First time climbing Zwift's VEN TOP!

[@03lepavouxc1]

Ventop is a tough climb, I’d be keen to see another bash at the Alpe!! 👍🏼 all this climbing you are doing, you will have to try a Zwift everesting soon 😯 8848m of climbing in one day one workout, savage. Another enjoyable watch Ryan.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks. Im trying desperately to avoid the E challenge. 🙄

[@DontGetDroppedCycling]

I could make a super mix of myself dancing before I start my intro 😆 I was rapping to Busta Rhymes last night. ALWAYS HAVE FUN!

[@RyanCondon]

Only way to fly!

[@johnconarty3762]

The breathing comments by R.T are crucial I believe. I have been working on my breathing a lot more lately and have increased the amount of power I can sustain for a period of time while keeping my HR lower. Great video Ryan, glad to see you mixing it up with other YTers and getting tips and tricks.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks John. I appreciate the comment sir. 🙏🙌

[@Leerenton21]

First one of your videos i've seen, really enjoyed it. Just getting into zwift loving the racing

[@Clap_My_Dog]

Magnificent effort. Watching your pure joy on the second ride was inspirational. Well done!!

[@RyanCondon]

Loved that 2nd ride. I just needed rest, the 1st ride was an ordeal. Thanks for watching. 📺

[@gurugugu9665]

I'm a runner turned zwifter. I feel like bike climbing is more akin to long distance running because speed isn't a factor. You just have to keep trudging along. Great job and keep up the great work.

[@RyanCondon]

There are so many comparisons to running. Zwifting has made a huge difference to my running. Thanks for watching. 🙏🙌

[@davidsharp6866]

Awesome ride and video, I’m learning so much from you. Would be great to see a new Alpe attempt. Well done Ryan, so good!!!

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks David. 💪 The Alpe is going to happen. 👌

[@FoobsTon]

​@@RyanCondon Ryan you should flag when you're doing an Alpe attempt. I'm sure people would want to join you on the mountain.

[@CBRMackie63]

The more you ride, the more you'll find what works for you...keep at it, great video!

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks 🙌

[@MarkyMarkZwifts]

Cracking video Ryan and congrats on beating your PR by 21mins! That's incredible and especially after only one days' rest between the two ascents! R.T is a great coach, his knowledge of all things zwift and cycling is amazing. It was great seeing you climbing out the saddle, it looked so natural. Have you thought about getting a rocker plate? You can get a Wattbike specific one that allows the whole bike to rock side to side just like if you were riding outside. You should definitely have a go at the Alpe now, that would be great to see!

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Mark. I didn't think you could get a Rocker Plate for the Wattbike. RT is a very good coach, great tips, even better vids about Burrito races. But he didn't get me a win. 😉

[@MarkyMarkZwifts]

I'll send you a link on the discord channel 👍

[@JDirom]

Well done. Congratulations on the new PR, that was a massive improvement. Glad you could find enjoyment in the climbs, I have never been able to find that joy 😂

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks JDirom. I appreciate the comment. 🙌 Finding joy is as crazy to me as it is to you. 😂

[@R.T_Go_Your_Own_Way]

Well Done Ryan , that was an outstanding effort , Wow 20min improvement from just a few days before. You are looking really comfortable on the bike now. Being able to stand and sustain an effort puts you head and shoulders above a lot of riders who are uncomfortable standing in a effort. Cheers for the shoutout , in return how about we have another go at a not so social social ride.

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers R.T. Pleased you enjoyed it. Light bulb moment or what!? 💡 I am 100% up for whatever ordeal your A+ "socials" can throw at me. Thanks again for your calm coaching my friend. 🙏💪

[@dominicshepherd9054]

I think that your videos are great. Keep going.

[@lisa_hopkins_zwifts]

Cracking video, was having a right chuckle at some of your commentary, but fab PR, that is something to be mega proud of 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Lisa. I'm pleased I made you laugh. 😃

[@stevecoward2095]

Fantastic video fella! Like I said on your Zwift feed, shaving 21 minutes of your previous time is just insane! Chapeau champ!

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Steve. 💪 A combination between the first attempt being an ordeal and then smashing the second. Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it. 🙏🙌

[@Richard-wp6wx]

Fantastic climbing Ryan! That was a great great improvement :) You keep learning and digging away at zwifting and you will get better and better in every aspect of it I promise you that. Consistency is key. Ride on mate you are doing GREAT :) Cheers from Norway.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Richard from Norway! I really appreciate that comment. Ride on! 🙏

[@matthewaungst8139]

Absolutely love your videos, I’m newer to zwift and have learned a lot from you, ride on!

