! Having watched other zwifters and trying improving myself on Zwift, the biggest tips I’ve picked up are to become more fluid mid ride and maximise drafting. Getting dropped / catch up / dropped / etc is exhausting so watch the watts per kg of the riders in front of you (shown on left hand side) and with practice you’ll start to second guess their pulls. To start ‘winning’ races I also tried choosing rides with lower amount of entrants or different times of day - feels like some are more honest than others. I now take a win as an average 20 min watts per kg stat the highest in my category and ignoring the sandbaggers. Oh, and also warm up for at least ten mins in a robo pace partner! Keep up the good work.
Ryan, great channel! I learned of you while being destroyed by you (and others) in a race last week (Stage 5: Flat is Fast - Greater London Flat) and am frantically trying to catch up on all of the Zwift content that you provide. I am a Cat D racer as well and just won a D race yesterday, even though I am not as strong as you are. I know my strengths and do research on which races would maximize my abilities -- and recently landed on the 'Team Electric Spirit Co. Preprandial Crits' -- which is a short (~15 minute race) because endurance is not my strongest suit and mostly flat or small rollers. The other thing I like about them is that they are "All Categories Visible" races, which means that D's and C's start in the same start pens and I can latch onto the back of the C group to attempt to distance myself from the rest of the D's. Finally, the fields are quite small, so racers don't work well together, so if I can get a gap, it has a better chance of sticking. In the race that I won I was able to stick with the C's for even just a km or so, but that was enough to get a 10 second gap and I was able to hold that to the line. Keep up the good work and hopefully I will see you in another race soon.
Fantastic! I'm pleased you like my vids and even more pleased for your first win. That tip of latching onto a CAT C is a great idea. Might steal it. ;)
@@RyanCondon, yeah, give it a try! If you do try it, make sure that the race rules include "All riders visible" and the start times are NOT staggered. I find it best to also use this tactic on a shorter race so that if a chase group does form they don't have much time to chase and catch you. But, you always start well, so getting a good jump is a real possibility for you. Good luck.
Brilliant to watch your progress each race. I noticed you went from 2w/kg first 3 ish races then 2.1w/kg for a couple and the last race you managed 2.3w/kg... My suggestion to you is to have a rest day and then do some easy spin your legs off ride days and then try a race again. Hopefully you might do a 2.4w/kg race and get that win! It's really important not to race too often as your body needs easy days and rest days to recover and for your gains to grow....
Last race was epic! Wow For sprinting, try hitting a high cadence before shifting gears:, for example: reach ~110-115 rpm, shift, hit 110-115 rpm, shift, and so it goes. It works well for me, I manage to hit ~1200w
Its insane that you can keep your heart rate up that high. I'm only at 150 average and 175 max in races. Only been zwifting for 2 months, but my 20 min power output is the same as yours and I can't stay with the D lead pack in races. Thanks for your videos, very inspiring for me to keep improving.
I've worked hard for years to improve my endurance. My weight is my biggest downfall on Zwift atm. I've moved on slightly from this vid now though. Thanks for watching, I'm pleased you like my vid. 🙏🙌
Another great video. You will win, but it takes time, which makes it that much sweeter when it happens. Two things - There’s seldom a good reason to be on the front for any length of time. Stay calm, let others chase, and save your energy. Also, you can sprint, but you lose a lot of efficiency by grinding a big gear instead of spinning. On some of those climbs (and sprints) you were out of the saddle but turning only 68-74 rpm. I know it feels like you’re making a lot of power that way, but it’s deceptive. Keep your rpms high (90, maybe even up to 110) and you will generate far more power. This will save you energy for your sprint, and make your sprint faster. One last thing: Recovery is essential. Make sure you’re getting all the rest you need between efforts. You don’t lack for drive or determination so you will definitely get there. Just be patient and be smart.
Good advice and the RPM point is one I've had before. You are absolutely right and I need to make a determined effort to sprint like that. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
You are so right about riders that are too strong for their category. Have seen winners in D with 4 w/kg. What is the glory or growth in that. To keep zwift interesting I want to beat the best. and by doing that increase ny fitness. But the wrong match in opponents Can be demotivating.
Great last race, Ryan. You gave it everything. Well deserved second place. Played the long game and managed your efforts brilliantly. It was great to watch. 👊💪
Keep up the great work Ryan. Have you considered having a bike fit? Even though you’re not riding outdoors, where cornering and descending are part of your riding, i can say from experience that it would really help you achieve your goals. Apologies if this has been suggested by other viewers previously but a proper bike fit will enable you to ride more comfortably, for longer, and with more efficiency.
Yes! I do need to do this. Zwift/WattBike was just suppose to be an "add-on" to my weight-loss and running training and now it fills half my training alongside running so you're probably right, I need to give it equal respect which includes a bike fit. I did follow a video the other day and realised my saddle was far too low. Its now higher.
Well done Ryan. I’ve been racing Zwift years. I’ve never had a win. Second and third yes. It’s so tough mate to get the win. The way you’re going and your determination, you will do it at some point. I just race myself these days. If I’m improving my performances ie a P.B I’m happy with that. I do a lot of TTs when I’m in shape so it’s about holding a lot of power for 10 miles. You may well be good at that. Give it a go. Keep doing the Zwift races as it great to hear your experience of how bloody hard they are.
I've been watching you a few months mate and I can see now what's holding you back. You're not aero enough. I reckon if you commit 100% to the RUclips Zwift Rider aesthetic you'll get that win. Get rid of the beard, cut the hair short and get into a proper bib and jersey. Headband also guarantees an extra 5 watts. You got this mate
Great video. Do you taper for a couple of days before a race? And like with your Park run PB attempt I think you schould prioritise a proper warm up. I fell a huge difference when I ride with fresh legs and a thorough warmup. 10-20% better.
I take my running really seriously and probably need to do the same with Zwift. I use Zwift when I have a free hour or so. I plan all my runs. That's the difference.
Awesome video! The zwift content on your channel is awesome! Couple of observations..(my opinions for what it's worth..).1. You're doing incredible - you will get better and more competitive as bodyweight falls. It makes a huge difference in zwift to be lighter (as you know). 2. I'm riding in pace group C and my 2024 goal is to get into pace B - When I ride what I know is going to be a fast C or sometimes a robo pacer B, I make sure I get at least 30 minutes, ideally 45+ minutes in before the ride goes off. If I don't, it hurts a lot for at least 15 minutes, and I can't give full gas - and if I try I don't recover well. I know I'm not warmed up because my heart rate isn't up there yet, and I'm not breathing hard and sweating buckets yet. Getting a decent 30+ minute warm up before a hard ride is essential to get your best out. If you're starting a race cold, wearing a hoodie - you ain't ready to start yet. 3. My experience up the hills that are longer than a short bump is don't push harder - it will blow you up. Spin faster to get you up the hill. Personally I ride at about 80 to 85 rpm. On a longer hill I try to spin up to 90 to 95+rpm and spin an easier gear, not push a harder one. I usually throw in intervals of 15 or 30 seconds of standing with a harder gear at about 65 rpm during a longer climb to use different muscles. 4. More videos please - keep them coming - really enjoying your content and as others have said - you are an amazing inspiration.
Without commitment you`ll never start. But more importantly. Without consistency, you`ll never finish. Keep working, keep striving, never give up, fall down 100 times, get up 101 times. Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship. So keep moving, keep growing, keep learning. See you at work. -Denzel Washington. Thank you for an honest video again Ryan, I really like your videos mate :). And you`ll get a 1 place eventually if you just keep on pushing. If you can`t sprint you got to go for a breakaway. I know because I`m a sprinter, I have a 15 seconds best now on Zwiftpower at 13,7w/kg and for 5 seconds it`s 15w/kg. I`m in A cat but racing a lot of A+ riders that can destroy me if they go for a breakaway and I don`t pay attention, or if they staying on a pace over 5,5wkg over time or a long climb I`m done. You will get there mate, just keep going :) Cheers from Norway again. PS: I`m following you on Zwift and I commented on your 3rd place ;)
Thanks for the comment my friend! I do love a bit of Denzel! I do need to work on my Sprint, I don't think I'll ever be a out and put sprinter so I also need to work on a breakaway tactic. 👌🙌
I’m in the same boat as you I’m heavy without a decent sprint possibly because I’ve never trained it .I’m now experimenting with one zwift group ride a week that’s a spin n sprint event .They seem to be organised around five sprints with rest interval’s in between .Just done the Friday night snowcial sprint n spin,think there’s also another midweek ride same style different team
Okay, this was entertaining - thanks !!!! Ryan, try a Sands and Sequoia course race. Your attributes might just set you up well to come off the final climb there and hang on. We appreciate you earnest efforts. Good luck.
Also buddy, once on a team you can get to race flammerouge race series which has more categories. Ie d grade is kind of split into two. An upper and lower ends of the category.
