Sponsored Content
Online training platform Zwift have announced the return of their Zwift Academy, the training /talent ID program that’s helped nine riders graduate to professional cycling teams. These include Aussie Jay Vine who’s currently riding La Vuelta in Spain.
With enrollment open from today, the program starts on August 30th when the Zwift Academy Road training program gets underway.
Entrants need to complete a series of six workouts, two recovery rides, and new for this year, two benchmarking rides – the Baseline Ride and the Finish Line Ride.
These two rides will provide Zwifters the chance to see how their fitness translates to the road. The Baseline ride should be completed at the start of Zwift Academy and will see Zwifters challenged to set PR’s on dedicated segments designed to test sprint, anaerobic and aerobic efforts.
With one of last year’s winners – Jay Vine – currently riding his first Grand Tour, the designer of the plan Stephen Gallagher said the Academy was well-known for its successful talent ID program.
“But it’s so much more for thousands of riders each year”, he said. “We’ve designed the program to offer even more for those looking to take on the challenge of completing a training plan. The program covers many of the basic principles of training and should be a fun and rewarding experience for all abilities.”
Two Pro Contracts On Offer
Two professional cycling contracts are up for grabs with Alpecin Fenix and CANYON//SRAM. Think you’ve got what it takes to turn pro? Then read on!
Those seeking a professional cycling contract must go the extra mile with Zwift Academy this year. Pro Contenders must complete the full Zwift Academy program making sure to complete a few mandatory checks. Contenders must graduate the program ensuring they wear a heart rate monitor, are paired to the game with a smart trainer or power meter, connect their account with Today’s Plan and ensure they complete the ‘Advanced’ Baseline and Finish Line ride events.
For the details on how to compete for a pro contract, head to zwift.com/zaroad/road-pro-contender-requirements
Philip Roodhooft, General Manager of Alpecin-Fenix, said the team’s first year partnering with the Zwift Academy has been a great success.
“Jay Vine got off to a fantastic start with us at the Tour of Turkey, finishing second on GC in his first race for the team. Jay has shown fantastic dedication through the season and has justified his first grand tour start with us at this year’s Vuelta. I’m excited to see what he will do there and am looking forward to finding out who we might discover through the Zwift Academy program this year”
Ronny Lauke, Team Manager of CANYON//SRAM Racing, said the Zwift Academy has delivered fantastic talent.
“Each year the competition seems to get closer and closer. This makes the decisions tough but shows the strength in the program. I look forward to meeting the ‘Class of 21’ later this year.”
Online enrollment for ZA Road opens on August 17th. The Zwift Academy Road program begins on 30 August and ends 24 October. For more information on all of the programs, head to zwift.com/academy.