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Matthew. 🙌

[@nikblyth8047]

Great video Ryan. Having seen that you'd done this ride twice in 2 days it inspired me to give it another crack. Finally made it to the top in 145 minutes holding a steady 2w/kg. I was doing 30 seconds standing every 5 mins pushing around 3.5w/kg. I've no plans to do it again. 😂😂😂😂

[@RyanCondon]

That's amazing... 145 minutes! 💪 Consistency is definitely the key. I'm too impatient to stick to it for that long. 😅

[@tiiimmmaaayyyy3616]

You probably already know but another way to access routes that aren't live are to do a workout. Pick any one, you get to choose the world and route to do it on, start the workout, tab through all the intervals until it says its over, then freeride as normal.

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Tiiimmmaaayyyy! I didn't know that. I do now. 👍🙏

[@RYANCITROEN]

Great efforts buddy. My only advice would be, More Carbs!! Your breakfast would be better for a post ride meal. Aim for 100g+ before a climb like this! You're making great progress though!

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers. I eat alot of carbs, I do alot of running and part of my prep was the same I'd do for a marathon. 💪

[@thecoffeeblog]

Yes, It is time to try Alpe de Zwift one more time. Now that you are comfortable standing on the bike, control your HR/breathing, and learn how to engage your glutes for maximum power you can give the Alpe another try. The Alpe allows you to pace easily by calculating the effort between turns and saving your breath. I use the Alpe instead of an FTP test. Ending it in 75 min or less means you are a CAT C, (2.5w/kg), and before 60 min a CAT B (3.2w/kg). By doing it periodically you can keep a record of your improvements by the second. It also helps you to get the Tron bike sooner. It will be very handy for racing.

[@RyanCondon]

I want that TRON 🙏🚴

[@tathh2531]

Great job Ryan. I was thinking of doing this climb with a 2 hour workout I have coming up in a week, but thought I'd have zero chance getting to the top in that time. I might just leave it for a ride after my 12 week training plan is over. Smashing tip about rocking when out of the saddle. It never feels right to me on the Zwift trainer as the bike starts making creaking noises 😉 I'll give it a go next time and see if I can find a sweet spot. Keep up the good work m8

[@RyanCondon]

Good luck. It's not that bad a ride. 💪

[@Stephen.Saunders]

Some improvement that mate. Great to know I'm not the only daft sod that partakes in zwift danceoffs to mix things up 🕺

[@RyanCondon]

You've gotta dance off the pain 😅

[@darrelljones6864]

Great effort Ryan, well done, you videos are what make me try harder on zwift, another Alph de zwift when be good

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Darrell. Will do. 🙌

[@troruaz]

I had never seen any kind of HR or effort management that were zwift-specific (e.g the arm swing). I find myself defaulting to RL behaviors when in doubt and given that i'm knackered at the finish of Ventop, i think i'd hit the deck if i took my hands off the bars! glad you had fun on it, i always climb it whenever the France world is up. It's pretty much the most sustained climb in Zwift and a great test piece.

[@RyanCondon]

Ven Top was a tough but enjoyable climb. Thanks for watching Russ. 💪

[@patbriggsmbr]

Well done, great to see you sticking at it, 👍

[@Logicknot]

These videos just keep getting better and better.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks. Im learning. 📺🙏🙌

[@BLachance75]

I'm going to try the climbing technique that RT described. I've been climbing in the saddle but have been practicing trying to ride out of the saddle during rides on the past week.

[@RyanCondon]

Riding out of the saddle is an absolute game changer for me. No more climbing sat down unless I'm dying of course. 😅

[@BLachance75]

@@RyanCondon I gave it a test during my warm up for the Zwift Games race last night. I'll need to do it a little more before using it in a race but the rocking technique does seem like it helps a lot. Big thanks to you and RT for the tip.

[@freerunning]

Make the video. The first alp du Zwift attempt was how I found your journey. Would be great to update and see improvements

[@RyanCondon]

Ok will do.

