If you liked this video then check out my 'FIRST MONTH ON ZWIFT' video as you'll probably enjoy that one too... ruclips.net/video/BlrFfKbTU7U/видео.htmlsi=ARS62KflRGgNI0dw Don't forget to sub if you haven't done so already, I'm nearly at 1k which will be a nice little benchmark. 👍🙌
two things I love about zwift. 1) Time trials, whether they be hills, or flat land. just you and yourself against the road. then you can compare yourself to others in your category later on zwiftpower and see how you are progressing. 2) mass start events (like the 3R type races). all the groups start together, and as you get stronger, you can try and hang with the category above your own. you are doing amazingly, keep it up.
Well done. Been zwifting a few years now, but i can so relate to your videos. Doing my first ZRL this year, you should look into that, we need some cat D riders
Your vid helped convince me to get another smart trainer to get back on zwift! The only thing better than the entertainment is your attitude. DON'T GET DROPPED!
Great content! You're not out there asking for advice, but a couple quick points from a heavy (for Zwift, 90+kg) Zwift racer with hundreds of races under my belt--1) Don't be so down about your weight. Doesn't matter. Yes, it doesn't help on the hills. But it *does* help massively on the flats--because you are putting out so many more *absolute* watts than those around you, it is easier to sit in on the flats as a big guy. Lose weight, that's great. But you're never going to get down to 50kg to have an advantage on the hills. As such--find the FLATTEST races you can. Way more fun. As you learn to hang with the pack, add harder races. No reason to *start* with hilly races. 2) You're riding too far in the back of the pack. Don't worry about yo-yoing, worry about trying to stay at the front 1/3 of the lead pack. You counter-intuitively don't get more draft at the back--you only put yourself in danger. See at 3:45 in the video--you're doing great, but then the pack strings out with an attack, you end up at the back--still doing fine. But then (outside of your control) the rider in the orange jersey gets gapped off and then *you* have to put in a big attack to make up for *his* failing and catch back up. If you stay in the front third, this will happen much less and make the race easier for you. A great way to practice this is with the pacer bots--even the slowest one, just find an easy pace for you so you can practice pack position! You've got lots of potential, hang in there!
First of all, thanks for taking the time to think about and write this. I'm always happy to hear about tips on Zwift. I am still too heavy at 111kg or 17 stone. I'm focused on 15 stone just as a target, even if it doesn't help me in Zwift. Even though I am hevay I do like hills as with some power I can catch/drop riders that are knackered and you can trick them into thinking you're a lighter rider just by dropping watts. Good tip about the pack, I'm very guilty of dropping back..
Get a set of DT Swiss Arc 62s. They are a great all-around wheel. Also, pick up a set of ZIPP 808s for flat courses. Good job on your progress. Very inspirational.
@@RyanCondon Just finished my first zwift race. Race report: I was instantly flattered to see that I was not allowed in the D category, so I raced in C. There were 8 of us in the race and my sole objective was to NOT come last. I''ve heard that races start fast, so I shot off the blocks and found myself out in front, but I was passed by 6 cat C riders within the first minute and it was clear that I was not going to compete with them. That left one guy behind me. He steadily caught me up over the first ten minutes (it was a 30km race, so I figured an hour). I then kept with him until about 8km to go. I didn't want to leave it to a sprint so I put in some effort and made a 5s lead on him. I could see that he was working hard to bring it back so I kept pushing to keep the lead. With about 4km to go, I still had my 5s lead and he just disappeared! Pretty unsporting to just give up, eh? Nevertheless I secured my goal by coming 7th out of 8 of us in cat C. Good fun. I think I'll try to do a race each week :)
@@stevenewcombe7168 Good for you! It is a shame when people give up but then again, it shows that not everyone has that competitive spirit. Welldone on your first race. Keep going!
Great racecraft and gunning for a podium. Was cheering you on in that final race! Try some of the Zipp 808's on that Aeroad for the races, then switch them out for Enve SES 3.4's when climbing.
Can I just say, huge kudos to dropping as much weight as you have over the years and getting to where you are, that's incredible mindset and work rate, you should be proud of yourself! I'm also struggling with being a heavier rider, I only just got Zwift last week, I had no idea that being 109kg would be such a challenge with it, and I'd consider myself only mildly out of shape! Huge kudos again to you, see you out there maybe!
Just discovered your YT channel and truly enjoyed watching your journey with Zwift. I have experience much of the enjoyment, failures and everything else. Wanted to share, indoor cycling is just plain hot drives heart rate up and performance down. Ride without shirt, hat especially always remember that fan directed at torso for max cooling.
Ah, thanks for the mention, Ryan. You didn't need to do that, so very cool. And you wore the hat 😂 Was cheering you on through this, even though I already knew the result! But absolutely fantastic bit of racing by you. It was great to actually see all the details. Managed your power and tactics well. You were in contention right to the end. Podium finish is 100% on the way. Next thing to try is getting some recoveries in. Basically, watch Zwifty Zwifter's videos and pay attention to how often and where he freewheels. Being efficient is really key to feeling better towards the end. For wheels, get the highest aero rated ones you can. You're not going to be doing climbing races, so focus on aero. Again, brilliant result, mate. And another bit of amazing content. 👌
Cheers Lee! Defo deserve a shout out. Your videos are good content and informative. Thanks for the tip. Most of my races are flat out at the moment. I do need to learn how to recover!
Great video Ryan - so similar to my personal experience. I recently won my first Cat D race and have now been bumped up to Cat C where I am going through the whole thing again!!
Just randomly found your channel and enjoyed watching your challenge. 3 tips that might help, 1. drop your watts really low at the start line at 20 seconds, then pedal hard from 4 seconds for a great start. 2. positioning in the group and combined with 3. pre empt the hills/know the course, but try not to be on the front. Look forward to your future videos thanks
Well done mate, keep zwifting, the grind will wield results, it is a matter of consistency above everything! Go to your garage, any buy better bikes/wheels as they give CdA improvements, make the bike lighter! Its a huge advantage over the stock bike.
