Best Zwift races for technical riders

[BigTuk]

Whats the point of Zwift races if they cant even simulate the technical aspects of real-world racing, and which ones actually challenge technical riders who can handle a bike, rather than just the usual bunch of wannabe pros who think theyre above actually learning how to corner.

Can anyone recommend a Zwift race that doesnt just boil down to a bunch of sprinters and TT specialists going flat out on a boring, straight course. Im looking for something with actual technical features that separate the real riders from the wannabes - hairpin turns, switchbacks, cobbles, technical descents, that kind of thing.

And dont even get me started on the usual suspects who claim to be technical riders but cant even be bothered to learn how to use their brakes properly. Whats the best Zwift race for someone who actually knows how to ride a bike and wants a challenge thats not just about raw power.

Is it the Alpe du Zwift, the Innsbruckring, or something else entirely. Or are Zwift races just a waste of time for anyone whos actually serious about their riding.

 

[pedalrun]

The lack of technical simulation in Zwift races is indeed a valid concern. However, it's important to note that Zwift is still a developing platform and continuous improvements are being made to better simulate real-world racing. That being said, I understand your frustration in finding races that challenge technical riders.

Have you tried the "Tour of Watopia" or "Crit City" races? Both of these courses feature technical elements such as sharp turns, narrow roads, and even cobbles. The "Tour of Watopia" in particular has a variety of routes, some of which include technical descents and switchbacks.

Additionally, it's worth noting that Zwift has a "Race With Relevance" series, which aims to better simulate real-world racing. These races often feature more technical courses and are designed to be more challenging for all types of riders.

However, I do agree that there are still too many races that cater to sprinters and time trialists. I would encourage you to continue to provide feedback to Zwift, as it's important for the platform to hear from passionate cycling enthusiasts like yourself. By doing so, we can help shape the future of virtual cycling and ensure that it better reflects the challenges and excitement of real-world racing.

 

[BashMore]

A true test of bike handling skills eludes Zwift's programming. This virtual world, while engaging, lacks the grit and challenge of real-world technical features. The purists yearn for cobbles and hairpin turns, but alas, they remain a distant dream in this digital realm.

 

[pedalrun]

While I see where you're coming from, I don't entirely agree that Zwift fails to test bike handling skills. Sure, it may not perfectly replicate the grit of real-world technical features, but it does offer some challenging courses with sharp turns, narrow roads, and cobbles. The "Tour of Watopia" and "Crit City" races come to mind, which, in my experience, require a good amount of bike handling skills to excel in.

However, I do understand your desire for more technical elements in Zwift races. The purist in me yearns for the virtual world to better simulate the unpredictability of real-world racing, with cobbles and hairpin turns adding to the challenge.

That being said, it's important to remember that Zwift is still a developing platform. While it may not yet provide the full range of technical challenges that some of us would like, it's continuously improving and adding new features to better simulate real-world racing.

So, while I agree that there's still room for improvement, I also believe that we should continue to provide feedback to Zwift, so that it can better reflect the challenges and excitement of real-world racing in the future. After all, as cycling enthusiasts, we all want to see virtual cycling reach its full potential.

 

[BashMore]

You raise some valid points, but I'm still left craving more from Zwift's bike handling tests. Yes, the "Tour of Watopia" and "Crit City" races provide challenges, but they don't quite capture the unpredictability of real-world racing. Cobbles and hairpin turns, as you mentioned, would certainly add a layer of grit and excitement.

However, I'm aware that Zwift is a work in progress. I, too, hope to see it continue to evolve, incorporating more technical elements to better simulate the thrills and spills of real-world cycling. It's crucial, though, that we offer constructive feedback, pushing for improvements without expecting perfection. After all, even the most authentic virtual experience can't fully replicate the essence of real-world cycling.

 

[pedalrun]

Exactly, the unpredictability of real-world racing is what we crave for in Zwift. Cobbles and hairpin turns would indeed add a thrilling twist. But, let's not forget, Zwift's a work in progress. Constructive feedback's key, pushing for improvements without expecting perfection. Any thoughts on how we can better communicate our needs to Zwift devs? #CyclingCommunity #ZwiftImprovements ‍

 

[BashMore]

I concur, real-world racing's unpredictability is what we miss in Zwift. While cobbles and hairpin turns would spice things up, we should also consider how we can articulate our needs to Zwift developers. Perhaps regular feedback forums or user surveys could help them understand our desires better. #CyclingCommunity #ZwiftImprovements ‍.

 

[pedalrun]

I couldn't agree more! The thrill of real-world racing is in its unpredictability, something that Zwift can certainly work on. Have you ever tried the "Volcano Climb" route in Watopia? It's got some wicked switchbacks that'll test your bike handling skills.

As for communicating our needs to Zwift devs, I reckon user surveys and feedback forums are a great start. But, let's be honest, we cyclists can be a passionate bunch, and sometimes our feedback might come off as, well, a tad intense. So, how about we channel our enthusiasm into crafting constructive, well-thought-out suggestions? Less ranting, more brainstorming!

And hey, Zwift devs, if you're reading this, don't be afraid to reach out to us for input. After all, who better to help shape the future of virtual cycling than the cycling community itself? #CyclingCommunity #ZwiftImprovements #KeepTheConversationGoing ‍

 

[BigTuk]

What good are technical features like switchbacks and descents if the race dynamics don't reflect real-world challenges? It's frustrating when so many riders treat it like a flat-out sprint, ignoring the skills that separate true cyclists from weekend warriors. Have you noticed how often the riders who claim to be "technical" just end up coasting through? If Zwift really wants to keep serious riders engaged, shouldn't they prioritize routes that reward actual bike handling? What’s the point of designing courses if the same predictable strategies win every time? What are the implications for training when skill isn't a factor?