Zwift Guide To Racing! Zwift For Beginners Ep.6

[@zoothornrollo9960]

Katie this series of relatively short videos is just what I was hoping to find. I'm 71 and much like the rest of us (any age) I'm getting fed up with my favourite road routes becoming ever more pot-holed and dangerous. I go out alone and my wife is always a bag of nerves until I'm home. When I get back from holiday in August I'm investing in the Wahoo Kicker Core Zwift One and this particular video has answered so many questions for me regarding races etc. I had no idea how to take part but I'll be playing the video over and over I guess. Keep up the brilliant work - making things easy for old duffers like me.

[@brendamw7895]

Katie, you are a true inspiration to me! I have been riding gravel with others half my age this year, and now my wonderful husband is taking me out to get a smart turbo trainer tomorrow. See you on Zwift very soon. Signed Ms. Bee

[@DianeNalini]

So helpful and clear, thank you so much! Zwift has been so useful on days when it is just too hot (over 35 C) to ride outdoors or there are torrential rains or wildfires causing havoc. Sadly, I fear we will be relying more on Zwift as summers get even hotter. Nothing beats outdoor riding in the autumn or fat biking in the wintertime, but Zwift has become a wonderful complement to that when outdoors is not an option. Thank you for your super clear series. You have such a lovely, welcoming personality. It’s always a pleasure to watch your videos. Have been loving your Pyrenees series!

[@heidijarvis777]

I am a bit late to the party and just set up my Zwift hub that I have just got for my 50th birthday gift and I’ve found this series very helpful, thank you ❤

[@rogeredwards5923]

Hello Katie from Jax, FL, USA. Great vids! I bought a Stages smart bike last year and I've been using Les Mills, "The Trip" which is cool but NOTHING like all the other options out there. You've made learning Zwift very easy and pleasant. Keep up the good (no GREAT!!!) work!

[@rebeccafisher3145]

Didn't know about the last power up! Thanks for sharing Katie, been on zwift now for several months but still found these series really helpful xx

[@paulgibbings9553]

I've been racing on Zwift for years, and even after all that time the starts still amaze me. I've never ridden at C or D category but I should imagine they are similar. be prepared for a hard start, but it will ease (quite often within a minute or two). For group races try and sit in near the front but make the most of the draft and try and avoid sitting in the (virtual) wind. Unless you are on the Tron or a TT bike you can tell from your rider position whether you are in the draft or not. However if you are in a small group trying to catch or stay ahead, be prepared to take your turn pulling on the front. If you know the course this helps, as you know when there are likely to be attacks. Most inclines, there will be attacks, and if you get caught unprepared it's incredibly challenging even to pull back a few metres on a big group by yourself. I love the solo TT races too, they are a different kettle of fish, there's no drafting on a TT bike, so even if it's a group start you are really just riding against yourself. These tend to suit a steady pace, so you don't have the big effort, followed by recovery you tend to have in group racing. Here you want to have a nicely even power graph throughout the race. Most importantly enjoy it, don't get discouraged if it doesn't go well there's always the next race to look forward to.

[@ChrisLeFevre70]

Just a wonderful series, understated excellence, I just wish I had more friends to share it with! Thank you Katie

[@KatieKookaburra]

Awww Kit!! Thank you!! :)

[@EmmaLouUK]

Thanks for the great content Katie. I’m a fair bit away from racing at the moment but I do enjoy watching the ZRL.

[@smh4s]

Thank you Katie. I joined Zwift in December 2021. Just getting up the speed and your video series was well timed for me. And now I am following you on Zwift, but I could never keep pace! “Ride on”

[@KatieKookaburra]

You can for sure!!!! :) Great to hear that Steven, hope you're enjoying it! :)

[@bikerpeavey]

I started on Zwift last week doing the Zwift academy workouts which are great. I think it's time for a race now. Can't wait.

[@bikerpeavey]

@Let’s Go Brandon At the moment usually twice a week depending on work.

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

I’ll have to try this … good tip about choosing an event with the correct W/Kg range and making a good start after having arrived early. Thanks.