[@richardroberts6922]

Hey there. My times on Alpe Du Zwift are going backwards at the moment. Seeing your new climbing knowledge on a re-attempt of AdZ would be very interesting. You have a vote from me for making that video please. I need some motivation to get my times moving in the right direction again. 🙂I'd be interested in the video you mentioned about weight loss too.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Richard. Keep an eye out for this week's Vid. 😃

[@richardroberts6922]

I certainly will. 😂I'm pleased that I've caught up with your vids again and I'm back up to date. Although you've now put me on to RT, so I have to watch all of his content now. 🤨😂

[@fraserherman8754]

Amazing video! So entertaining 😃 Benji Naesen needs to take a climbing lesson from this video 👍

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Fraser. Benji is doing alright, we've all got to do our own thing and have fun doing it. 🙏🙌

[@demonsteps]

Ur a big motivation 🙂 really enjoy ur journey!

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Tais. I really appreciate that my friend. 🙏🙌

[@ryancraig2795]

I just changed my avatar recently and I chose the exact same jersey and shorts you're using. Subconsciously influenced, maybe? 😂 I've been waiting for this video.

[@RyanCondon]

Hope it makes you faster... 😅🚴💨

[@shanegreen2583]

Nice work indeed. You killed it

[@johnlee75]

Well done and keep up the progress . Did you know you can change the gearing for the Wattbike in the hub to a more compact gearing to help for hill climbing

[@RyanCondon]

I did know this and I did try, couldn't work it out and gave up.

[@TheMoodyedge]

I'd like to see you do another run up Alpe Du Zwift. I still haven't manged a sub 1 hour. Been off the bike for months so just back on Zwift yesterday....and so it starts again.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for the comment Moody! 👍 I'm way off sub 1 hour atm, even with my over confidence in my own ability... At least until I'm about 90kg but I'm Defo confident of a new PR.. Pleased to hear you're back on the bike. Good luck!

[@TheMoodyedge]

@@RyanCondon i was 85kg laat year, currently circa 76kg and still don't think I'd do a sub 1 hour,.even if my fitness was still tip top. Shaving the last few minutes off gets very difficult. The most I've shaved off a PB was 9 minutes, but still have a couple of minutes to go 😩🤮🤣

[@mooxima]

As usual a great informative video, thanks Ryan

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Mooxima. 🙌💪

[@joshdixon8570]

Do the alpe! One my favourite things is watching you suffer on zwift atm... little weird I know but still good fun

[@RyanCondon]

😆thanks

[@garethdavies996]

Inspirational Ryan. Go for the Alpe again, you'll smash it

[@RyanCondon]

Will do Gareth, cheers!

[@garethdavies996]

Did Ven top for first time this afternoon, minging

[@oxharp]

Would love to see the Alps again. I am 105kg and 64 and unfortunately I have a knew left knee few years ago and a right ankle fusion which fixes my right foot in place so I find it really hard almost impossible to stand up and I end up just grinding and my heart rate climbs and my legs fill with lactic acid. Do you have any tips as to what I can do to stand up. I am on a Zwift one hub and a normal road bike from Orbea. I also find I am getting pretty numb in the unmentionables after about an hour. is that normal on a trainer? Loving your vids and have watched them all since you started your couch to starting to run. What a transformation. I have lost 10 kg so far since December but would have lost more but xmas got in the way. Cheers Russ Turner (Oxford UK)

[@RyanCondon]

Hey Russ. Thanks for commenting and congrats on the 10kg loss. That's more than me (because of Xmas too). I really dont know about what's best to stand other than the rocking technique I use but it sounds like you have limitations to consider so I'm prob not best placed to answer. I use a Wattbike Atom. Good luck and keep up the great work. 🙏🙌

[@oxharp]

Probably just my age getting in the way but I do have 22 years in the Army under my belt but that was 20 years ago its just my lower leg problems that are holding me back bit. I was interested to see what gears you are using on the percentage climbs and your heart rate. Thanks for the reply.

[@chrisdunn8215]

do the Alpe again Ryan, you will break the hour one day soon the way you are progressing, keep riding big man👍

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Chris 💪

[@Alan-Turnbull]

Well done Ryan that’s twice as many times up that hill as Ive managed!! Amazing to knock so much time off it. I will be trying RT’s technique on my next ride as my climbing is terrible (get dropped almost every time). 👍

[@RyanCondon]

It was REALLY a true light bulb moment. Im 43 and rarely do I get moments of realisation that I've been doing it wrong all this time. 💪

[@Alan-Turnbull]

I’ve been riding bikes many many years but only zwifting and racing 1 year so still learning at age 50 eek 😧

[@Alan-Turnbull]

Oh and I loved the ‘civilised’ comment 😂

[@RyanCondon]