A extra indoor fan might help 1 at your body 1 at your face and a lighter weight jersey maybe to regulate body temperature,also if you know a hills coming up try to get to the front of the pack then slowly drop to the back near the top to stay in the draft Great work keep it up
Massive, Ryan! Wonderful video. Congrats on the Dolphin result and especially that feeling you had afterwards 🎉 I know it’s difficult when you’re in the red, but if you want to tweak your tactics on small kickers like the one on Dolphin, I think the new physics on Zwift might work well for this: Try cruising at the back of the pack leading up to the climb, and then do a small dig before you hit the incline. That way you maintain a lot of your momentum, shoot through the pack while taking your foot off the gas for the first part of the climb. I find that can save you quite a few watts on the first part of climbs.
Thanks for the tip Thomas. I'll try that out. I've got a race penciled in for tomorrow (for fun), supposed to be tapering for a running Ultra at the weekend but can't miss the opportunity to race Septembers new 'Get Rolling' race one. 👍 Please keep the tips coming, they make a huge diff.
@@RyanCondon watching Ben Pitt’s races is really the best one can do for oneself in this regard. Even though we can’t match his power, we can always steal his tricks :)
Hi Ryan, fellow zwifter here. Great vid. I have subscribed so good luck. Great work on the race, I’m sure you have had many tips along the way, but keep at it. I’m 2 years into Zwift now and I’m a low c so I am in your boat in trying to stay with the C Cat riders. So it shows you can improve if you keep working hard
As always, awesome video mate!! I really love your content. I'm on the same journey as you regarding weight loss. Most of the time when I get dropped during a race, I say to myself that the solution is me losing weight. But thi is a long journey and I'm here for the long term. We'll make it mate! 😎
as you lose weight you get faster for sure, but then they just bump you to catC and it starts all over again :). i'm down from 111kg when I started my zwift journey to around 88kg these days. still too heavy to be really competitive on zwift but still having a great time.
My first day on zwift, and i accidently joined a cat c race (not knowing what the categorys meant) and got blown away 😂, i did manage to catch a few people up but its hard! Love the videos mate, they inspire me to do better 🤙
Excellent video (again!) - love your approach to improving and not getting put off by learning and difficult races and clearly that's paid off - great to see you in the front pack in that last race.
Loving the videos and loving the hat. Another interesting channel I follow is Eric Barnett Cycling who just completed the mini race series, looks good.
As a 105kg rider new to swift I love your videos so inspiring, I always get dropped from the pack within mins from the start and it is so disheartening.
@@RyanCondon I would make sure to check periodically because I swear I got them before lvl 25. Maybe that changed with the new levels update they did this month.
Great stuff, love watching the Zwift stuff and your running too. My advice (as someone virtually the same weight as you and in the same set up, is to push a much smaller gear for the most part e.g 10 or 11 and to drop lower if you are struggling on the climbs. Also try to maintain around 85 rpm. I think your HR will be much lower as a result and your legs will feel better. Spot on about the start, it’s always crazy and you need to go hard. Those Tiny Races are brutal btw!
You get a new powerup everytime you pass a floatyairthing. Make sure to press the old/current one before. They don’t stack but does load if you activate current one on time. (You missed half of the powerups) Lovely content, keep chasing your goals. Gl mate
You asked about wheels - as a fellow above average weight rider, in Zwift I've got a set of DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 62 and Enve SES 3.4 that do pretty well.
Absolutely brilliant 👏🏾 Your progress is evident and it’s great that you’re enjoying it 👍🏾. Try investing in a cycling jersey as it will help with temperature regulation 👌🏾Also irrespective of the category you’re in the effort and feelings are same as it’s relative. It never gets easier, you just get better!
Get the Enve SES 7.8 wheels if your level allows. They are very aero but lighter than disc wheels. Aero is king unless it is a sustained climb like Alpe de Zwift with no downhills or flats.
Just came across your channel. First of all, massive kudos for your incredible weight loss! How familiar are you with power zones? I noticed in your first race, your power distribution was pegged in Zone 5/6, which is VO2 max or fully anaerobic. The guys that are dropping you are most likely at least a zone below you (which basically just means they have a higher FTP and don’t have to burn as many matches as you) - so they are always going to drop you, and you’re always going to blow your doors off. I don’t know Zwift very well, but if you can, I would suggest racing in a lower category where abilities will be matched better. I also notice your form is pretty rough, especially out of the saddle. Some form drills can be really helpful and will make you a more efficient and stronger cyclist! Keep it up. I think it’s awesome that you’re putting up this content.
First of all, thanks for taking the time to write all this. Second, I'm pleased you found my channel. Third, you're right about my form, it is poor and needs addressing, in the process of doing so. Fourth, believe it or not we were all in the same category (CAT D) and those riders were supposed to be maxing out at 2.5 watts per KG (they weren't). There is no lower Category. Lastly, thanks for the kudos. 🙌
@@RyanCondon Ah. I see. So those riders were basically "slumming" by racing in a lower category just to take podiums. Unfortunate. In that case, my suggestion -- if you care -- is to ignore them and not worry about being dropped. Ride your race, at your pace. The TrainerRoad podcasts are very helpful (they're on RUclips) for better understanding training with Power Zones. Over the long term, riding prolonged efforts where you're basically red-lining the whole time (riding above your FTP) will be counter-productive -- or at least LESS productive. Just as with running, you want to spend the majority of time at lower intensity, and intersperse some high-intensity sessions. According to what I've heard, this will grow your aerobic engine while avoiding excessive fatigue, and will not deplete your glycogen stores, which allows you to ride longer and burn more calories. I'm an old(er) guy like you training for my first Century ride, and I've learned a lot following those guys. Keep it up and kudos again!
just found this vid thanks to Lee C. Great editing and entertaining Zwift videos. Keep going the improvement is addictive. Zip 808 or DT Swiss ARc 62 (non disc) are both low level. DT Swiss are slightly lighter and good for climbing. Uranium Nuclear is also good for Aero flat. By the way. Downtown Dolphin reverse is slightly easier as the climb is shallower and you'll get more benefit on the downhill section. Its called the Bell lap
Thanks Steve, pleased you found my channel. Top man Lee C! I also apprecite the tips on the wheels, ill check them out. I dont think I have raced the bell lap before, ill look for a race and give it a go. If I get my win ill give you credit. ;)
@@RyanCondon Have a look at Rhino Racing series. They are using the Bell Lap for this week. 8 Laps. I raced it last week and posted the vid with my approach. if you want to get a virtual recon. Looking at your power profile you can hold decent watts for 20 to 30 seconds. Try and hold onto a draft van power up. There's a slight -1% at 500m before the finish, you can use that to build speed from the back, then go from the Zebra Crossing at 350m before the finish.
