Two more pro-contracts on offer as 2018 Zwift Academy opens for third year
Two more riders - one woman and one under-23 man - will be awarded with pro contracts following the eight week programme which begins on August 6
The Zwift Academy is back for 2018 and the online training platform has once again teamed up with Team Dimension Data and Canyon-SRAM women's team to seek out two hidden talents and award them a pro contract each.
The Academy is now in its third year, having funnelled three new riders into the pro ranks - 2017 winner Tanja Erath, 2016 winner Leah Thorvilson who had her contract extended this year, to Canyon-SRAM plus former speed skater Ollie Jones who found himself a home at Team Dimension Data's under-23 squad.
>>> Indoor cycling apps compared
Speaking at the London launch, Team Dimension Data's Mark Cavendish - a self-confessed Zwift convert - said: “I joined the pro peloton after coming through the British Cycling Performance Academy. At the time this was a brand new concept to try and help talented British riders break through in continental Europe. It's exciting to see another new, even more radical route to the professional peloton with Zwift Academy."
Former triathlete Erath took up cycling following an injury which halted her running - racing fixed gear crits and then entering the Academy, having borrowed a turbo trainer from a friend.
>>> Beginner’s guide to indoor cycling: all you need to know
Erath has been racing with the team throughout the season and told Cycling Weekly: "It's still intimidating and mostly I'm really nervous before races - but everything I do and every move I cover for the team I feel like I'm learning. I'm able to protect my team mates and work for them, and they seem pretty happy with that and say I'm adapting quickly. It's super fun and I love every race day."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The experience has changed her perception of her rider type, Erath said: "I didn't really have much explosive power, but when I switched to fixed gear racing and I talked to my coach about it and we worked hard on accelerations. Then I did the Zwift academy, and I've since been told 'you're a sprinter'.
"It seems like I have some talent in the sprints, but I kind of forced myself into triathlon. I don't think I would have learned that I'm suited to this kind of riding without the experience I've had with Zwift."
Men's winner Ollie Jones has been back on the indoor trainer recently, having suffered some injuries following early season crashes. But he's back racing now, and looking forward to the coming months.
"I've had a few setbacks, and been injured, but that has allowed me to do a lot of structured training indoors. I've been doing a lot of short, sharp stuff, none of the longer, four hour rides that you'd do out on the road. Coming into the second half of the season I'm feeling positive and looking forward to getting back to racing."
Jones, who says sport is "in his blood" entered the Zwift academy already knowing he did well in races on the online platform, but adds: "I was in it to win, but for many it's a great way to share an experience and improve overall fitness. It’s a great challenge for people of all abilities.”
Entry to the 2018 Zwift Academy is now open. The programme consists of 10 workouts, four group rides and two races - all starting on August 6; 20 semi-finalists (10 men and 10 women) will be unveiled in early October.
This year, Zwift wants to see riders who are not contending victory complete as much of the Academy as possible, so it's added four 'unlocks' - one after each quarter - where rewards will be available both online and in real life.
Eric Min, Zwift CEO and Co-Founder said: “Unfortunately I can’t win a pro contract, but I will be taking part and am keen to see how my FTP improves again this year.
"As an extra incentive for people to complete the program, we will be donating one Qhubeka bike for every 10 graduates of the Men’s Zwift Academy to support the Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka cause. It’s a fantastic program that helps deliver better transport to remote areas of Africa. Get enrolled, get fitter and help a worthy cause in the process.”
All riders will be offered premium access to Today's Plan for the duration of the Academy, enjoying a full set of tools to help them analyse their progress. Users will also be able to see how they stack up against those in their age group and across the overall competition.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.
-
Le Col ARC Lightweight Rain Jacket review: light, hooded, waterproof and versatile
Designed for gravel and adventure riding, it features a hood and a host of useful pockets in which to stash snacks and kit
By Andy Turner Published
-
Tadej Pogačar smashes the Strava KOM on the Coll de Rates
World Champion sets a time of 12:21 on the segment, beating Peter Øxenberg Hansen by 17 seconds
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Wild new SRAM patent might make turbo trainers a lot easier to use
Patent claims new indoor trainer design will allow users to install their bicycles 'quickly and easily' with limited wear
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'It's not a deal-breaker if you can't hit super-high power': 6 tips from an indoor racing expert
Here's what makes Lou Bates one of Great Britain's indoor cycling stars
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Most cyclists dread ramp tests - but I can't get enough
There's real pleasure in self-inflicted virtual riding pain
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Zwift introduces Racing Score to make platform 'more competitive, fairer and accessible'
Zwift says new ranking system will reflect both fitness level and racing skill
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Zwift celebrates 10 years of ‘Ride On’ with mystery Tour of Watopia stage
Even after 10 years, not all of Watopia has been revealed, but it will be on November 12 as part of the 2024 Tour of Watopia.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Zwift launches new roads, more display options and greater compatibility for Zwift Ride smart frame in 10-year anniversary overhaul
The upgrades also include new heads-up display and hardware compatibility improvements
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Zwift extends sponsorship of Tour de France Femmes: 'It is an absolute, clear, undeniable success'
In an exclusive interview, Zwift reveals how investing in women’s cycling benefits both the sport and its bottom line
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Zwift's Watopia expands again with new climb
The Grade Climb, and 'My List' feature among new updates announced
By Adam Becket Published