Zwift has launched a revamped Zwift Academy Road cycling program… ‘designed to help every cyclist find their strength and go further in a four-week crash course designed to help Zwifters get faster, stronger, and smarter on the bike.’
Registration for Zwift Academy opened on August 15 and the events begin on September 12, ending on October 9, 2022.
‘While the academy is for all riders, it’s also a talent identification program and will award two professional cycling contracts, through the Pro Contender program, for athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent and fitness through the program.’
First launched in 2016, Zwift Academy is the first such program to offer participants a chance to earn a spot on professional sports teams. Female participants in Zwift Academy have the chance to earn a contract with the UCI Women’s WorldTour Team CANYON//SRAM Racing, and male participants have the chance to earn a contract with UCI ProTeam Alpecin-Deceuninck.
Zwift adds that this year’s program is designed to help participants, whether or not they want to compete for a spot on a professional team, find their strengths as a cyclist, and learn to train both their strengths and limiters to become a more complete rider.
‘Zwift Academy also teaches participants to train effectively. Those who complete the program will receive customized workouts and training recommendations, empowering them to keep improving on their own.’
Aiming to make Zwift Academy more accessible, the program has been streamlined – only the baseline and finishline rides must be completed at scheduled times. The six structured workouts and Pro Contender workouts can be completed ‘on-demand’, so that riders can schedule their rides at times that are convenient for them.
This year’s academy includes:
- One optional Orientation Ride, taking place prior to the program beginning
- One Baseline Ride, completed on the Legends and Lava Route, used to determine a rider’s phenotype [observable characteristics]
- One Finish Line Ride, completed on the Legends and Lava Route, available only during the last two weeks of the academy
- Six structured workouts, with both short and long workout options
- Two additional Pro Contender workouts, for those interested in attempting to win a pro contract
Along the way, Zwifters will earn exclusive in-game unlocks: virtual socks for completing 25% of Zwift Academy, a virtual sweatband for getting halfway through, a virtual Zwift Academy kit for 75%, and custom Canyon Aeroroad paint on virtual bikes for completing the entire program.
Zwift added that, while Zwift Academy is a talent identification program for professional cycling teams, most riders will enter the academy to push themselves, improve their fitness, and learn about their own type of strength as an athlete. Those who do want the chance to ride on a pro team must complete the Baseline Ride and the two Pro Contender workouts by September 25 in order to be considered for the Pro Contender Program.