I think you're forgetting a strategic aspect - your weight is not only a disadvantage, it's an advantage going down hills. You can sit in front and put down some power, when going downhill and push your competitors to use extra energy, where they think they have time to recover (but not anymore ;) ).
Normally to go downhill you first have to go up. Being at the front downhill on my own isn't much of an advantage if I got dropped on the climb. Watch my most recent video. I'm now nearly 6kg lighter and it's made me more balanced. Overall, being heavy in Zwift is more of a disadvantage than the small gains you may have on decents.
@@RyanCondon I completely agree that weight is generally a disadvantage in zwift - but when you don't have many advantages, it's about using the few you have if you want to be on the podium :) Ride on - and you make good content :) I will go watch your new video now...
New to Zwift, tested for CAT C but been mainly doing CAT D group rides. Tried my first CAT C 24hr group ride with a roilling start and got dropped from the get go😂
Come on you are due to level up 11 to 12.😊 I am not far off level 17. 35km so fa this week need to go up to 50km total today is Friday. We'll done great video thanks 😊😊
Hi man I started Zwift in April too. I’m on a watt bike trainer, not a fancy atom 😅 Would be great to ride with you sometime, or do some training rides. Maybe we could set up a Zwift cycling club for noobs like us and do banded training session ride with your followers? When do you normally ride? Keep it up 🎉
Hello! I dont have a zwift training plan. I use it to compliment my running training. I prefer to race for fun atm but I appreciate the offer. Ride on! 🙌
HI Ryan - looks like you are getting stronger - getting close to the dreaded D/C cat boundary. Are you interested in dipping your toe in the WTRL TTT series - could see if we can sort you out a guest spot on TFC Hurricane mocha team - it will hurt - but then you seem to enjoy that side of Zwifting !
Good Job Ryan! Small adjustments would have given you podium in this race. Power management before the little kicker. Increase speed, from back of the pack just before the kicker, to carry the speed into the kicker. Now you start pushing when you are IN the kicker and it takes more power. Better PU management would saved you a little energy, now you missed out on some of them. Cadence! Everyone is different but you were often really grinding big parts of the race at around 55rpm and even for you I suspect that it may be a little low. I'm also grinder type but I try to at least be around 75-85 rpm. Positioning prior the sprint. Let the others do the job. Ignore #1 flying off but focus on 2nd and 3rd. Now they were cruising behind you. You should have let them do the job instead and then punched it at 150-200meters. You're a heavy guy, you would have gotten a lot of speed, IF you had any energy left :-) These small things would have saved your legs and you would have for snatched 2nd or 3rd in this race for sure. Keep it up!! and again, no big t-shirt :-) if you can't keep your body temp down, your performance will suffer big time, because you cook your body. any low cost cycling shirt, or a running shirt, or a tank-top would have served you better than that t-shirt. Just saying 😜
Thanks for the advice. RPM is a big one for me. I'm a grinder, struggle to spin at higher RPM. Working on that. Good tip about the kicker, you're the 2nd person to mention this, sounds like a good idea. Yes I need to let others do the work. I gave them 2nd and 3rd. The tshirt was a time management thing. Late getting home and being lazy not changing. I normally wear very light tshirts. It does make a diff. Appreciate the watch and the comment. Keep em coming. 💪
I've been following your journey and it's so amazing to watch it! I also bought a zwift setup and I'll folow your example! However I was wondering if a heart rate monitor is needed for zwift racing?
Thanks Kyan. Yes you should buy a HRM. You can get a decent but relatively cheap one online. Most races require you to wear one plus you'll want to monitor your HR during races to help you to know when to push etc.
Thats it - i'm subbing. Great job there. I've started on zwift myself 4 weeks ago, and i absolutely love it. I'm 84 kg and have no power (no ftp test yet, but Zwift has estimated it to 182), so it's like the opposite of you i guess. :)
I am a C rider, always last, but Zwift does not allow me in CAT D :P. I feel you do a lot better then what I do :) my ftp is only 222. Keep on the good work and training. Maybe we see some day on the Zwift roads :)
Loving your videos as I’ve just joined Zwift. How do you find races that are just Cat D? I’ve done one race and it was with Cat A, B, C and D. I got dropped immediately but was never going to keep up with the guys in the categories above.
No, Ive done a few mixed cat races and they're brutal. Even the Ds try and catch the A's. You should aim for just the Cat Ds until you feel adventurous.