Great video! Recommend trying to improve your cardio. If you are able try to incorporate a run or two a week to help with this. Doesn’t have to be a fast pace but will help for sure. Also try focusing on your breathing during the race to keep your heart rate lower. You sit around 170 within the first 10 seconds of the race and stay there the whole time
Thanks for the comment however the irony is that I only started exercising on a smart bike to help with my Ultra Running. 😅 I don't think I could run anymore if I tried to. Here is the video of why I decided to incorporate riding. I'm now hooked on Zwift Racing because of my running training. I'm pleased you liked the video. ruclips.net/video/xtpdwNH4FPw/видео.htmlsi=Ug94i0hKgZhJSlig
I think the w/kg threshold is based on estimated FTP, so on races under and hour where you could average over your FTP, Zwift allows more leeway hence the guy in 1st averaging 2.7 didn’t get DQd, anyway your making great progress, Top 3 in a field that size is pretty good, I never managed to win a race before being bumped to C category where now I have to hang on for dear life to get a top 50! Just keep having fun that’s all that matters
Well 1. You need to condition your heart. Im 6'2 and about 210. My HR is in a race like that is about 148 to 155 and my max is about 182 and im 51yrs. You need to do endurance riding to get your heart more efficient. Do zone 2 riding. Your always in the red zone with your HR. Also you need to lean forward to get your hips rotated so you can use your glutes insted of your quad muscles.... and eat eat and eat........ good luck...
Your example in this video is a really competitive race with a huge field that will contain the absolute best of your category. If what you want is a win, enter some smaller races. Also as more of an endurance athlete, the short duration of an event like this works against you. Longer races will play to your strengths more.
@@RyanCondon it's not cheating, it's just a smaller win, a step on the way to a big win. The long events will all have smaller fields because people don't have the time or fitness to do it. Racing against 10-20 people is more tactical - you can analyze their power and behavior and think about how to beat them.
Hi Ryan, Slightly off topic I know but I wondered if you were aware of the Zwift pace partner rides up the Alpe de Zwift on the last few days of the year. They should help zwifters to beat their pbs on the Alpe. Happy Xmas.
Just watched this video after our No Pinz race earlier. Really enjoyed our race so here's a few pointers that might help. Stick with this anti clockwise course and pick races with less than 20 people. 4w/kg at the start to get in the lead group. Power through the rollers just enough to stay near the front. Use the feather after the second roller, it helps on the last two and up the drag. Your weight is an advantage on the downhills (I'm 92kg). Use aero or draft on the downhills and don't stop pedalling. You roll through the group and keep your speed causing others to react. I have no sprint, 7-8w/kg is about my max, but I can hold 3w/kg for 5 mins or so. Attack before the last lap, kick as hard as you can for 20 secs and then set your tempo. This should get you a gap to try and hold. I attacked twice in our race. 1st was coming off the rollers, holding 3.5w/kg. I got 3 seconds and then got chased down. 2nd attack was on the downhill. I dropped to the back, hit the aero and kicked hard at over 5w/kg. I had a gap before anyone could react. I got caught by Sutherland but he didn't have HR so let him go. During the race I was looking at everyone's HR to see who was close to the limit. Knew I was first on Zwiftpower so managed the gap across the line. Hope this helps you get your win. P.S. let others do the chasing. If nobody chases you have 2 options. You let them go or you kick as hard as possible and go hard until you bridge across. Dont try to bridge across gaps bigger than 5 secs.
Fantastic advice. This race will be this week's video probably unless I get a win tomorrow (miracles do happen). I used the tip for the power ups on the last two rollers and into the 2% incline after. I saw your first attempt at a breakaway and I managed to catch up. The 2nd one was a good one. I attempted a small break too in this race on the 3rd lap, just for fun as never done it before. Got a 3 second lead before being caught. It's good advice, even better racing against you. Welldone on your very well deserved win sir!
@@RyanCondon In that case I take back all my advice ("look mum, I'm on telly.'')🤣🤣 Would be interesting to see your perspective of the race. Personally it was one of my easier race because no one wanted to push the pace. I normally just sit on the group and react so I enjoyed being on the front and driving the pace a bit. Best of luck chasing your win, it will come.
Maybe look into joining a team and doing Flamme Rouge Racing tour , WTRL zwift racing league or DIRT racing series for some race fun with teammates. Can recommend Galaxy cycling club 👍 but there are plenty of great teams. I think it would make for some good content.
Dude, brilliant vids. Noticed at the start line, you were at 0 watts before sprinting off. This is an unwise technique. I’d suggest constantly spinning whilst on the start line to keep your HR & legs in a working zone, before ramping up to a sprint wattage in the final 5-10 seconds before starting. Also, a 20 minute warm-up is crucial. Good luck. 👍
I'm slightly lighter than you but not by much. I'm no Zwift expert and only have a handful of wins but here are my tips. 1, I don't set the pace off of the break. I will push only as hard as needed to stay in the front group. 2, I'm not strong enough to close a gap so if someone goes for it I wait for others to close the gap. If a group can't close the gap I definitely can't alone. 3, Sit on wheels as much as possible. I try to not be in the front of the group. 4, I know I need to push at the start of a climb to get a lead so that I don't get dropped by the top. 5, When I do get dropped I will often change my ride to being a zone 2 ride and stop racing. After the race ends I'll continue zone 2 riding for as long as I want. 6, I know I can't win a sprint, I just don't have the power to. So I try to pull away at a strategic spot and push hard for the line. This only works on certain courses. Keep at it and you'll get a W.
@@RyanCondon yes I have a few wins but they don't come often or easy. I won stage 2 of Best of last week and also stage 3 this week. Both played into my strength. Stage 2 had a climb early on that absolutely blew the group apart and 2 of us pulled away and kept pushing. We had a minute going over the top and took turns taking pulls on the flat to the finish. I think I outlasted him as he slowed at the end when I made a hard push. Stage 3 finished on Breakaway Brea. 3 of us pulled away on the first time up and stayed away until the end. I went all out up the climb and managed to have a few seconds lead with the help of a feather. Before that it had been at least a month. I generally will finish with the front group but I can't compete if it is a sprint finish.
@@RyanCondon I find for me it really comes down to the course. That Neoyoko course is really hard for me because of the sprint. I need to have the same strategy that you were going for on Glasgow crit but it can be hard to start away depending on the group. I try to only do 1 or 2 races a week and I try to do them after a rest day if possible.
Greatly enjoyed the video. Fingers crossed for your first win. A couple of observations. Firstly when you broke 30 mins for your 5km park runs you seem to have worked out that a long warm up would be a big help and it was. You don't seem to apply the same logic to Zwift racing. Secondly I think you may be starting to plateau because you're not working on your weaknesses. Eventually just riding harder will give minimal returns. Have a look at the Zwift workouts. Finally don't beat yourself up too much, however good you get there will always be thousands better than you and many not at your level. Lots of videos on youtube about how to race. Its always a mystery to me how some of the winners put out so much power to sprint or climb but their average power isn't particularly high. Racecraft I guess. Good luck for the new year. Looking forward to you next video.
Thank you Neil. I appreciate the comment. Im am always late for my races, I don't give Zwift efforts the same respect as my runs. Both of these things I will fix. Thanks again.
@@RyanCondon I've just added you on Zwift. You're way beyond me at the moment but hoping we'll have our own little scraps at some point in the future 💪
It's not that you can't, you just haven't yet 😃love the videos thanks so much Ryan I have just bought the gear to start riding, UK winter has been getting me down
Not sure if that's a compliment BiggyJ. 🤔 Not much more I can do for overheating other than direct an industrial fan at my torso and face and strip naked (not doing that).
I've only won maybe 2 zwift races in the game. On zwift power ive won a few more. I have hundreds of races ive done. Its not easy. You have to practice and you have to get lucky. Good luck to you. I'm amazed at how great you look compared to your first few videos.
I wonder how many have trainer difficulty set the low. This will minimize the resistance on climbs (though increase resistance on the descents). I personally think races should have the trainer setting to max value. I'm a mid pack Cat D and and hoping soon to move to the front pack
Well done, having a bikefit might be worth it. I don’t know how local he is to you but if your willing to invest around 300 earth credits Dan at UK bikefit does bikefit for stationary bikes. For like 35 bucks their are apps that you can work with for a couple of weeks to dial your position as well. Between cleats and all the other stuff you might find alittle power for no more fitness. You are crushing it. I have never won a zwift race either a couple of podiums before I got booted up to cat C and now I get my head kicked in every time. Only other thing I can see is with your engine if you could Gondor a breakaway. Make a surge to get some separation I bet you 2.5/2.7 watts/kg would make it stick for you and on a good day I think you can do that for 30ish minutes to win.