@@Alan-Turnbull Can't drink coffee whilst running a marathon. Anything that allows this is civilised. ☕

[@scottmccann4509]

Once is bad enough but twice🤣. I think it plays into your strengths though, long endurance efficiency than pushing into the red 👍, I don't think you'd go up the Alp much faster until you lose more weight. Ideas........You could try a zwift training program but they're not very regimented and you've got other things like running to do. 30 races in 30 days? buy the steering function? join a C race and see how long you can hold on? do a half everest (a full one would be amazing but i would guess at least 24 hours to 30 hours) 👀

[@RyanCondon]

All true☝️ I do need to weigh myself again. 👍

[@Norwegianwatts]

Amazing vibes mate! you are my idol on zwift! amazing growth on your channel mate!

[@RyanCondon]

Thank you my friend. It'll be the same for you I'm sure. 💪

[@atinglef]

Good work! Keep fighting💪 I zwift my self (A rider) When are you doing the Everesting challenge?? 😎

[@RyanCondon]

I am avoiding the thought of over 15 hours in the saddle. 🍑

[@leewood4825]

Enjoy watching your videos. You make me laugh at times with your knowing lack of knowledge and enjoyment. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing you do FTP Test and fining your power zones and putting this graph on the bottom of your screen then climbing to your threshold for the alpe and smashing yourself and your time. Keep it up 👍

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Lee. This is probably my favorite comment so far this month. 🙏🙌

[@TomJonkerNL]

Hi Ryan, keep up the good work! Doing great

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Tom. I appreciate that. 💪🙏

[@L4Y_SP]

massive improvement

[@SirSamTheThird]

I would love to see the Alpe video. Honestly I much prefer your solo exploration videos, watching races isn't that interesting to me, I discovered you through your Four Horseman video so this felt like a return to that. Probably just do what's fun for you though, that will make the best content long term.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Sam. 👍

[@lucky247365]

You may want to get your HR strapped checked. When you are trying to push all out sprints, it appears your heart rate drops, which it really shouldn't. This can really mess up your training if you are getting erractic readings. Hope to ride with you one day, as another D rider who is trying to push into C cat and who has not won a D race yet.

[@jemsmay2167]

I did ven top and Ventoux IRL; I actually found the zwift version more difficult largely because my butt was in agony after almost 2 hours of grinding. I averaged somewhere around 200 w on zwift, and more like 175 IRL. We were blessed with great weather on the mountain, so I had a relatively easy day by Ventoux standards. For the geek types I had a 30 tooth cluster on for both had a Domane sl7 IRL and had the trainer difficulty set at about 75%. I like the breathing tips, I did similar most of the way up IRL and it really helped. Enjoy the ride all!

[@RyanCondon]

Congratulations on being able to do the ride IRL. Bet it was awesome. Thanks for watching. 🙏🙌

[@CoffeeFuelledOmar]

Congrats on the PR 🎉

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks. It's a good benchmark for future attempts. 🙏🙌

[@shenstarwing8372]

Dude as a fellow big/heavy rider I love to work on climbs. I’d love to workout with you. I recently followed you on zwift. Please continue to post these videos. And please invite me to ride with you or post when your gonna ride, we can do a keep it together if you like

[@user-pw5oi4vy1p]

Always enjoy your videos 👍

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Paul. 🙏🙌

[@bat502]

Aye aye aye. Great effort big man

[@RyanCondon]

Aye Aye Aye! 🙏

[@irondistance4313]

Nicely done by the way love it I hope I don’t rollback down😂❤😂❤. You should I know you can shave a fist but off your fitter and have better technique

[@TransRights6969]

Love the intro!!

[@tommylaursen9326]

I constantly forget to change bike. Started TT on regular bike. Did not understand why i could not keep up. Changed to TT bike. Then started a critrace not realising it was on TT bike until the end. 😂

[@RyanCondon]

I think I competed in my first few races on a TT bike, had no idea. 🚫

[@richardroberts6922]

Evening. Hope you're having a good week mate. Have you got a summary on any of your vids of the tips for climbing that helped you improve your time on VenTop? Standing up for a minute, using your body weight, with cadence above 60rpm. Rest go again. Remember to breath deeply and do the action with the arms when you are resting between standing on the pedals. Anything else?

[@RyanCondon]

I'd also add repetition, practicing it over and over.

