Complete Guide to Zwift Racing 2025

Zwift season is in full swing, making it the perfect time to dive into the exciting world of virtual racing. Whether you’re curious about giving Zwift racing a try or eager to up your game, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips to help you excel on this dynamic platform and maximize your performance.

Zwift racing isn’t just about fitness; it’s also a fantastic way to stay connected with friends and the cycling community during the offseason. Why not rally your crew and join the same event to share the thrill of competition? Let’s get started!

BEFORE THE RACE

Choosing the Right Category

Starting your Zwift racing journey can be exciting, but figuring out which category to race in might feel overwhelming. Here's a breakdown to help you get started.

Zwift recently moved away from categorizing races by watts per kilogram (W/kg) of Functional Threshold Power (FTP) to a new system called the “Racing Score.” This score ranges from 1 to 1000, with 1 representing beginners and 1000 being elite racers. It’s calculated based on your recent race performances, and if you’re new to racing, Zwift may estimate your score using data from your recent rides.

In some events, the higher race categories cover longer distances, reflecting the experience level of the participants. Additionally, many races enforce categories, meaning you can only compete in the category your Racing Score qualifies you for, although you’re always allowed to race in a higher category. This enforcement helps combat "sandbagging," where stronger riders dominate lower-level races for easy wins.

Here’s a quick guide to Zwift racing categories:

• 690-1000: Elite Level (Highest competition)
• 520-690: Advanced Racers
• 350-520: Intermediate Racers
• 180-350: Novice Racers
• 1-180: Beginners

By understanding your Zwift Racing Score and race categories, you can find the right fit to challenge yourself while staying competitive.

Know the Course

Understanding the course before the race can make or break your performance. Is it a flat and fast route or one packed with climbs? While two races might both cover 20 km, their difficulty could differ drastically—a flat course might take 30-50 minutes, whereas a climb up Alpe du Zwift could exceed an hour.

When analyzing a course, don’t just focus on distance. Pay attention to elevation gain, as it plays a significant role in how demanding the race will be. Additionally, the surface type is another critical factor. Routes with dirt or off-road sections are slower than traditional road races, and your choice of bike setup can impact your speed.

Given the vast variety of routes on Zwift, memorizing them all is unrealistic. That’s where Zwift Insider comes in. This website is an invaluable resource, offering detailed descriptions of every Zwift course. It highlights key information such as course length, elevation, and crucial points like climbs or sprints that could shape the race. Some routes even come with recommendations for the best bike and wheel setups, so you can optimize your performance.

Take the time to study the course in advance, identify strategic sections, and choose your gear wisely—this preparation can be the difference between just finishing and finishing strong.

Bike and Wheel Choice

Zwift offers a wide selection of bikes, and as you progress through the levels, you’ll unlock even more options. Each bike and wheelset is rated based on two key factors: weight and aerodynamics. Understanding how these factors affect performance is crucial for making the best choice for your race.

• Weight: Lighter bikes excel on climbs, where every gram saved can translate to faster ascents.
• Aerodynamics: Aero bikes perform better on flat or rolling terrain, where speed is higher and reducing drag becomes more important.

Choosing the Right Setup

Most bikes on Zwift allow you to pair a frame with wheels, except for the Tron Bike, a highly coveted all-arounder unlocked after climbing 50,000 meters in the Everest Challenge. The Tron Bike is one of the most versatile choices in the game, combining light weight with excellent aerodynamics.

For other setups, your choice should align with the race terrain:

• Climbing Courses: Opt for the lightest frame and wheels available. For example, the BMC TeamMachine paired with Lightweight Meilenstein wheels is an excellent climbing combination.
• Flat or Rolling Terrain: Go for an aerodynamic setup to maximize speed. A great choice is the Felt AR with deep wheels like the ENVE SES 6.7. For races that allow it, you can also consider a disc wheel combo, such as the Zipp 858/Super 9.
• Mixed Terrain: Evaluate the most critical sections of the course. If the route includes one key climb but is otherwise flat, you might prioritize an aero setup to excel on the flat sections. However, if staying with the group over the climb is essential, a climbing-focused setup might be better.

Additional Tips

Avoid using a time trial (TT) bike in races, as it disables drafting, a significant disadvantage when riding in groups. If you’re unsure about the best setup for a race, check resources like Zwift Insider, which often provides course-specific gear recommendations.