Thanks for the tips. A bike fit makes sense. I'll look into it. I'm thinking about making a "breakaway" video soon. Can I make a breakaway stick so keep an eye out for that one. Thanks for the comment. 🙌
@@RyanCondon I will keep an eye open. I had a fit from Dan last year on my triathalon bike and it was so useful. I don’t know where he is in relation to you but he’s in Matlock, Derbyshire in the UK obviously
I think that was a good effort to win, in the right place for the sprint finish. It's all little gains like you already know, a bit better on your endurance to leave your fresher for the sprint finish. Maybe work on your max power, maybe you've got a high power you can hold for a minute (so hit the sprint early and catch them sleeping). Plus knowing the course, power ups and ultimately who you're up against. Race smart👍 PS on the last race the winner averaged 2.7w/kg which should be DQ'd in a D race. Check Zwift Power again
Don’t sprint in such a hard gear lower the gear and increase cadence. I’ve got a decent sprint generally hit 10wkg for 15 seconds, Wattbike gear 15 max cadence over 115. T
I hate when people say this. No, he doesn't have to ride for fun. He can ride to win. He can ride to be competitive. It's called racing, not joy riding. Good grief...let people be competitive. Get out of here with your energy killing "just have fun" bs.
@@roadcyclist1 If it's not fun and enjoyment then people won't do it, simple as that. If it was all about winning then most would give up. I would take the opposite side of your argument any day of the week. Not everyone can be at the top, we can still have fun losing , and expect to do it more often than not.
I got into Zwift as a aid for my marathon training and because I have a very VERY competitive personality I got hooked on racing. I never in a million years thought I'd be here making vids about winning races in Zwift but here I am. The enjoyment for me is the competition but I take your point. Thank you for commenting. 🙌
You can ride to be competitive, but riding a 2.1w/kg against a 2.7w/kg isn't competitive. In cat D races there are too often a winner who probably belongs in cat C and so trying to be competitive with them is a bad idea - so I think the OP is suggesting Ryan races for fun with the result as a minor consideration. That duel for second with Huang looked really fun and was competitive, more so than trying to compete with a rider 30secs up the road.
@@louiskirkham9845 Absolutely. We love being able to compete, that is part of the fun. We can't always be competitive, there is always a few riders that are just so much stronger. If winning = fun then we'll be greatly disappointed a lot of the time. In the Cat i'm in there is little to no chance of me winning. I still have fun competing even though I'm no competitive at the pointy end of the race.
Ryan , the bit where you say you will always race better riders even though you’ll get beaten , rather than take a hollow victory by beating slower riders, would be a great time to cut to the clip of boris Johnson rugby tackling the school kid full on it Biff tanner in back to the future throwing the kids ball over the house . Love your channel keep going
I'm at the very top of Cat C with an FTP of 3.1. Yet I never win races, no matter the course, people just smash out unreal numbers for the cat. I don't really care TBH, I still have fun and I know that IRL I would and do ride faster than others in my cat.
@@RyanCondon so he didn’t work with you so you both get the draft. Possibly struggling to even maintain your effort. For pushing spirit / effort I’ve found helping sweep on a group ride forces you to push/sprint to help others get back to the group. Maybe look at group rides or pacer bots where you drop off the back and then push effort to get back to the group, every few KM. you get recover time between the efforts. Might help with the end sprints
The equation is fairly simple; to win a Cat-D / D-Grade race on Zwift, one needs to be able to finish at around 2.4-2.6 W/Kg for the race duration. I note that you were struggling to maintain 1.8 W/Kg at times in this 21Km / 35-minute race (with 2.0 W/Kg being your average final output), thus, your FTP is nowhere near 2.5 W/Kg, which is the maximum for this category. Like IRL - there are no tricks, other than fitness and race craft, that will get you there. Ride on!
That's 46.5 kg, light but not unrealistic for a small human. I've lost to (and narrowly beaten) strong children and women on hilly courses. Obviously the matchmaking system isn't perfect but they do need to cater for people at both ends of the spectrum.
I currently use one designed for the arm. I will invest in new equipment as and when. I've currently got a list of items I want to get to improve my riding. Thanks for the watch and the comment. Ride on!
It looked like you only started pedaling at the gun. Get up to 300 at ten seconds to go. Drafting is exaggerated so stay in the group. I suspect the people disappearing into the distance are weight doping
Unless you are around the upper end of your category, winning will be tough. In your case you will (at your current fitness of ftp ~2.1 w/kg) for now you will be beat by the 2.5 w/kg people who will either drop you or (them being fresher at the end off the race) beat you at the line. Or simply put: your current fitness does not allow you to be competitive at the line. Off course the great thing is that this can be fixed. Lot of room to improve with a combination of more training and (potentially) lose some kilo's.
@@RyanCondon well done! I'd advise what I have done as a (previously) midrange C-rider: I worked throughout 2023 on building up aerobic fitness through a consistent training plan. Not huge hours (7-9) but week in week out, so pretty consistent. Bottom line: I needed to bump my FTP to be able to end up near the line with a bit of juice left. Previously I either 1) got dropped or 2) was totally spend at the line so no power left to sprint. Result of consistent training is that I bumped my w/kg @ftp roughly .2 / .3 which got me at the top range of C cat. The increase in FTP also increased all my other statistics (higher sprint, 1 minute, 5 minute, 20 minute power etc). This fall I'm now competing at the front instead of mid pack. Out of the last 10 races 3 podiums so pretty happy about that. As for winning, some people are naturally great sprinters, and I understand that has a pretty big genetic component. Personally I don't specifically train for sprints, but just overall fitness. But off course you can. My cup of tea. Goodluck and have fun on your cycling journey!
What you just experienced is known among riders as "Sandbagging". Van den Brink should be in category C but he downgraded himself on purpose by increasing his weight/height or by riding weaker/slower than his full ability. Dominating in a lower category is much more satisfying than being a mediocre or dropped rider in a higher category. I just moved to category B myself on Zwift and am getting constantly dropped after being highly competitive in cat C. So I don't blame him, it sucks to be last.
@@RyanCondon Me too, I will stay proudly riding on cat B even if I am last every single time. It has been hard to improve to this level and it is the only way to keep improving.
As long as you’re not putting a lot of pressure on your knees, also keep the cadence up, grinding out the watts puts a lot of stress on joints and muscles.
@@RyanCondon Sorry I saw 2.2 at the top, but that was obviously not the top top, you had to scroll up for that. 2.7 is doable as well, if you play the cards right! However I am also a high D, low C rider and I have won D races with 2.5W/KG, also big races so keep at it!
I use it for training and fun. Winning is a means to an end. Yes I use it more than once a week. I'm not training to enter Tour De Essex, I use to as part of my overall plan. I made a video about why I use Zwift.
@@RyanCondon I will say Zwift racing is so much fun, im always tempted to smash every ride. Anyhow, really enjoy your honest and unapologetic style of vids.
Great channel. It seems you’re doing lots of races but no structured bike race training. You’re clearly getting fitter but it’s not got the same benefit.
I Zwift for fun. I never (in a million years) thought I'd end up caring about this stuff. I'm a runner who's not ridden a bike since 1998. Now I'm hook. 😅
First, good for you on your progress! But as someone who has raced for a couple of years from D to B, I don't really understand this video. You'll win races when you become a stronger rider. Looking at your Zwift Power stats, you need to be able to pull 2.5 w/kg consistently to win races in D. Once you can do that, without over doing it and getting promoted to C, you will podium regularly and win races. Sure, you can win a race now at your fitness level, but you are just playing roulette, hoping no one enters who is a stronger rider than you. Second, you never said what you are doing for training. Racing everytime you ride is horrible training. Did you do Zwift Academy? Do you do any of the Zwift workouts? What are you doing to improve your power, endurance, and sprints?
I suppose I talk about this stuff in my other vids and this one is a culmination of other progress vids I have made. I can see why it's out of context it you watch it as a standalone. Thanks for watching. 👍
@@RyanCondon basin on a binge watch on your past two videos then an hour on the bike !! Keep the chaneel going mate . You need to get a real road bike in the spring ! 🚲
I don't know why you're angry about people being better than you. The winner is always well inside the power range for D cat... Just train harder and don't worry about other riders. Be the rider you are angry at now. The most important metric for winning races is 1 min power. Work on that.
@@RyanCondon Angry might be the wrong word. Annoyed maybe? When you are talking about that guy that is able to build and keep a gap...'I would always want to race people better than me', that might be true now but once you get to the level where you can actually do breakaways and win races it's quite addicting. It's fun to know you're one of the strongest riders. Moving to C cat is only going to put you back in the position you were before, struggling to stay in the pack, getting dropped. There are few riders who like being in that position. It's the beauty of zwift. You struggle for a while, get better and enjoy winning before zwift forces you to move up and the cycle repeats. Also take plenty of rest and prioritize zone 2 rides. You'll get faster by riding slower and also lose weight much faster. I went from 96kg to 84 in 4 months and moved from D to C cat.
@@MarriedWithBackpacks Then it's a justified point by me. Step up! You might be set back by racing better riders but that's the point of racing surely. There's winning and then there's "winning". Step up, race hard, get better. You'll eventually find your plauteau and happy place.
In 2023 I achieved alot and I made a video about these accomplishments. ruclips.net/video/-BbpjaTWMGc/видео.htmlsi=icA06ng6JW1rk7PI
It also includes my most recent Alpe Du Zwift PB attempt. 😉
The guy pushing through on the third race Is my dad. He keeps saying he has to learn to wait for the sprints but he gets bored sitting there. He says Great job Ryan.