Had covid. So did retest ftp 199 as opposed 200 so ok,,its a good number want to hit 250 by age 60. 4 yrs to go ,,,would be crazy to get to 300,,,,think a8ming for extra 50 points is realistic age considering
Hi , mate. Hope you’ll see this comment and it could help you with further improvements on Zwift and on bike overall. I like your passion about cycling and want to share some tips for you. Try to focus for a while with Zwift training plans like ftp builder and skip riding with groups or simply rides with no certain purpose. These workouts may feel not really easy and it will take some time , but they will train your mindset and mentality for races. You’ll know your limits more clear and you’ll have necessary basics for races. So you will stay more sober during the race and you’ll be calmer if you’ll be dropped , every race is different and our rivals are always different, have different strategies and sometimes they are simply stronger than us. If you want to start winning - try to stick to workouts and do them on your own , without groups , without basic rides. You’ll learn more about your body. And later you can join group workouts from time to time. After you develop these basics and for sure you’ll improve your ftp during these workouts - your approach will change entirely. Wish you good luck 😊
I’ve had a good watch of your video and I noticed a few things that might help you. Firstly I think that your saddle is a little too low. It’s strange because most have their seat too high. Have a play with this. The next thing is your cadence. I’ve been on a very similar journey as you. I have lost 6 stone and started a journey on Zwift and soon got into racing. I started off in Cat D and I’m now in Cat B and winning races. Going back to Cadence. A cadence below 80 will be asking for far too many watts from your legs. A cadence over 90 will be asking for your heart to beat too fast. Try to find that gear that gives you a cadence between 82 and 85. This will look after your legs and heart rate. You will able to hold the wheel much easier. Watch this video back. The only time you hit the right cadence is when you are fucked. You are either too low or too catch up you go to a cadence too high on a big gear. This will make a big difference. Push out a good average watts constantly at 82 to 85 revs. I can ride in any zone at 82 revs just by changing gears.
Thanks for the comment and the tips. Have a watch of my most recent Zwift video ruclips.net/video/XPebD_NEQ7I/видео.htmlsi=PDBJbNMB_HiGoUpj and please let me know what you think?
@@andyjamestf not sure why anyone capable of racing at that speed wants the glory of beating the likes of me but I'm happy to improve and eventually win by challenging. If you know what I mean. Thanks for the compliment! 👍🙌
If you liked this video then check out my 'FIRST MONTH ON ZWIFT' video as you'll probably enjoy that one too... ruclips.net/video/BlrFfKbTU7U/видео.htmlsi=ARS62KflRGgNI0dw
Don't forget to sub if you haven't done so already, I'm nearly at 1k which will be a nice little benchmark. 👍🙌
Just wanted to make a comment letting you know your zwift content is super inspiring. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for letting me know! I appreciate that. :)
two things I love about zwift. 1) Time trials, whether they be hills, or flat land. just you and yourself against the road. then you can compare yourself to others in your category later on zwiftpower and see how you are progressing. 2) mass start events (like the 3R type races). all the groups start together, and as you get stronger, you can try and hang with the category above your own. you are doing amazingly, keep it up.
Congratulations! Great job.
Well done. Been zwifting a few years now, but i can so relate to your videos. Doing my first ZRL this year, you should look into that, we need some cat D riders
Thanks Ralund. Pleased my vids aren't just the crazy indulgements of a newbie rider. 😜
I would like to join your cat D team if you’ll create it, Ryan
Your vid helped convince me to get another smart trainer to get back on zwift! The only thing better than the entertainment is your attitude. DON'T GET DROPPED!
Good for you! Thanks for the comment. Good luck.
Great video, fair play for hanging on... They are tough surges up those hills!
Great content! You're not out there asking for advice, but a couple quick points from a heavy (for Zwift, 90+kg) Zwift racer with hundreds of races under my belt--1) Don't be so down about your weight. Doesn't matter. Yes, it doesn't help on the hills. But it *does* help massively on the flats--because you are putting out so many more *absolute* watts than those around you, it is easier to sit in on the flats as a big guy. Lose weight, that's great. But you're never going to get down to 50kg to have an advantage on the hills. As such--find the FLATTEST races you can. Way more fun. As you learn to hang with the pack, add harder races. No reason to *start* with hilly races. 2) You're riding too far in the back of the pack. Don't worry about yo-yoing, worry about trying to stay at the front 1/3 of the lead pack. You counter-intuitively don't get more draft at the back--you only put yourself in danger. See at 3:45 in the video--you're doing great, but then the pack strings out with an attack, you end up at the back--still doing fine. But then (outside of your control) the rider in the orange jersey gets gapped off and then *you* have to put in a big attack to make up for *his* failing and catch back up. If you stay in the front third, this will happen much less and make the race easier for you. A great way to practice this is with the pacer bots--even the slowest one, just find an easy pace for you so you can practice pack position! You've got lots of potential, hang in there!
First of all, thanks for taking the time to think about and write this. I'm always happy to hear about tips on Zwift.
I am still too heavy at 111kg or 17 stone. I'm focused on 15 stone just as a target, even if it doesn't help me in Zwift. Even though I am hevay I do like hills as with some power I can catch/drop riders that are knackered and you can trick them into thinking you're a lighter rider just by dropping watts.
Good tip about the pack, I'm very guilty of dropping back..
Get a set of DT Swiss Arc 62s. They are a great all-around wheel. Also, pick up a set of ZIPP 808s for flat courses. Good job on your progress. Very inspirational.
Thank you👍
The DT Swiss Arc 62 is a great tire. Highly recommend@@RyanCondon
Love this! I'm going to do a zwift race this week. Thanks for the inspiration
Good luck.
@@RyanCondon Just finished my first zwift race. Race report: I was instantly flattered to see that I was not allowed in the D category, so I raced in C. There were 8 of us in the race and my sole objective was to NOT come last. I''ve heard that races start fast, so I shot off the blocks and found myself out in front, but I was passed by 6 cat C riders within the first minute and it was clear that I was not going to compete with them. That left one guy behind me. He steadily caught me up over the first ten minutes (it was a 30km race, so I figured an hour). I then kept with him until about 8km to go. I didn't want to leave it to a sprint so I put in some effort and made a 5s lead on him. I could see that he was working hard to bring it back so I kept pushing to keep the lead. With about 4km to go, I still had my 5s lead and he just disappeared! Pretty unsporting to just give up, eh? Nevertheless I secured my goal by coming 7th out of 8 of us in cat C. Good fun. I think I'll try to do a race each week :)
@@stevenewcombe7168 Good for you! It is a shame when people give up but then again, it shows that not everyone has that competitive spirit. Welldone on your first race. Keep going!
Super great content. Love your optimistic mentality, it's really captivating!!