The bike and wheels you choose can make a noticeable difference in your performance, so plan ahead and tailor your setup to the course for maximum advantage.

Warm-Up

A proper warm-up is essential for a successful Zwift race. Since Zwift races often start with an intense surge, being fully prepared can help you stay with the group from the gun.

The Ideal Warm-Up

• Duration: 10-20 minutes of easy riding.
• Intensity: Include 2-4 short “pick-up” efforts lasting 20-30 seconds each at around 125% of your FTP. These efforts will activate your muscles and prepare your body for the high-intensity start.

Pre-Race Checklist

• Cooling: Use this time to ensure your fans or cooling devices are positioned correctly and functioning well. Staying cool during the race can significantly improve your performance.
• Hydration & Nutrition: Make sure your water bottles and any nutrition are within arm’s reach. Once the race starts, you won’t want to lose time fumbling for these essentials.
• Sweat Protection: Use a Tacx Sweat Set or a similar sweat-absorbing device to prevent excess sweat from damaging your bike.

Taking the time to warm up properly and ensure your setup is dialed in will not only improve your performance but also make your race experience much more enjoyable.

DURING THE RACE

Pace Yourself

The race has begun—now what? While every Zwift race is unique, there’s a common pattern: most races start fast. Your goal is to balance a strong start with a sustainable effort to avoid burning out early.

• Start Strong, Then Settle: Expect a hard initial surge as riders jostle for position. Push yourself to stay with the group, but avoid going so hard that you’re gasping for air. Once the pace steadies, find a rhythm you can maintain.
• Ride Smart: Position yourself in a group and take advantage of drafting. Just like in outdoor cycling, riding in the draft on Zwift conserves significant energy—up to 30%—and is crucial for staying competitive.
• Conserve Energy: The longer the race, the more critical energy management becomes. For races lasting 90 minutes or more, pace yourself carefully to avoid running out of steam. Think of your energy reserves as “matches”; don’t burn them all too soon. Save some for key moments, such as attacks, sprints, or climbs.

By pacing intelligently and riding strategically, you’ll maximize your chances of staying in the mix and performing at your best.

What to Watch for During A Zwift Race

To race effectively on Zwift, it’s crucial to stay aware of the key metrics and visuals on your screen. These details can provide valuable insights and help you make smarter decisions in real time.

Rider Information

• Watts per Kilogram (W/kg):
  On the right side of your screen, you’ll see a list of nearby riders, along with their W/kg displayed below their names. This number indicates how much power they’re putting out relative to their weight.
  • In the Draft: When drafting, your W/kg will typically be lower than those leading the group, but you’ll still maintain the same pace. Use this to conserve energy.
  • Spotting Attacks: Keep an eye out for riders with rapidly increasing W/kg. If you see a red or orange number, it signals that the rider is making a significant effort—possibly an attack. React quickly to stay with the group or anticipate the move.
• Time Gaps:
  Next to each rider’s name, you’ll see a time gap (e.g., +5s or -3s) showing how far ahead or behind they are.
  • Closing Gaps: If you’re trying to catch a rider or group, monitor the time gap to measure your progress.
  • Staying Ahead: Similarly, watch the gap to riders behind you, especially if you’re leading a breakaway or nearing the finish.

Course Elevation

• Detailed Climb Profile:
  Zwift’s climbing feature provides a more detailed look at upcoming gradients.
  • Colours: Red and orange indicate steeper grades, while blue and yellow represent shallower climbs. This allows you to anticipate changes in effort and adjust accordingly.
  • Power-Ups: Save the Feather Power-Up for steep gradients where it’s most effective. Timing its use can make a significant difference, especially on challenging climbs.

Staying focused on these metrics and using the information to your advantage will help you react to race dynamics, conserve energy, and optimize your performance at key moments.

Power-Ups

Power-ups are one of the most strategic tools in Zwift racing. When used correctly, they can provide a significant advantage, helping you conserve energy or gain a crucial edge at key moments. Below is a rundown of each power-up and the best times to use them. Keep in mind that some races may offer different power-ups depending on the race organizer and course specifics.

