This year the program is shorter and more accessible, and all training can be done entirely on each rider’s schedule with fewer mandatory group rides.
Swiftthe global online fitness platform for cyclists, today announces the launch of the revamped Zwift Academy Road cycling program, designed to help every cyclist find their strength and go further in a four-week intensive course designed to help Zwifters become faster, stronger and smarter on the bike.
Registration for the Zwift Academy will open on August 15, with events starting on September 12 and ending on October 9, 2022. Although the academy is open to all riders, it is also a talent discovery program that will see two professional cycling contracts awarded through Pro The Contender Program is for athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent and fitness through the program.
The Zwift Academy, first launched in 2016, has served as a model for digital talent identification and is the first program of its kind to offer participants the opportunity to earn a spot on professional sports teams. Female members of the Zwift Academy have the opportunity to sign a contract with UCI Women’s WorldTour Team CANYON//SRAM Racing, while men with UCI ProTeam Alpecin-Deceuninck.
This year’s Zwift Academy Road Cycling program is designed to help participants, whether they want to compete for a spot on a professional team, discover their strengths as a cyclist and learn to train their strengths and limitations to become a more complete rider. The Zwift Academy also teaches participants how to train effectively. Those who complete the program will receive individual coaching and training guidance, allowing them to continue to improve on their own.
To make the Zwift Academy more accessible, the program has been streamlined – only the base and finish rides must be completed at the scheduled time. Pro Contender’s six structured workouts and workouts can be done ‘on demand’ so riders can plan their rides at a time that suits them. This year’s Academy includes:
- 1 additional Orientation Ride held prior to the start of the program – 1 Base Ride completed on the Legends and Lava Route used to determine rider phenotype
- 1 finish line ride completed on the Legends and Lava Route only available during the last two weeks of the academy
- 6 structured workouts with short and long workout options
- 2 additional Pro Contender workouts for those interested in trying to get a pro contract
Along the way, Zwifters will earn exclusive in-game unlocks: socks for completing 25% off Zwift Academy, a sports armband for completing the halfway mark, 75% off Zwift Academy gear, and custom Canyon Aeroroad paint for completing the entire program.
Although the Zwift Academy is a talent discovery program for professional cycling teams, most riders join the academy to push themselves, improve their fitness and learn about their strength as an athlete. Those looking to compete on a pro team must complete a Baseline Ride and two Pro Contender practices by September 25th to be eligible for the Pro Contender program.
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https://pezcyclingnews.com/newswire/zwift-academy-returns-offering-workouts-for-every-kind-of-rider-and-pro-contracts-for-those-with-exceptional-talent/