@@SophiaWaldron thank you. 🙌
To win you need to:
1. Increase FTP (in category D the limit is 3.1 W/kg, so that is your competition, whether they belong in D or not)
2. Increase max power and 15s max power (for sprinting)
You know this already.
How do you achieve this:
1. Long rides in zone 2 (let's say 60% of FTP). It must feel EASY!
2. Interval training. Minimum 20 min warm-up. Do 4x30 sec sprints (above FTP, 1 min recovery after each sprint, 5 min recovery between sets), repeat 3 times. Cooldown 10 minutes.
3. Most important: Recovery (you should feel fresh and energized before a race/interval training)
Recovery in terms of eating after training, rest after training (enough sleep) and a rest DAY after a race / interval training where you sprinted!
I see you do races a lot and your races are similar to a long FTP effort. Your body can not recover during the race and your body can not recover for two races in two days. I respect it a lot, but that is not how you increase you max power. I think you need more recovery and should plan to do maximum 1 race per week (until you have built up the recovery ability and feel fresh the next day). Possibly also maximum 1 interval training. Then it would be great if you have time to get one long easy ride in.
Besides my unsollicited lecturing, I love the videos and I'm rooting for you to reach your goals!
This is my I love Zwift. Subscibers like you take so much time to share really good advice like this. I appreciate that!
I've screenshot this for my training plan. 👍
Thanks again.
This is great advice!
@@RyanCondon I'm happy to share from my experience. Also, I added some details for the interval training for recovery time between sprints and between sets.
@bartdikken7618. Thanks for the advice. Just one question if I may. I have just done a ride at 60% FTP and quite enjoyed it. However did you mean by long in terms of time or distance? I did 1hr 15m but only went 25km. Is that long enough or should I have done more mileage. Thanks in anticipation.
@@awebbo1426 I meant in terms of time. Great work! Depends on how much time you have and what your fitness level is. Maybe try 2 hours if it is still comfortable? I think it is most important that you enjoy it.
It is all about the long term process, so don't worry about how far you went. It is pretty cheesy, but consistency is key.
I think this actually means that you need to keep challenging your body and then letting it rest. Challenging, rest, challenging, rest, etc. If you take a very long time resting without challenging then you stop improving or digress. When you keep challenging, challenging, challenging without rest, than your body does not recover and you will improve less.
My point is: only you know how you feel, so this is your journey to feel whether you are ready to challenge yourself or that you need rest.
Actually the long easy rides are a form of active recovery, where you do not challenge your body too much, but blood is flowing everywhere and refreshing your muscles. Also it teaches your body that it is normal to be active for a long period of time and your lungs/heart/muscles/etc. will get used to this.
So short answer: Try 2 hours if possible
Long answer: Feel for yourself if you can go a longer
Ps!!: If you have a heart rate monitor, try to stay in zone 2 (60%-70% of max. heartrate) instead of using 60% of FTP
Goodluck!
It's hard mate. When I got super close to winning a Cat C, I ended up getting bumped to Cat B. 😂 There's a fine balance to pushing yourself to win, but not pushing so hard you end up getting bumped up a category, and then find yourself at the back of the pack again! Keep up the effort though. You're closer to winning than all those who don't race.
Did the same in D cat , 7 year of only cycling time trial in bynea Cycling club. Distance 10miles, 25miles 30mile 50miles 100miles, 12hours/236miles my best.
I started😊 in 1986 to 1992, 😊
D cats called me a sorcery I sed yes call me merlin, I was born in carmarthen Wales. Were the merlin stories began.
I sed I am going to be a C cat.
I won D cat with 500wat ave , I sed do you believe in miracles.
You'll either need to train a sprint (squats in the gym, cadence work and sprint intervals when fresh) or youll end up winning by doing what those guys are doing (a time trial effort off the front while everyone behind doesnt wanna do a 30 min all out effort).
Ryan, I have a few thoughts. 1. Just because you haven’t won a race doesn’t mean you can’t, someday you will. 2. Remember, zwift has cheaters. People lie about their height and weight and there are apps that let you ride at a lower resistance. 3. Have you spent time training sprinting? It’s a skill that needs developing. You are an inspiration!
Thanks for the comment.
I will win, I won't give up until I do. I also need to train my sprint, you are 100% right. 🙌
I'm not bothered about the cheaters, don't see the point myself but it must flick their switch in some way.
Thanks for watching. 💪
I agree with @thesbman . Stop thinking about winning and start small . Don’t chase those speedy flyers . Stick in the pack because they will bring them back . Save your energy till the end . Don’t burn matches . More importantly have fun .
@@ChristophVonBagel no harm in going for a win. Zwift is category enforced which (unlike running) I actually have a chance of winning so why not aim for it. I enjoy the racing more than the training so that's the fun for me. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Great story-telling skills, Ryan! Looking forward to watching the video of your future self winning a Zwift race!
Cheers Robert. 🙌
Hey, nice job getting fitter. As a competitive C (borderline lousy B on a good day) one tactic I have found very helpful in circuits with short climbs is letting yourself drift to the back of the group when approaching it then starting your effort just before the climb, using draft when it's still effective and carrying more speed into the climb. This should help you conserve energy as the laps tick - or if feeling good you can push to hurt others. It's helped me win a few, either solo or sapping others' legs for the coming sprint (since I identified one of my strenghts is repeating short hard-but-not-max efforts).
Equate segments to time and sustainable power - for example 800m is ~1 minute at a typical race pace. You should know by now what power you can sustain for 1 minute - that knowledge can be stronger than the pain just for a while. Work on your sprint technique outside of races so your body knows what to do when you get to 250m (~15 seconds) even when in agony. With your build you should be able to outsprint many lighter riders with just a little practice.
Thanks for these tips. Brilliant stuff. 🙌
Dude!! I think you may have won but not sure. Watching on phone but i think Vander person averaged 2.7 wpkg. He might get DQ’d log back on ZP see if it’s changed!! Also few tips (easier when you watch others): don’t push the front to much your gifting quite a few watts to other people. You’re right pushing but get back in the pack quicker to stop tow ing people as much. Try and stay 3 people back better draft. Also your last race is epic you jumped from 2.1wpkg to 2.3!!!! Big jump man that’s not to be sniffed at!!! Love your channel keeps me riding can’t wait for next video. Hope you get a win soon!!!
Thanks Gareth. Just checked ZP.. He's still there. 🙃
I saw another comment mention structured exercises and rest which I fully agree with - have you tried any of the Zwift academy? Its nearly over now but those lessons are fantastic in increasing strength but also race preparation.
I also dont mean to knock your attitude - your progress is inspirational and clearly works for you. I know you say you have a super positive attitude but you carry so many clouds over you its gotta drag you down. Every video I have watched of yours you mention having a disadvantage as a heavier rider. Right there you have given yourself an excuse to fail and you are feeling you are having to work so much harder than everyone else. I think you are probably about average looking at weight for cat D on zwift power now, so I'd try and get any feelings of disadvantage out the way now - you belong and are clearly challenging the top of the category on your own merit.
Secondly, I'd love to see you enjoy the race more. You are carrying so much tension and pressure trying to get a win. Tension will cause tiredness so relax more both in mind and body - if you have someone sitting on your wheel then take it as a positive - he is working 100% just to stay on your wheel and you are the stronger rider. See if you can do one of the Zwift Academy races before the 18th. You probably won't win as the field is much larger and winners will likely be >3kg/w but they are just really fun races to ride and you might see an improved personal performance.
The win will come for you at some point but likely when you least expect it so in the meantime just enjoy the ride 😊 happy holidays
Thanks for taking the time to write this comment. I'm pleased you've watched a few of my vids and enjoyed them. Watch some of my running ones, they're alot more light hearted.
Zwift is new to me so I'm putting myself under pressure to succeed as that's how I best operate. I'm also adding a little bit of poetic drama to make the video more entertaining (some light peril, will he won't he? Stuff) but don't tell anyone. 😅
Maybe that's it - I watched a 10k vid I think it was (actually thinking back it was maybe marathon 😂) and you were chatting, smiling, banter with volunteers - so enjoying the suffering. On zwift you are alone without even a smile 😂
@@louiskirkham9845totally agree with your advice above. I’d never had any aspirations to race in Zwift but, as you said, the Zwift Academy features 2 races this year which you have to complete to graduate so I thought to myself that I’d just take it nice and steady on the 1st race “no stress!” (think that was flatter than the 2nd one). No expectations from myself to do well but to just, ideally, finish in the top 50%. Anyway, got about 1.5kms from the finish, was in the bunch and thought to myself “could get a top 10 here if I’m lucky!” Again, still no expectations so got to about 600m out and 1 guy shot off so I emptied the tank to try and catch him and managed 2nd place. Was over the moon about that! I’m 98kgs and hills destroy me so definitely worth trying to find races that suit. So I think your point about not putting pressure on yourself is absolutely spot on and so relevant. Can’t wait to see the video where Ryan wins his first race. I’m sure it won’t be long 💪
@@RyanCondonI second what Louis has mentioned above. The Zwift Academy workouts have been a brilliant way to train. Think it ends on the 18th Dec but they will all be available in the workouts afterwards anyway
@@louiskirkham9845 I enjoy Zwift alot. Cycling at max HR is very different to running a marathon.