Thanks DayrellBreno, I appreciate that. 🙌
Great racecraft and gunning for a podium. Was cheering you on in that final race!
Try some of the Zipp 808's on that Aeroad for the races, then switch them out for Enve SES 3.4's when climbing.
Thanks for the tip. I'll have a look at these and get them if I can! 👌
Great race, that was a lot of fun! Looking forward to doing it again sometime.
Can I just say, huge kudos to dropping as much weight as you have over the years and getting to where you are, that's incredible mindset and work rate, you should be proud of yourself!
I'm also struggling with being a heavier rider, I only just got Zwift last week, I had no idea that being 109kg would be such a challenge with it, and I'd consider myself only mildly out of shape! Huge kudos again to you, see you out there maybe!
It is a tough gig being heavier than most on Zwift but its worth it I think. Good luck and thanks for watching.
Congrats Ryan, I’m 114 races into this obsession and the buzz of not getting dropped still drives me on. Great content keep pushing 👍
🙌
Just discovered your YT channel and truly enjoyed watching your journey with Zwift. I have experience much of the enjoyment, failures and everything else.
Wanted to share, indoor cycling is just plain hot drives heart rate up and performance down. Ride without shirt, hat especially always remember that fan directed at torso for max cooling.
Pleased you found my channel. Welcome. 🙌
Love this. Just bought my trainer and my studio is almost built. You really have an amazing way of story telling.
Thank you. I really appreciate that. 🙌🙏
Good luck with your new trainer. 💪
Ah, thanks for the mention, Ryan. You didn't need to do that, so very cool. And you wore the hat 😂
Was cheering you on through this, even though I already knew the result! But absolutely fantastic bit of racing by you. It was great to actually see all the details. Managed your power and tactics well. You were in contention right to the end. Podium finish is 100% on the way.
Next thing to try is getting some recoveries in. Basically, watch Zwifty Zwifter's videos and pay attention to how often and where he freewheels. Being efficient is really key to feeling better towards the end.
For wheels, get the highest aero rated ones you can. You're not going to be doing climbing races, so focus on aero.
Again, brilliant result, mate. And another bit of amazing content. 👌
Oh yeah, and congrats on the 5 and 20 minute power PBs in the first race, too! 💪
Cheers Lee! Defo deserve a shout out. Your videos are good content and informative.
Thanks for the tip. Most of my races are flat out at the moment. I do need to learn how to recover!
I love your journey! Going through the same. See you at the finish line!
Great video Ryan - so similar to my personal experience. I recently won my first Cat D race and have now been bumped up to Cat C where I am going through the whole thing again!!
Thanks! It's all part of the experience. I'm on the verge of moving upto C now so hopeful of getting that win before I do.
@@RyanCondon Best of luck!
The production quality and editing on these video is insanely good! Amazing video thanks for the entertainment
Thanks! 🙌
Driving that bus!! Keep putting that work in!! 💪🏽
💪
I dig the videos. I started watching when I was looking to purchase a virtual trainer. Your videos are fun to watch!
Thanks 👍
Just randomly found your channel and enjoyed watching your challenge. 3 tips that might help, 1. drop your watts really low at the start line at 20 seconds, then pedal hard from 4 seconds for a great start. 2. positioning in the group and combined with 3. pre empt the hills/know the course, but try not to be on the front. Look forward to your future videos thanks
Thanks for the tips. Knowing the route deffo helps. I'll try these.
Mate I love these vids! Awesome work 🎉making me want to try my first zwift race!
Thanks Max. I hope you do try a race. Pleased you like them.
Well done mate, keep zwifting, the grind will wield results, it is a matter of consistency above everything! Go to your garage, any buy better bikes/wheels as they give CdA improvements, make the bike lighter! Its a huge advantage over the stock bike.
A extra indoor fan might help 1 at your body 1 at your face and a lighter weight jersey maybe to regulate body temperature,also if you know a hills coming up try to get to the front of the pack then slowly drop to the back near the top to stay in the draft
Great work keep it up
Damn, this was awesome! I felt like I was cheering on my favorite sports team. Happy pedaling.
Lol thanks!
Inspiration mate. Well done
Thanks!
Massive, Ryan! Wonderful video. Congrats on the Dolphin result and especially that feeling you had afterwards 🎉
I know it’s difficult when you’re in the red, but if you want to tweak your tactics on small kickers like the one on Dolphin, I think the new physics on Zwift might work well for this: Try cruising at the back of the pack leading up to the climb, and then do a small dig before you hit the incline. That way you maintain a lot of your momentum, shoot through the pack while taking your foot off the gas for the first part of the climb. I find that can save you quite a few watts on the first part of climbs.
Thanks for the tip Thomas. I'll try that out. I've got a race penciled in for tomorrow (for fun), supposed to be tapering for a running Ultra at the weekend but can't miss the opportunity to race Septembers new 'Get Rolling' race one. 👍
Please keep the tips coming, they make a huge diff.
@@RyanCondon watching Ben Pitt’s races is really the best one can do for oneself in this regard. Even though we can’t match his power, we can always steal his tricks :)
Another great vid ryan, keep them coming. The podium was waiting for you mate you just needed to believe. Great job.
Mate! I was kicking myself when editing this. So close! Just go for it Ryan... 😅
Keep em coming! 🚴♂️💨
Will do Sam! 🚲
Hi Ryan, fellow zwifter here. Great vid. I have subscribed so good luck.
Great work on the race, I’m sure you have had many tips along the way, but keep at it. I’m 2 years into Zwift now and I’m a low c so I am in your boat in trying to stay with the C Cat riders. So it shows you can improve if you keep working hard
This made me smile! This is what I love about zwift. Keep up the good work!
Then it was worth the hours of editing. 😁
As always, awesome video mate!! I really love your content.
I'm on the same journey as you regarding weight loss.
Most of the time when I get dropped during a race, I say to myself that the solution is me losing weight. But thi is a long journey and I'm here for the long term.