[@richardroberts6922]

@RyanCondon Ta. Out of interest, do you rest for a set period of time after standing up? So far, whilst I've been playing around with this, I've done a minute standing and then sat down until I feel ready to push hard. Have you settled on doing it like that or more like one minute hard, one minute seated, etc.?

[@dewidavies7995]

Well done 👏 😊

[@gordonknott8771]

Just like Pantani dancing on the pedals!

[@RyanCondon]

Absolutely no idea who that is but I'm assuming he's awesome. 😎

[@gordonknott8771]

@@RyanCondon He raced in a dark time for cycling but was an immense climbing talent, arguably the best ever and was so elegant on a bike.

[@miss_fit]

Yes to the ADZ video

[@RyanCondon]

No worries. 💪

[@kevstephen9393]

I find it breathing hard as well when I'm breathing out my derriere, btw, I take it you're not in charge of the music in May 😂

[@RyanCondon]

Breathing without panting is an artform. Zwift meditation. 🙏

[@I-R0K-ZWIFT]

I will do Ven-Top Route in zwift with you free motivation and drafting LOL if you ever wanna try it again just give me some notice as it's hard work. Or do group ride? be fun.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for the offer. Pleased you enjoyed the vid. 🙌

[@shanepepler8251]

Alpe de zwift again, flat out, balls out

[@RyanCondon]

Done!

[@frannyyarina]

👏👏

[@waterdeptworker]

Breath in Breath out...Think thats a song?

[@milkdud3618]

Try Rouvy

[@RyanCondon]

Only just got to grips with Zwift. 👍

[@milkdud3618]

Impressive effort on that climb

[@amosb1452]

👊🏼👊🏼💪🏼💪🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼😁😁

[@RyanCondon]

💪🎉

[@hoppli6668]

nice work. can you beat me up the alp? did a new pr today with 85.08. I am old (57) and fat (ish). come on.

[@RyanCondon]

That's a great time! I'll have to give it a crack.

[@aerogut2338]

When do you think you will bite the bullet and buy a road bike for real?

[@RyanCondon]

I need to buy fairly soonish. I've got London 2 Brighton in June. 😅

[@aerogut2338]

Awesome, now that’s going to be a video I’ll be watching. Good luck!

[@MrBlack76687]

Posture and/or standing while grinding at 45 rpm will not make you a better climber. Climbing is about aerobic fitness. Not sure about your coach on this vid (disliking zone 2 apparently) but what ever works for you off course. Breathing always good :-)

[@RyanCondon]

Hello MrBlack76687, RT isn't my coach, just a very capable Zwift rider helping a non cyclist learn how to Zwift better. I grind when I'm tired, like all things, when you're exhausted then best form goes out the window. His advice to stand and fall on the pedals has helped me enormously. Check out my recent Muckle Yin Vid for example of that, I've got a new ADZ PR vid coming out tomorrow (probably don't watch that if you don't like Zone 5) and watch my recent 'what I've learnt about Zwift' for my view on advice without context. I'm not a pro (obviously), I'm not even a very good amateur cyclist but considering where I've been vs now I'm happy to be documenting my journey and learnings. Next step is 1000watts with 100rpm and 120bpm for 5 minutes but until then I'll grind rather than give up.

[@MrBlack76687]

@@RyanCondon It's all good man, to quote another Zwift youtuber: 'You do you' 🙂 I'm not a sport scientist (although kind of interested in it), but what I understand from low cadence rpm is that while slow twitch muscles contract most efficiently at 60rpm, that rpm (or lower) is not recommended for anybody because it destroys your legs, especially on longer races with multiple climbs. And because of the huge strain your put on your legs doing low cadence I reckon it will increase recovery times also. Off course recovery matters a whole lot less if you are cycling ie. 2-3 times per week. And doing a couple of Zwift races per week and have fun can be a fine goal also. Since I for sure like zone 5 (participating in the FRR Triquetra currently) ill check out your ADH attempt 🙂 Have fun!

[@RyanCondon]

@@MrBlack76687 thanks for assuming I actually know what I'm doing especially when exhausted. 👍

[@I-R0K-ZWIFT]

Nice work keep it up 👍

[@Stavros_Polymeropoulus]

Hi Ryan I would love if you connected zwift to strava so you are able to analyze your performance and growth, I'm gonna watch your videos anyways but I think it would add a bit of "story" to your journey, I enjoy watching you develop

[@RyanCondon]

Im not massively into stats. I don't mind the odd stat for context but considering where I've come from (190kgs), I'm doing alright. 🙏