Really enjoying your videos. Progress is always inspiring. I’d like to see you try a TT race on a flat/flattish course. Ride on!
Perfect timing on this one, Ryan. Just jumped on for an hour of Z2 which you helped me get thru with ease. Cheers!
Mate, I just wanna say that with determination like yours.. just showing up to a race is a win mate. No matter where you place, smalls gains each time will amount to something big so don't stress too much bud. You're doing great!
I've managed a couple of wins in Cat D but like the rest will say its never easy. Just hanging on is a win for me lol.
And I bet by the time you master Cat D, you'll get bumped up to Cat C and have to start again!!
Keep riding and sharing your journey mate, it definitely inspires others!! Ride On 👍🏾
Thanks Riz! Knowing my luck I'll be bumped up before I win.
Just keep at it mate! I am in a very similar physical constitution as yourself, racing in D and have had a fifth and a third place as my best results. Winning will be down to not only your own effort and capacity, but also luck, - as in depending who you ride against. Speaking for myself, - I would take a good finish in a really strong group over a win against lesser riders any day. Winning means nothing really, while my effort means everything.
Your videos are great, keep it up please!
Cheers!
I really enjoy your videos it’s been quite motivating being a new zwift rider myself one thing I will say having done a few criteriums in the past is the importance of a good warm up generally the shorter the race the longer the warm up needed
I'm pleased you enjoy the videos. 🙌
Enjoyed the zwift video Ryan, admire your energy and enthusiasm!
Having watched other zwifters and trying improving myself on Zwift, the biggest tips I’ve picked up are to become more fluid mid ride and maximise drafting. Getting dropped / catch up / dropped / etc is exhausting so watch the watts per kg of the riders in front of you (shown on left hand side) and with practice you’ll start to second guess their pulls.
To start ‘winning’ races I also tried choosing rides with lower amount of entrants or different times of day - feels like some are more honest than others.
I now take a win as an average 20 min watts per kg stat the highest in my category and ignoring the sandbaggers.
Oh, and also warm up for at least ten mins in a robo pace partner!
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the tips. Great tips! 💪
Ryan, great channel! I learned of you while being destroyed by you (and others) in a race last week (Stage 5: Flat is Fast - Greater London Flat) and am frantically trying to catch up on all of the Zwift content that you provide.
I am a Cat D racer as well and just won a D race yesterday, even though I am not as strong as you are. I know my strengths and do research on which races would maximize my abilities -- and recently landed on the 'Team Electric Spirit Co. Preprandial Crits' -- which is a short (~15 minute race) because endurance is not my strongest suit and mostly flat or small rollers. The other thing I like about them is that they are "All Categories Visible" races, which means that D's and C's start in the same start pens and I can latch onto the back of the C group to attempt to distance myself from the rest of the D's. Finally, the fields are quite small, so racers don't work well together, so if I can get a gap, it has a better chance of sticking. In the race that I won I was able to stick with the C's for even just a km or so, but that was enough to get a 10 second gap and I was able to hold that to the line.
Keep up the good work and hopefully I will see you in another race soon.
Fantastic! I'm pleased you like my vids and even more pleased for your first win. That tip of latching onto a CAT C is a great idea. Might steal it. ;)
@@RyanCondon, yeah, give it a try! If you do try it, make sure that the race rules include "All riders visible" and the start times are NOT staggered. I find it best to also use this tactic on a shorter race so that if a chase group does form they don't have much time to chase and catch you. But, you always start well, so getting a good jump is a real possibility for you.
Good luck.
Brilliant to watch your progress each race. I noticed you went from 2w/kg first 3 ish races then 2.1w/kg for a couple and the last race you managed 2.3w/kg...
My suggestion to you is to have a rest day and then do some easy spin your legs off ride days and then try a race again. Hopefully you might do a 2.4w/kg race and get that win! It's really important not to race too often as your body needs easy days and rest days to recover and for your gains to grow....
Good stuff, Ryan! 👏
Glad you found Ryan's channel, Benji. I hope he checks out yours. Would be cool to see a collab.
Thanks Benj! Love your vids.
Last race was epic! Wow
For sprinting, try hitting a high cadence before shifting gears:, for example:
reach ~110-115 rpm, shift, hit 110-115 rpm, shift, and so it goes.
It works well for me, I manage to hit ~1200w
Thanks for the tip. Very helpful. I'll try this out in my next race. 👍
Smart tactics on the Glasgow crit Ryan - Ride the easy stuff easy and the hard stuff hard. That win is heading your way for sure
Its insane that you can keep your heart rate up that high. I'm only at 150 average and 175 max in races. Only been zwifting for 2 months, but my 20 min power output is the same as yours and I can't stay with the D lead pack in races. Thanks for your videos, very inspiring for me to keep improving.
I've worked hard for years to improve my endurance. My weight is my biggest downfall on Zwift atm. I've moved on slightly from this vid now though.
Thanks for watching, I'm pleased you like my vid. 🙏🙌
Another great video. You will win, but it takes time, which makes it that much sweeter when it happens. Two things - There’s seldom a good reason to be on the front for any length of time. Stay calm, let others chase, and save your energy. Also, you can sprint, but you lose a lot of efficiency by grinding a big gear instead of spinning. On some of those climbs (and sprints) you were out of the saddle but turning only 68-74 rpm. I know it feels like you’re making a lot of power that way, but it’s deceptive. Keep your rpms high (90, maybe even up to 110) and you will generate far more power. This will save you energy for your sprint, and make your sprint faster. One last thing: Recovery is essential. Make sure you’re getting all the rest you need between efforts. You don’t lack for drive or determination so you will definitely get there. Just be patient and be smart.
Good advice and the RPM point is one I've had before. You are absolutely right and I need to make a determined effort to sprint like that.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Love it when you do a Zwift video! Kicking. Well motivating!! 👍
Thank you. 🙌
You are so right about riders that are too strong for their category. Have seen winners in D with 4 w/kg. What is the glory or growth in that. To keep zwift interesting I want to beat the best. and by doing that increase ny fitness. But the wrong match in opponents Can be demotivating.
Great last race, Ryan. You gave it everything. Well deserved second place. Played the long game and managed your efforts brilliantly. It was great to watch. 👊💪
Cheers Lee. Pleased I didn't rage quit. 😅
Keep up the great work Ryan. Have you considered having a bike fit? Even though you’re not riding outdoors, where cornering and descending are part of your riding, i can say from experience that it would really help you achieve your goals. Apologies if this has been suggested by other viewers previously but a proper bike fit will enable you to ride more comfortably, for longer, and with more efficiency.
Yes! I do need to do this. Zwift/WattBike was just suppose to be an "add-on" to my weight-loss and running training and now it fills half my training alongside running so you're probably right, I need to give it equal respect which includes a bike fit. I did follow a video the other day and realised my saddle was far too low. Its now higher.
Well done Ryan. I’ve been racing Zwift years. I’ve never had a win. Second and third yes. It’s so tough mate to get the win. The way you’re going and your determination, you will do it at some point. I just race myself these days. If I’m improving my performances ie a P.B I’m happy with that. I do a lot of TTs when I’m in shape so it’s about holding a lot of power for 10 miles. You may well be good at that. Give it a go. Keep doing the Zwift races as it great to hear your experience of how bloody hard they are.
Because it's so hard it's got me hooked, I think I'd of moved on if it was easier.
Thanks for watching and commenting. 👌
Great content Ryan. You might find sprinting in a lower gear helpful. I have a wattbike and only tend to shift up one gear in the sprint
You're right! I need to stop grinding out my power and rotate more. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🙌
I've been watching you a few months mate and I can see now what's holding you back. You're not aero enough. I reckon if you commit 100% to the RUclips Zwift Rider aesthetic you'll get that win. Get rid of the beard, cut the hair short and get into a proper bib and jersey. Headband also guarantees an extra 5 watts. You got this mate
I'll shave my legs while I'm at it.
@@RyanCondon haha
Great video. Do you taper for a couple of days before a race? And like with your Park run PB attempt I think you schould prioritise a proper warm up. I fell a huge difference when I ride with fresh legs and a thorough warmup. 10-20% better.
I take my running really seriously and probably need to do the same with Zwift. I use Zwift when I have a free hour or so. I plan all my runs. That's the difference.