We'll make it mate! 😎
Equally I find your vids 📽️ and narration inspirational. Seems corny but you're right. RELENTLESS FORWARD PROGRESS! 🙌💪
as you lose weight you get faster for sure, but then they just bump you to catC and it starts all over again :). i'm down from 111kg when I started my zwift journey to around 88kg these days. still too heavy to be really competitive on zwift but still having a great time.
My first day on zwift, and i accidently joined a cat c race (not knowing what the categorys meant) and got blown away 😂, i did manage to catch a few people up but its hard! Love the videos mate, they inspire me to do better 🤙
Welldone on catching some. Good luck on Zwift. Pleased you like my vids. 👍🙏
Excellent video (again!) - love your approach to improving and not getting put off by learning and difficult races and clearly that's paid off - great to see you in the front pack in that last race.
Thanks. Finally got there. Took many attempts. Now I need a podium finish.
@@RyanCondon that's just a matter of time and circumstance now 😀 pm'd you on insta to help with that 😀
Loving the videos and loving the hat.
Another interesting channel I follow is Eric Barnett Cycling who just completed the mini race series, looks good.
DT Swiss arc 62 are great wheels and very competitive for the drop price on zwift
Thanks for the tip. I'll check them out! 👍
another vote for the Dt Swiss - you probably can't get the Zipp 808's yet level wise...Merry Christmas in September ;) @benreams9748@@RyanCondon
Merry Christmas indeed! @@hedders277
As a 105kg rider new to swift I love your videos so inspiring, I always get dropped from the pack within mins from the start and it is so disheartening.
It is annoying. Keep going. We will get there just in time to be promoted to cat c. 😅
Ryan, when you reach level 25 or if they are available before, pick up the Zipp 808 wheels, they pair pretty well with the Aeroad 2021.
Thanks for the tip. I'll remember that for level 25. 👍
@@RyanCondon I would make sure to check periodically because I swear I got them before lvl 25. Maybe that changed with the new levels update they did this month.
Congratulations @ryancondon keep up the good work! Hope to see you in Cat B soon!
You're an inspiration Ryan
Thank you. I appreciate you watching my vids. 🙌
Great stuff, love watching the Zwift stuff and your running too. My advice (as someone virtually the same weight as you and in the same set up, is to push a much smaller gear for the most part e.g 10 or 11 and to drop lower if you are struggling on the climbs. Also try to maintain around 85 rpm. I think your HR will be much lower as a result and your legs will feel better. Spot on about the start, it’s always crazy and you need to go hard. Those Tiny Races are brutal btw!
Yeah. I've had the RPM advice before. I struggle with higher RPM. I don't know why, I prefer to grind for some reason. 🤷
I know what you mean and it does take a while to get used to it. I hope to race you soon and good luck with your ultra run!
@@rolandhoward8421 thanks very much! 🙌
You get a new powerup everytime you pass a floatyairthing. Make sure to press the old/current one before. They don’t stack but does load if you activate current one on time. (You missed half of the powerups)
Lovely content, keep chasing your goals. Gl mate
there is no powerups at the top of the hill - only at the finish line.
Fab, joining you on zwift !!!!!
Great job! Congratulations! 🎉
Hats off to you Sir, that was a valiant effort💪
Thank you 🙌
You asked about wheels - as a fellow above average weight rider, in Zwift I've got a set of DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 62 and Enve SES 3.4 that do pretty well.
Thanks for the tip. 👍
@@RyanCondon welcome Ryan.
Fun watching keep hammering ❤
Yes Ryan!! Smashed it mate.
Fantastic effort. Well done 🎉
Thanks 🙌
Very well done Ryan
Top effort 😊
It’s great watching your progress keep up the great work my friend.
Stay safe
Cheers! Appreciate the comment and the watch. 🙌
Absolutely brilliant 👏🏾 Your progress is evident and it’s great that you’re enjoying it 👍🏾. Try investing in a cycling jersey as it will help with temperature regulation 👌🏾Also irrespective of the category you’re in the effort and feelings are same as it’s relative. It never gets easier, you just get better!
Looking forward to the better bit. Thanks for watching. Ride on!
Get the Enve SES 7.8 wheels if your level allows. They are very aero but lighter than disc wheels. Aero is king unless it is a sustained climb like Alpe de Zwift with no downhills or flats.
Thanks for the tip.
Good job! Congrats!
Cheers. 💪
Just came across your channel. First of all, massive kudos for your incredible weight loss! How familiar are you with power zones? I noticed in your first race, your power distribution was pegged in Zone 5/6, which is VO2 max or fully anaerobic. The guys that are dropping you are most likely at least a zone below you (which basically just means they have a higher FTP and don’t have to burn as many matches as you) - so they are always going to drop you, and you’re always going to blow your doors off. I don’t know Zwift very well, but if you can, I would suggest racing in a lower category where abilities will be matched better.
I also notice your form is pretty rough, especially out of the saddle. Some form drills can be really helpful and will make you a more efficient and stronger cyclist!
Keep it up. I think it’s awesome that you’re putting up this content.
First of all, thanks for taking the time to write all this.
Second, I'm pleased you found my channel.
Third, you're right about my form, it is poor and needs addressing, in the process of doing so.
Fourth, believe it or not we were all in the same category (CAT D) and those riders were supposed to be maxing out at 2.5 watts per KG (they weren't). There is no lower Category.
Lastly, thanks for the kudos. 🙌
@@RyanCondon Ah. I see. So those riders were basically "slumming" by racing in a lower category just to take podiums. Unfortunate. In that case, my suggestion -- if you care -- is to ignore them and not worry about being dropped. Ride your race, at your pace. The TrainerRoad podcasts are very helpful (they're on RUclips) for better understanding training with Power Zones. Over the long term, riding prolonged efforts where you're basically red-lining the whole time (riding above your FTP) will be counter-productive -- or at least LESS productive. Just as with running, you want to spend the majority of time at lower intensity, and intersperse some high-intensity sessions. According to what I've heard, this will grow your aerobic engine while avoiding excessive fatigue, and will not deplete your glycogen stores, which allows you to ride longer and burn more calories. I'm an old(er) guy like you training for my first Century ride, and I've learned a lot following those guys. Keep it up and kudos again!