1. Aero Boost

• Effect: Improved aerodynamics for 15 seconds.
• Best Used: On flat, downhill, or fast sections, especially during the final sprint to the finish. This is particularly effective when you need to maximize speed while conserving energy in a group.

2. Draft Boost

• Effect: Increased drafting effect for 40 seconds.
• Best Used: On flat, downhill, or fast sections, particularly when riding in a group (but not at the front). This power-up is excellent for conserving energy, especially in a large peloton, and can also help in the final sprint.

3. Feather

• Effect: Reduces your weight by 10% for 30 seconds, effectively increasing your W/kg at the same power.
• Best Used: On climbs, particularly during the steepest parts. It’s also great for uphill finishes. It can still be useful in a sprint finish, though it's less optimal compared to other power-ups like the Aero boost or the Draft boost.

4. Anvil

• Effect: Increases your weight, making you faster on downhill sections.
• Best Used: On downhill segments at high speed. Avoid using this power-up on flat or uphill sections, as it can hinder your performance.

5. Burrito

• Effect: Disables the draft effect for riders around you for 20 seconds.
• Best Used: When trying to escape or break away from a group. The Burrito effectively neutralizes the advantage of being in a draft, helping you gain some separation from riders behind you.

6. Ghost (Invisibility)

• Effect: Makes you invisible for 15 seconds (as long as you’re more than 400m from the finish line).
• Best Used: For sneaky breakaways! If you're trying to get away from a group of riders, using the Ghost power-up lets you disappear temporarily, making it harder for others to respond. However, if you're within 400m of the finish, you’ll become visible again, so time this wisely.

7. Steamroller

• Effect: Reduces rolling resistance on dirt or non-road surfaces, making you faster.
• Best Used: On dirt or mixed-surface sections of the course. It’s particularly helpful if you're trying to break away or sprint when riding on these less-efficient surfaces.

By understanding when and how to use these power-ups, you can make tactical decisions that conserve energy or create opportunities to gain time or positions during the race.

Stay in the Draft

One of the most effective strategies in Zwift racing is to minimize the time you spend at the front of the group. The key to conserving energy is staying in the draft, which allows you to expend significantly less effort.

• Stay Behind: Position yourself toward the back of the pack where you can take full advantage of the draft. This reduces your aerodynamic drag and allows you to maintain the same speed while using less power.
• Be Cautious of Elevation and Surges: While staying in the draft is beneficial, you need to be mindful of shifts in the race. If the group surges in pace or if there’s a climb, you could be pushed out of the draft, making it harder to stay with the pack. It’s important to stay alert and be ready to adjust your position if the pace or terrain changes.

By effectively staying in the draft, you’ll save energy for the critical moments, like surges, climbs, and the final sprint. Just make sure you’re positioned well enough to respond when the race dynamics change.

Expect Increased Effort on Climbs

Hills are often where Zwift races see the most significant splits. Unlike traditional cycling races you might watch on TV, Zwift races are rarely won through a solo breakaway. Instead, these virtual competitions are typically races of attrition, where the starting group gradually shrinks as riders are dropped over the course of the event.

The climbs are the key battlegrounds where most of this attrition happens. Expect the pace to surge on the hills, making it particularly challenging to stay with your group. The first climb of the race is often intense, as riders push hard to thin out the pack early on. Similarly, the final climb is usually a decisive moment, with racers giving everything they have left in an effort to secure victory. Being prepared for these surges and knowing when to dig deep can make all the difference in your race performance.

Sprint for the Finish

When it comes to the finish line sprint, timing your power-up use is crucial. Different power-ups last for varying durations, so understanding their effects and planning accordingly can give you a decisive edge. Ideally, you want to activate your power-up in sync with your sprint effort to maximize its impact. This coordination can make the difference between securing a top position and getting left behind in the final meters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zwift racing is an excellent way to stay motivated during the offseason while getting a solid workout. These races are inclusive for all levels of ability, making them a fantastic entry point into virtual racing—or even real-world racing when summer rolls around!

Definitions:

Attack/Attacking: An aggressive spike in power to get away from other cyclists near you.

Breakaway: One or a small group of cyclists ahead of the main group in a race who are attempting to stay away from the main group.

Close the Gap: Trying to get closer to the cyclist in front of you in order to get in their draft.

Draft/Drafting: Riding behind another rider, maintaining their speed but with less power output.