Awesome video! The zwift content on your channel is awesome! Couple of observations..(my opinions for what it's worth..).1. You're doing incredible - you will get better and more competitive as bodyweight falls. It makes a huge difference in zwift to be lighter (as you know). 2. I'm riding in pace group C and my 2024 goal is to get into pace B - When I ride what I know is going to be a fast C or sometimes a robo pacer B, I make sure I get at least 30 minutes, ideally 45+ minutes in before the ride goes off. If I don't, it hurts a lot for at least 15 minutes, and I can't give full gas - and if I try I don't recover well. I know I'm not warmed up because my heart rate isn't up there yet, and I'm not breathing hard and sweating buckets yet. Getting a decent 30+ minute warm up before a hard ride is essential to get your best out. If you're starting a race cold, wearing a hoodie - you ain't ready to start yet. 3. My experience up the hills that are longer than a short bump is don't push harder - it will blow you up. Spin faster to get you up the hill. Personally I ride at about 80 to 85 rpm. On a longer hill I try to spin up to 90 to 95+rpm and spin an easier gear, not push a harder one. I usually throw in intervals of 15 or 30 seconds of standing with a harder gear at about 65 rpm during a longer climb to use different muscles. 4. More videos please - keep them coming - really enjoying your content and as others have said - you are an amazing inspiration.
Thanks for taking the time to write this. I really appreciate that.
The tips are excellent and I have screen shot it for future reference. 🙌💪
0.17 aaaahhh aaahhhh aaaaahhhh I love it , Ryans Drama Garage 😂 Never give up, all the best 👍
That moment when you realise you've pushed too hard. 😅
Without commitment you`ll never start. But more importantly. Without consistency, you`ll never finish. Keep working, keep striving, never give up, fall down 100 times, get up 101 times. Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship. So keep moving, keep growing, keep learning. See you at work. -Denzel Washington.
Thank you for an honest video again Ryan, I really like your videos mate :). And you`ll get a 1 place eventually if you just keep on pushing. If you can`t sprint you got to go for a breakaway. I know because I`m a sprinter, I have a 15 seconds best now on Zwiftpower at 13,7w/kg and for 5 seconds it`s 15w/kg. I`m in A cat but racing a lot of A+ riders that can destroy me if they go for a breakaway and I don`t pay attention, or if they staying on a pace over 5,5wkg over time or a long climb I`m done.
You will get there mate, just keep going :)
Cheers from Norway again.
PS: I`m following you on Zwift and I commented on your 3rd place ;)
Thanks for the comment my friend! I do love a bit of Denzel!
I do need to work on my Sprint, I don't think I'll ever be a out and put sprinter so I also need to work on a breakaway tactic. 👌🙌
I’m in the same boat as you I’m heavy without a decent sprint possibly because I’ve never trained it .I’m now experimenting with one zwift group ride a week that’s a spin n sprint event .They seem to be organised around five sprints with rest interval’s
in between .Just done the Friday night snowcial sprint n spin,think there’s also another midweek ride same style different team
Okay, this was entertaining - thanks !!!! Ryan, try a Sands and Sequoia course race. Your attributes might just set you up well to come off the final climb there and hang on. We appreciate you earnest efforts. Good luck.
Ok I'll have a look. Thanks for the comment. 👍
Oh, Rolling Highlands - even better yet.@@RyanCondon
Also buddy, once on a team you can get to race flammerouge race series which has more categories. Ie d grade is kind of split into two. An upper and lower ends of the category.
I dont intend on joining a team. Suppose I need to progress to D upper.
Never raced, but you make me want to try it. Keep up the hard work
Great video!
Recommend trying to improve your cardio. If you are able try to incorporate a run or two a week to help with this. Doesn’t have to be a fast pace but will help for sure.
Also try focusing on your breathing during the race to keep your heart rate lower. You sit around 170 within the first 10 seconds of the race and stay there the whole time
Thanks for the comment however the irony is that I only started exercising on a smart bike to help with my Ultra Running. 😅
I don't think I could run anymore if I tried to. Here is the video of why I decided to incorporate riding.
I'm now hooked on Zwift Racing because of my running training. I'm pleased you liked the video.
ruclips.net/video/xtpdwNH4FPw/видео.htmlsi=Ug94i0hKgZhJSlig
I think the w/kg threshold is based on estimated FTP, so on races under and hour where you could average over your FTP, Zwift allows more leeway hence the guy in 1st averaging 2.7 didn’t get DQd, anyway your making great progress, Top 3 in a field that size is pretty good, I never managed to win a race before being bumped to C category where now I have to hang on for dear life to get a top 50! Just keep having fun that’s all that matters
Thanks for the comment and tip. Didn't know about that allowance for going over 2.5w/kg.
Well 1. You need to condition your heart. Im 6'2 and about 210. My HR is in a race like that is about 148 to 155 and my max is about 182 and im 51yrs. You need to do endurance riding to get your heart more efficient. Do zone 2 riding. Your always in the red zone with your HR. Also you need to lean forward to get your hips rotated so you can use your glutes insted of your quad muscles.... and eat eat and eat........ good luck...
Your example in this video is a really competitive race with a huge field that will contain the absolute best of your category. If what you want is a win, enter some smaller races. Also as more of an endurance athlete, the short duration of an event like this works against you. Longer races will play to your strengths more.
I agree with your longer race tip however I dont want to stack the deck in my favour. No glory in winning by cheating the system. Thanks for watching.
@@RyanCondon it's not cheating, it's just a smaller win, a step on the way to a big win. The long events will all have smaller fields because people don't have the time or fitness to do it. Racing against 10-20 people is more tactical - you can analyze their power and behavior and think about how to beat them.
@@psouthworth I do agree with this. Cheating was probably a poor choice of word. 👍
Hi Ryan, Slightly off topic I know but I wondered if you were aware of the Zwift pace partner rides up the Alpe de Zwift on the last few days of the year. They should help zwifters to beat their pbs on the Alpe. Happy Xmas.
Thanks for the tip. I didn't know.
Just watched this video after our No Pinz race earlier. Really enjoyed our race so here's a few pointers that might help.
Stick with this anti clockwise course and pick races with less than 20 people. 4w/kg at the start to get in the lead group. Power through the rollers just enough to stay near the front. Use the feather after the second roller, it helps on the last two and up the drag.
Your weight is an advantage on the downhills (I'm 92kg). Use aero or draft on the downhills and don't stop pedalling. You roll through the group and keep your speed causing others to react.
I have no sprint, 7-8w/kg is about my max, but I can hold 3w/kg for 5 mins or so. Attack before the last lap, kick as hard as you can for 20 secs and then set your tempo. This should get you a gap to try and hold.
I attacked twice in our race. 1st was coming off the rollers, holding 3.5w/kg. I got 3 seconds and then got chased down. 2nd attack was on the downhill. I dropped to the back, hit the aero and kicked hard at over 5w/kg. I had a gap before anyone could react. I got caught by Sutherland but he didn't have HR so let him go.
During the race I was looking at everyone's HR to see who was close to the limit. Knew I was first on Zwiftpower so managed the gap across the line.
Hope this helps you get your win.
P.S. let others do the chasing. If nobody chases you have 2 options. You let them go or you kick as hard as possible and go hard until you bridge across. Dont try to bridge across gaps bigger than 5 secs.
Fantastic advice. This race will be this week's video probably unless I get a win tomorrow (miracles do happen).
I used the tip for the power ups on the last two rollers and into the 2% incline after.
I saw your first attempt at a breakaway and I managed to catch up. The 2nd one was a good one.
I attempted a small break too in this race on the 3rd lap, just for fun as never done it before. Got a 3 second lead before being caught.
It's good advice, even better racing against you. Welldone on your very well deserved win sir!
@@RyanCondon In that case I take back all my advice ("look mum, I'm on telly.'')🤣🤣
Would be interesting to see your perspective of the race. Personally it was one of my easier race because no one wanted to push the pace. I normally just sit on the group and react so I enjoyed being on the front and driving the pace a bit.
Best of luck chasing your win, it will come.
@@nikblyth8047Pleased it was easy for you... I nearly died! 😅
@@RyanCondon sorry. 🤣🤣
my new favourite channel on RUclips
Thanks. That's very kind. Pleased you enjoy the vids.
Maybe look into joining a team and doing Flamme Rouge Racing tour , WTRL zwift racing league or DIRT racing series for some race fun with teammates. Can recommend Galaxy cycling club 👍 but there are plenty of great teams. I think it would make for some good content.
Professor Zwift strikes again : I‘m still in the process of winning 😂😂 love it. All the best Ryan , nice X Mas time 🎅
Thank you sir! Have a Merry Christmas.
Dude, brilliant vids. Noticed at the start line, you were at 0 watts before sprinting off. This is an unwise technique. I’d suggest constantly spinning whilst on the start line to keep your HR & legs in a working zone, before ramping up to a sprint wattage in the final 5-10 seconds before starting. Also, a 20 minute warm-up is crucial. Good luck. 👍
I got given it as a technique to spin up to 500w from zero at 3 seconds and since doing that I've not been dropped. Thanks for watching.
Your power is improving after almost every race.
I’d say, keep going and eventually your time will come 🎉
Cheers. 💪
I'm slightly lighter than you but not by much. I'm no Zwift expert and only have a handful of wins but here are my tips.