Dude. Loose the T shirts and get some fans. You’ll gain 10 watts.
Well Done and Thanks for the inspiration 👍
🙌
just found this vid thanks to Lee C. Great editing and entertaining Zwift videos. Keep going the improvement is addictive.
Zip 808 or DT Swiss ARc 62 (non disc) are both low level. DT Swiss are slightly lighter and good for climbing. Uranium Nuclear is also good for Aero flat.
By the way. Downtown Dolphin reverse is slightly easier as the climb is shallower and you'll get more benefit on the downhill section. Its called the Bell lap
Thanks Steve, pleased you found my channel. Top man Lee C!
I also apprecite the tips on the wheels, ill check them out.
I dont think I have raced the bell lap before, ill look for a race and give it a go. If I get my win ill give you credit. ;)
@@RyanCondon Have a look at Rhino Racing series. They are using the Bell Lap for this week. 8 Laps. I raced it last week and posted the vid with my approach. if you want to get a virtual recon.
Looking at your power profile you can hold decent watts for 20 to 30 seconds. Try and hold onto a draft van power up. There's a slight -1% at 500m before the finish, you can use that to build speed from the back, then go from the Zebra Crossing at 350m before the finish.
Top Tip@@stevej_on_a_mtb! Thanks.
Well done 👏 😊
I think you're forgetting a strategic aspect - your weight is not only a disadvantage, it's an advantage going down hills. You can sit in front and put down some power, when going downhill and push your competitors to use extra energy, where they think they have time to recover (but not anymore ;) ).
Normally to go downhill you first have to go up. Being at the front downhill on my own isn't much of an advantage if I got dropped on the climb. Watch my most recent video. I'm now nearly 6kg lighter and it's made me more balanced. Overall, being heavy in Zwift is more of a disadvantage than the small gains you may have on decents.
@@RyanCondon I completely agree that weight is generally a disadvantage in zwift - but when you don't have many advantages, it's about using the few you have if you want to be on the podium :) Ride on - and you make good content :) I will go watch your new video now...
New to Zwift, tested for CAT C but been mainly doing CAT D group rides. Tried my first CAT C 24hr group ride with a roilling start and got dropped from the get go😂
I'm really not looking forward to starting again from scratch in CAT C. 😅
Come on you are due to level up 11 to 12.😊 I am not far off level 17. 35km so fa this week need to go up to 50km total today is Friday. We'll done great video thanks 😊😊
Hi man
I started Zwift in April too.
I’m on a watt bike trainer, not a fancy atom 😅
Would be great to ride with you sometime, or do some training rides.
Maybe we could set up a Zwift cycling club for noobs like us and do banded training session ride with your followers?
When do you normally ride?
Keep it up 🎉
Hello! I dont have a zwift training plan. I use it to compliment my running training. I prefer to race for fun atm but I appreciate the offer. Ride on! 🙌
Dear friend, you are an excellent rider, well done, we love your video
Thank you 🙌
HI Ryan - looks like you are getting stronger - getting close to the dreaded D/C cat boundary. Are you interested in dipping your toe in the WTRL TTT series - could see if we can sort you out a guest spot on TFC Hurricane mocha team - it will hurt - but then you seem to enjoy that side of Zwifting !
Thanks for the offer however I don't think I can commit to racing in a team at the moment, still learning the ropes as a lone Cat D.
Whenever you feel ready to give it a go .. would just be a one-off guest slot no need to join team long term
Love watching your video thanks 😊.
I'm pleased you like them. 🙌
Good Job Ryan! Small adjustments would have given you podium in this race. Power management before the little kicker. Increase speed, from back of the pack just before the kicker, to carry the speed into the kicker. Now you start pushing when you are IN the kicker and it takes more power. Better PU management would saved you a little energy, now you missed out on some of them. Cadence! Everyone is different but you were often really grinding big parts of the race at around 55rpm and even for you I suspect that it may be a little low. I'm also grinder type but I try to at least be around 75-85 rpm. Positioning prior the sprint. Let the others do the job. Ignore #1 flying off but focus on 2nd and 3rd. Now they were cruising behind you. You should have let them do the job instead and then punched it at 150-200meters. You're a heavy guy, you would have gotten a lot of speed, IF you had any energy left :-)
These small things would have saved your legs and you would have for snatched 2nd or 3rd in this race for sure. Keep it up!!
and again, no big t-shirt :-) if you can't keep your body temp down, your performance will suffer big time, because you cook your body. any low cost cycling shirt, or a running shirt, or a tank-top would have served you better than that t-shirt. Just saying 😜
Thanks for the advice. RPM is a big one for me. I'm a grinder, struggle to spin at higher RPM. Working on that.
Good tip about the kicker, you're the 2nd person to mention this, sounds like a good idea.
Yes I need to let others do the work. I gave them 2nd and 3rd.
The tshirt was a time management thing. Late getting home and being lazy not changing. I normally wear very light tshirts. It does make a diff.
Appreciate the watch and the comment. Keep em coming. 💪
I've been following your journey and it's so amazing to watch it! I also bought a zwift setup and I'll folow your example! However I was wondering if a heart rate monitor is needed for zwift racing?
Thanks Kyan. Yes you should buy a HRM. You can get a decent but relatively cheap one online. Most races require you to wear one plus you'll want to monitor your HR during races to help you to know when to push etc.
@@RyanCondon Thank you for the very fast response, I'll order one then :)! And please keep making zwift videos,I absolutely love them!
@@Kyan100 will do! Good luck on Zwift. Ride on. 👍
Well done 😊
Awesome. Congratulations
🙌
I’m looking to use zwift this off-season, I would appreciate your top tips for a beginner- may make a good vid.