1, I don't set the pace off of the break. I will push only as hard as needed to stay in the front group.
2, I'm not strong enough to close a gap so if someone goes for it I wait for others to close the gap. If a group can't close the gap I definitely can't alone.
3, Sit on wheels as much as possible. I try to not be in the front of the group.
4, I know I need to push at the start of a climb to get a lead so that I don't get dropped by the top.
5, When I do get dropped I will often change my ride to being a zone 2 ride and stop racing. After the race ends I'll continue zone 2 riding for as long as I want.
6, I know I can't win a sprint, I just don't have the power to. So I try to pull away at a strategic spot and push hard for the line. This only works on certain courses.
Keep at it and you'll get a W.
Thanks for the tips. Have you had a win?
@@RyanCondon yes I have a few wins but they don't come often or easy. I won stage 2 of Best of last week and also stage 3 this week. Both played into my strength. Stage 2 had a climb early on that absolutely blew the group apart and 2 of us pulled away and kept pushing. We had a minute going over the top and took turns taking pulls on the flat to the finish. I think I outlasted him as he slowed at the end when I made a hard push. Stage 3 finished on Breakaway Brea. 3 of us pulled away on the first time up and stayed away until the end. I went all out up the climb and managed to have a few seconds lead with the help of a feather.
Before that it had been at least a month. I generally will finish with the front group but I can't compete if it is a sprint finish.
@@BLachance75 I'm really starting to think that a breakaway is my only hope atm. Well done on your wins. They sound epic!
@@RyanCondon I find for me it really comes down to the course. That Neoyoko course is really hard for me because of the sprint. I need to have the same strategy that you were going for on Glasgow crit but it can be hard to start away depending on the group.
I try to only do 1 or 2 races a week and I try to do them after a rest day if possible.
Greatly enjoyed the video. Fingers crossed for your first win. A couple of observations. Firstly when you broke 30 mins for your 5km park runs you seem to have worked out that a long warm up would be a big help and it was. You don't seem to apply the same logic to Zwift racing. Secondly I think you may be starting to plateau because you're not working on your weaknesses. Eventually just riding harder will give minimal returns. Have a look at the Zwift workouts.
Finally don't beat yourself up too much, however good you get there will always be thousands better than you and many not at your level. Lots of videos on youtube about how to race. Its always a mystery to me how some of the winners put out so much power to sprint or climb but their average power isn't particularly high. Racecraft I guess.
Good luck for the new year. Looking forward to you next video.
Thank you Neil. I appreciate the comment.
Im am always late for my races, I don't give Zwift efforts the same respect as my runs. Both of these things I will fix.
Thanks again.
Awesome content and a great scrap at the end!
Cheers Nick. Annoyance is a great motivator.. 😅
@@RyanCondon I've just added you on Zwift. You're way beyond me at the moment but hoping we'll have our own little scraps at some point in the future 💪
It's not that you can't, you just haven't yet 😃love the videos thanks so much Ryan I have just bought the gear to start riding, UK winter has been getting me down
Good luck with your new gear. Youve got this!
Hey Ryan, I was just wondering if you do any weight training for your legs. My thinking is it could help your sprint.
Hi Jason. Yes I do. I go to the gym and strength train for both running and Zwifting.
Great to watch, you are the Russell Brand of Zwift mate 😅 Don’t underestimate overheating, even in your garage..
Not sure if that's a compliment BiggyJ. 🤔
Not much more I can do for overheating other than direct an industrial fan at my torso and face and strip naked (not doing that).
I've only won maybe 2 zwift races in the game. On zwift power ive won a few more. I have hundreds of races ive done. Its not easy. You have to practice and you have to get lucky. Good luck to you. I'm amazed at how great you look compared to your first few videos.
Thanks for the comment Anthony and the compliment. Ride on. 👍
I wonder how many have trainer difficulty set the low. This will minimize the resistance on climbs (though increase resistance on the descents).
I personally think races should have the trainer setting to max value.
I'm a mid pack Cat D and and hoping soon to move to the front pack
I doubt many have it set too high. I'm on 50% myself.
Good luck in your training, thanks for the comment and the watch. 👍
My new gearing has changed to 53, 42, front and 33,to 10 back. 😊 stages sb20. 😊
Well done, having a bikefit might be worth it. I don’t know how local he is to you but if your willing to invest around 300 earth credits Dan at UK bikefit does bikefit for stationary bikes. For like 35 bucks their are apps that you can work with for a couple of weeks to dial your position as well. Between cleats and all the other stuff you might find alittle power for no more fitness. You are crushing it. I have never won a zwift race either a couple of podiums before I got booted up to cat C and now I get my head kicked in every time. Only other thing I can see is with your engine if you could Gondor a breakaway. Make a surge to get some separation I bet you 2.5/2.7 watts/kg would make it stick for you and on a good day I think you can do that for 30ish minutes to win.
Thanks for the tips. A bike fit makes sense. I'll look into it.
I'm thinking about making a "breakaway" video soon. Can I make a breakaway stick so keep an eye out for that one.
Thanks for the comment. 🙌
@@RyanCondon I will keep an eye open. I had a fit from Dan last year on my triathalon bike and it was so useful. I don’t know where he is in relation to you but he’s in Matlock, Derbyshire in the UK obviously
You'll get there my friend 💪 catch you on zwift sometime who knows😉
Cheers Andy. See you in Watopia. 🙌
I think that was a good effort to win, in the right place for the sprint finish. It's all little gains like you already know, a bit better on your endurance to leave your fresher for the sprint finish. Maybe work on your max power, maybe you've got a high power you can hold for a minute (so hit the sprint early and catch them sleeping). Plus knowing the course, power ups and ultimately who you're up against. Race smart👍
PS on the last race the winner averaged 2.7w/kg which should be DQ'd in a D race. Check Zwift Power again
Thanks for the tip. You're right about going earlier.
In regards to the winner, he was indeed averaging 2.7kg but wasn't DQ'd. Still on there.
Flywheel is making nose after starting in March now Dec 2023.😊
Don’t sprint in such a hard gear lower the gear and increase cadence. I’ve got a decent sprint generally hit 10wkg for 15 seconds, Wattbike gear 15 max cadence over 115. T
Thanks for the tip.
Good effort man, it takes time. First step is simply enjoy it , ride for fun, you'll get there.
I hate when people say this. No, he doesn't have to ride for fun. He can ride to win. He can ride to be competitive. It's called racing, not joy riding. Good grief...let people be competitive. Get out of here with your energy killing "just have fun" bs.
@@roadcyclist1 If it's not fun and enjoyment then people won't do it, simple as that. If it was all about winning then most would give up. I would take the opposite side of your argument any day of the week. Not everyone can be at the top, we can still have fun losing , and expect to do it more often than not.
I got into Zwift as a aid for my marathon training and because I have a very VERY competitive personality I got hooked on racing. I never in a million years thought I'd be here making vids about winning races in Zwift but here I am. The enjoyment for me is the competition but I take your point. Thank you for commenting. 🙌
You can ride to be competitive, but riding a 2.1w/kg against a 2.7w/kg isn't competitive. In cat D races there are too often a winner who probably belongs in cat C and so trying to be competitive with them is a bad idea - so I think the OP is suggesting Ryan races for fun with the result as a minor consideration. That duel for second with Huang looked really fun and was competitive, more so than trying to compete with a rider 30secs up the road.
@@louiskirkham9845 Absolutely. We love being able to compete, that is part of the fun. We can't always be competitive, there is always a few riders that are just so much stronger. If winning = fun then we'll be greatly disappointed a lot of the time. In the Cat i'm in there is little to no chance of me winning. I still have fun competing even though I'm no competitive at the pointy end of the race.
Ryan , the bit where you say you will always race better riders even though you’ll get beaten , rather than take a hollow victory by beating slower riders, would be a great time to cut to the clip of boris Johnson rugby tackling the school kid full on it Biff tanner in back to the future throwing the kids ball over the house . Love your channel keep going
I might steal these ideas. Genius!
I'm at the very top of Cat C with an FTP of 3.1. Yet I never win races, no matter the course, people just smash out unreal numbers for the cat. I don't really care TBH, I still have fun and I know that IRL I would and do ride faster than others in my cat.
As long as you're having fun whilst training is all any of us can ask for. 👍
Thanks for watching. 👌
Get in a race where all categories start and try to keep up with cat c as long as you can. You're chances get bigger for a solo win
Great idea!
I hate rides when someone sticks on my wheel, I end up pushing hard to get 1 or 2 second lead away from them
It was how he did it. If we both pushed at that moment we would of caught the leaders but instead he waited for me to do all the work. No way!
@@RyanCondon so he didn’t work with you so you both get the draft. Possibly struggling to even maintain your effort.