Sounds like a good vid. In short itll say jump in the deep end and don't worry about coming last.
Thats it - i'm subbing. Great job there. I've started on zwift myself 4 weeks ago, and i absolutely love it. I'm 84 kg and have no power (no ftp test yet, but Zwift has estimated it to 182), so it's like the opposite of you i guess. :)
Thanks for the sub. Good luck on Zwift. 💪
Tip do a time trial. 5km, 5miles, 10km, 10miles. 😊good luck 👍 😊
I am a C rider, always last, but Zwift does not allow me in CAT D :P. I feel you do a lot better then what I do :) my ftp is only 222. Keep on the good work and training. Maybe we see some day on the Zwift roads :)
We're all doing better than the bloke still sat on the sofa. See you soon in cat C
Loving your videos as I’ve just joined Zwift. How do you find races that are just Cat D? I’ve done one race and it was with Cat A, B, C and D. I got dropped immediately but was never going to keep up with the guys in the categories above.
No, Ive done a few mixed cat races and they're brutal. Even the Ds try and catch the A's. You should aim for just the Cat Ds until you feel adventurous.
Btw thanks for the Sub 🙌
I have a Wattbike and I yo-yo. Sometimes it’s due to draft and energy in the flywheel I think.
Possibly that and I surge rather than take advantage of the new sticky wheels update.
@@RyanCondon what’s the sticky wheels update I’ve missed it?
Had covid. So did retest ftp 199 as opposed 200 so ok,,its a good number want to hit 250 by age 60. 4 yrs to go ,,,would be crazy to get to 300,,,,think a8ming for extra 50 points is realistic age considering
Hi , mate. Hope you’ll see this comment and it could help you with further improvements on Zwift and on bike overall. I like your passion about cycling and want to share some tips for you. Try to focus for a while with Zwift training plans like ftp builder and skip riding with groups or simply rides with no certain purpose. These workouts may feel not really easy and it will take some time , but they will train your mindset and mentality for races. You’ll know your limits more clear and you’ll have necessary basics for races. So you will stay more sober during the race and you’ll be calmer if you’ll be dropped , every race is different and our rivals are always different, have different strategies and sometimes they are simply stronger than us. If you want to start winning - try to stick to workouts and do them on your own , without groups , without basic rides. You’ll learn more about your body. And later you can join group workouts from time to time. After you develop these basics and for sure you’ll improve your ftp during these workouts - your approach will change entirely. Wish you good luck 😊
Thanks for the tips! And thanks for watching/taking the time to leave a decent comment like this. Good advice.
Ending up riding races as a solo TT was the main reason I stopped using Zwift.
Do the TT-Tune up, maybe two 1 hour workouts a day. You will be ready within 3 months. And you will be Cat C.
Nice!
I’ve had a good watch of your video and I noticed a few things that might help you. Firstly I think that your saddle is a little too low. It’s strange because most have their seat too high. Have a play with this. The next thing is your cadence. I’ve been on a very similar journey as you. I have lost 6 stone and started a journey on Zwift and soon got into racing. I started off in Cat D and I’m now in Cat B and winning races. Going back to Cadence. A cadence below 80 will be asking for far too many watts from your legs. A cadence over 90 will be asking for your heart to beat too fast. Try to find that gear that gives you a cadence between 82 and 85. This will look after your legs and heart rate. You will able to hold the wheel much easier. Watch this video back. The only time you hit the right cadence is when you are fucked. You are either too low or too catch up you go to a cadence too high on a big gear. This will make a big difference. Push out a good average watts constantly at 82 to 85 revs. I can ride in any zone at 82 revs just by changing gears.
Thanks for the comment and the tips. Have a watch of my most recent Zwift video ruclips.net/video/XPebD_NEQ7I/видео.htmlsi=PDBJbNMB_HiGoUpj and please let me know what you think?
@@RyanCondon I’ve saved it. I’ll watch it later after the darts.
My weight is 19stone 6pounds😊
Cycling is brutal! Keep going! Im trying to get up in cat A but I doubt I ever will...
Thanks Julius! I can only imagine the brutal intensity of trying to match Cat A riders but I guess it's all relative.
You'll do it! RIDE ON!
If you want light wheels, climb the Alpe until you get the Lightweights. And they’re free . . .
Thanks for this tip. I did this last week on The Four Horseman route. I now have the lightweights wheels that are FREE. 😮
I'm surprised Zwift didnt jump you up to Cat C when your FTP increased.
Probably because I'm 111kg
Get a 1,000 miles basic training before starting racing, do t.t. First ie. 10miles or 16.1 km .😊
But I like racing.
According to readout 3 Wkg at 300 Wts you must weigh 100 Kg
101kg, I show my weigh in printout in one of my other vids. Keep watching. :)
I'll get you on the climb only 58-60 Kg 😂 Yep watched a few impressed by your efforts👍👍 @@RyanCondon
@@barryhambly7711 Thanks Barry, you and everyone else. 🤣
Pleased you like the vids.
hes funny
It would be advised to remove t-shirt for better cooling :)
Yeah. Lazy prep.
1,2,3,4,5 and 7 place should all be DQ’d and should be restricted to Cat B! Cat D maxes out at 2.4w/kg
If you look at the results screen at 6:29… the first 3 had 100 watts avg, so they weigh like 30kg?? 😅
Mate, you need a bike fit badly, your knees are coming up far too high, your loosing a lot of power, your hips are not open enough.
You're probably right.
Wow Cat D riders are 5 W/KG now 🤷🏻♂️
Had some crazy fast Cat D races. This Zwifting is not a walk in the park.
But leading the pack with a constant 4-5 w/kg is not a cat D rider mate, it’s cheating or forged glory!
Your doing cracking, great inspiration Ryan
@@andyjamestf not sure why anyone capable of racing at that speed wants the glory of beating the likes of me but I'm happy to improve and eventually win by challenging. If you know what I mean. Thanks for the compliment! 👍🙌
They should have been DQ’d!!!
a pleasure to watch
Thank you! 👌