For pushing spirit / effort I’ve found helping sweep on a group ride forces you to push/sprint to help others get back to the group. Maybe look at group rides or pacer bots where you drop off the back and then push effort to get back to the group, every few KM. you get recover time between the efforts. Might help with the end sprints
@@benjmyers24 thanks for the tip. 👍
The guy pushing through is my dad Ben Waldron 3rd
The equation is fairly simple; to win a Cat-D / D-Grade race on Zwift, one needs to be able to finish at around 2.4-2.6 W/Kg for the race duration. I note that you were struggling to maintain 1.8 W/Kg at times in this 21Km / 35-minute race (with 2.0 W/Kg being your average final output), thus, your FTP is nowhere near 2.5 W/Kg, which is the maximum for this category. Like IRL - there are no tricks, other than fitness and race craft, that will get you there. Ride on!
You are not alone Ryan I can't win a zwift race either, I can't even get close I'm just there to make up the numbers😂
I bet you're more than just a number!
Winner in that third race had a w/kg of 3.7 and an average of 172W??!! That's weight doping on another level
It does seem off, I dont understand what they achieved.
That's 46.5 kg, light but not unrealistic for a small human. I've lost to (and narrowly beaten) strong children and women on hilly courses.
Obviously the matchmaking system isn't perfect but they do need to cater for people at both ends of the spectrum.
Rage is the best fuel Ryan! 😂 34:47
Only reason I came in 3rd I think. 😅
Did you try wearing your HRM on the chest? In my experience it is way more stable, but might depend on the brand and model of course. Ride on!
I currently use one designed for the arm. I will invest in new equipment as and when. I've currently got a list of items I want to get to improve my riding. Thanks for the watch and the comment. Ride on!
It looked like you only started pedaling at the gun. Get up to 300 at ten seconds to go. Drafting is exaggerated so stay in the group. I suspect the people disappearing into the distance are weight doping
I love how you say you are broken then put out 400w. 😂. I honesty think zwift needs another category below D.
I think the categories are ok if they made sure everyone stayed in their categories.
If I'm at 170bpm and somebody breaks early... Good luck. I'm not chasing.
Sprint on the drop bars.😊
I do mostly I think.
Unless you are around the upper end of your category, winning will be tough. In your case you will (at your current fitness of ftp ~2.1 w/kg) for now you will be beat by the 2.5 w/kg people who will either drop you or (them being fresher at the end off the race) beat you at the line.
Or simply put: your current fitness does not allow you to be competitive at the line.
Off course the great thing is that this can be fixed. Lot of room to improve with a combination of more training and (potentially) lose some kilo's.
I've already lost 90kg, losing kilos isn't a challenge. How do I beat 2.5-2.7w/kg riders with a big sprint?
@@RyanCondon well done!
I'd advise what I have done as a (previously) midrange C-rider: I worked throughout 2023 on building up aerobic fitness through a consistent training plan. Not huge hours (7-9) but week in week out, so pretty consistent.
Bottom line: I needed to bump my FTP to be able to end up near the line with a bit of juice left. Previously I either 1) got dropped or 2) was totally spend at the line so no power left to sprint.
Result of consistent training is that I bumped my w/kg @ftp roughly .2 / .3 which got me at the top range of C cat. The increase in FTP also increased all my other statistics (higher sprint, 1 minute, 5 minute, 20 minute power etc).
This fall I'm now competing at the front instead of mid pack. Out of the last 10 races 3 podiums so pretty happy about that.
As for winning, some people are naturally great sprinters, and I understand that has a pretty big genetic component. Personally I don't specifically train for sprints, but just overall fitness. But off course you can.
My cup of tea. Goodluck and have fun on your cycling journey!
What you just experienced is known among riders as "Sandbagging". Van den Brink should be in category C but he downgraded himself on purpose by increasing his weight/height or by riding weaker/slower than his full ability. Dominating in a lower category is much more satisfying than being a mediocre or dropped rider in a higher category. I just moved to category B myself on Zwift and am getting constantly dropped after being highly competitive in cat C. So I don't blame him, it sucks to be last.
Id rather be last in a strong field than dominate lesser riders like me.
@@RyanCondon Me too, I will stay proudly riding on cat B even if I am last every single time. It has been hard to improve to this level and it is the only way to keep improving.
@@thecoffeeblog good for you! Good luck. Ride On! 💪
Cool…just a thought but have you been fitted for your bike? You may be sitting a little low
I haven't, I just followed a youtube video tutorial.
As long as you’re not putting a lot of pressure on your knees, also keep the cadence up, grinding out the watts puts a lot of stress on joints and muscles.
I have done a reset. 😊
great video!
Thanks 🙌
The winner only did 2.2W/kg, that is pretty slow for a high D race. You could have won that one if you can do 2.2W/kg if you play it smart
Which race? The winner on the Glasgow Crit did 2.7w/kg however you're right about playing my cards right. 👍
@@RyanCondon Sorry I saw 2.2 at the top, but that was obviously not the top top, you had to scroll up for that. 2.7 is doable as well, if you play the cards right! However I am also a high D, low C rider and I have won D races with 2.5W/KG, also big races so keep at it!
And I think you’ll win a race soon either in a breakaway or Crit. Try taking it out in the last 750m and hold on!
I think you have to take one last painful step to win - you have to shave your beard to become more aerodynamic 😅
Haha only way I'm becoming aerodynamic is to superglue a F1 car to my backside.
How often do you race? More than once a week and you're not going to perform at your best.
I use it for training and fun. Winning is a means to an end. Yes I use it more than once a week. I'm not training to enter Tour De Essex, I use to as part of my overall plan. I made a video about why I use Zwift.
@@RyanCondon I will say Zwift racing is so much fun, im always tempted to smash every ride. Anyhow, really enjoy your honest and unapologetic style of vids.
Get more experience in time trial s on zwift cycling,. 😊
Will do. Thanks Dewi.
Great channel.
It seems you’re doing lots of races but no structured bike race training. You’re clearly getting fitter but it’s not got the same benefit.
I Zwift for fun. I never (in a million years) thought I'd end up caring about this stuff. I'm a runner who's not ridden a bike since 1998. Now I'm hook. 😅
If it's any consultation, I'll never win a C race either. Just enjoy it, buddy, for what it is, a fitness tool.
I'm too competitive for that. It's all part of the fun for me, plus it keeps me coming back which is no bad thing.
Thanks for watching though. 👌
Oh well, I'll race you when you're a C rider next year, then 😂
Now training with B cat 😊 bots.
First, good for you on your progress! But as someone who has raced for a couple of years from D to B, I don't really understand this video. You'll win races when you become a stronger rider. Looking at your Zwift Power stats, you need to be able to pull 2.5 w/kg consistently to win races in D. Once you can do that, without over doing it and getting promoted to C, you will podium regularly and win races. Sure, you can win a race now at your fitness level, but you are just playing roulette, hoping no one enters who is a stronger rider than you.
Second, you never said what you are doing for training. Racing everytime you ride is horrible training. Did you do Zwift Academy? Do you do any of the Zwift workouts? What are you doing to improve your power, endurance, and sprints?
I suppose I talk about this stuff in my other vids and this one is a culmination of other progress vids I have made. I can see why it's out of context it you watch it as a standalone.
Thanks for watching. 👍
The leader was doing 3.7w/kg. How on earth is he in cat D
I don't think it is. 😅
On the power stats at the end he was averaging 3.7wkg , he will be bumped up to cat c if he carries on like that
@@Gixer750pilot yes, you are right.
@@RyanCondon basin on a binge watch on your past two videos then an hour on the bike !! Keep the chaneel going mate . You need to get a real road bike in the spring ! 🚲
too many people lie about their weight to worry about wins. cheaters.....
I am good at 10miles and 25miles, .😊 i will help you.
To be honest there's just too many cheating, unless you go into A group, maybe they might be a bit more honest
That's life I suppose. Still don't understand what they get out of it.
I don't know why you're angry about people being better than you. The winner is always well inside the power range for D cat... Just train harder and don't worry about other riders. Be the rider you are angry at now.
The most important metric for winning races is 1 min power. Work on that.
What makes you think I'm Angry?
@@RyanCondon Angry might be the wrong word. Annoyed maybe? When you are talking about that guy that is able to build and keep a gap...'I would always want to race people better than me', that might be true now but once you get to the level where you can actually do breakaways and win races it's quite addicting. It's fun to know you're one of the strongest riders. Moving to C cat is only going to put you back in the position you were before, struggling to stay in the pack, getting dropped. There are few riders who like being in that position. It's the beauty of zwift. You struggle for a while, get better and enjoy winning before zwift forces you to move up and the cycle repeats.
Also take plenty of rest and prioritize zone 2 rides. You'll get faster by riding slower and also lose weight much faster. I went from 96kg to 84 in 4 months and moved from D to C cat.
@@MarriedWithBackpacks Then it's a justified point by me. Step up! You might be set back by racing better riders but that's the point of racing surely. There's winning and then there's "winning". Step up, race hard, get better. You'll eventually find your plauteau and happy place.
12:53 the guy in the 3rd place pushing 10w/kg in a D cat looks like a cheater.
It's certainly big numbers. Hard to compete against that.