[@marcberman5642]

Thanks for the great series

[@kezzert21]

Thanks KK, literally just going to start Zwift this weekend! Your tips n tricks couldn’t have been timed any better!! 👍🏼yah little 😈. Cheers

[@KatieKookaburra]

Kerry that's mega! Well any qs, just ask! :)

[@CaroElena]

Just got it and joined added you! Thanks for explaining everything; it was a bit confusing when I downloaded it. Using both cycling and running.

[@mikeandmutley9604]

Pick a flat route to warm up 15 mins before race starts. Do a few short intervals to get yourself ready for what’s coming , then hit the pen 3 to 5mins before the start. Pen position isn’t important I find and sitting there for 30 mins is something I’ve never done but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong lol Mike cat b level 41 ftp 315 zwifter

[@stewartsayer7555]

Mike you can join the pen as soon as the link comes up, then leave the event and jump into another route to warm up. The join link will come back up and when you follow it (5 minutes out from the event say) you will go back in with the or position you had that first time in.

[@Tommieb86]

And dont forget to start pushing at least 100-150w 5 second before the start, otherwise you're going to get left behind before the race has even begun. Staying with the pack is the best thing you can do for your final position even if you lose the front eventually.

[@richardgrimes6126]

great video, thanks Katie. will watch the rest of the series 🙂

[@KennyRobot]

Zwift looks brilliant! I can't afford to get onto it right now but definitely something I'll get into in the future... I wonder if they'll have a VR headset version in the future..? How cool would that be..? The category option looks great but seeing the Anvil Power Up made me think of how encouraging it would be for an overweight cyclist to enter a specific race against a team of experienced riders who all have to carry a 50kg extra weight penalty or something.. It'd be interesting for both cyclists I reckon. One last thing: I've noticed Zwift cyclists quite often end up riding through the sea when uploaded to Strava which is a shame really and I hope Zwift or Strava can fix this. Loving your vids Katie ❤

[@johnfitzsimons9686]

Great series of tutorials....just awaiting delivery of my stages bikes.....complete beginner, looking forward to getting on zwift 🙂

[@AG-io5wr]

Your videos are pleasant and informative. Thank you. Cheers.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Cheers for watching! :)

[@todoslosdias]

Thanks for this video series! I recently got a smart trainer and Zwift. Definitely a bit overwhelming at first, but your videos really helped me figure it all out.

[@geraldinecoupland4162]

Thank you Katie for all your Zwift advice vlogs. Racing, it makes me nervous, and I’ll be rubbish 😬

[@KatieKookaburra]

Rubbish??? nahhh!!!!! Those who race know what it's like so just get involved. I felt the exact same before I did a race but was HOOKED! so much fun!

[@geraldinecoupland4162]

@@KatieKookaburra I shall give it a go then 🙌🏻🚴‍♀️

[@ghostBCH]

Thanks for this series about swift, looks so much fun but for me is out off my budget, but hey I’ll keep on saving so I could get me one. Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@richardbagley5096]

Brilliant series Katie thanks! Because of this I have just hired my first trainer (Kickr Core) and completed my first Zwift ride yesterday. I think this is going to be addictive … 😀

[@KatieKookaburra]

Richard this is blummin' great to hear! I hope you love it as much as I do - but know you will. Any questions, just ask!

[@richardbagley5096]

@@KatieKookaburra cheers Katie. FTP test yesterday and 1hr ride around London today - lovin' it and love the channel!

[@darrensmith7880]

Hi. New to Zwift, just took deliver of the Wattbike at the weekend and straight in to a race, ouch! Enjoyed these six vids thanks!!!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Haha that’s ONE way to introduce yourself to Zwift ha! Well done 💪🏼👍🏼

[@_trust9994]

Yep, just got introduced to Zwift as I am looking to get in shape while still working from home. I will be buying a smart bike for cycling and a footpod for their running.

[@aphipp1794]

Love this, I love Zwift but just not go into group rides or racing yet…..I’d like to do a group ride..

[@johngardner1898]

Your videos are very well presented with exactly the right content. Have you ever done one explaining Zwift Power? I can't even get "connected!"

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thanks John. I haven't got one on Zwift Power... yet :)

[@markburton3306]

Excellent explanations. I have have the anvil +50kg all the time :)

[@Baldy-hm5vs]

Hey Katie, hope you're well 👍 Been on Zwift today and I've noticed that I don't seem to get offered all the Power Ups 🤔 I get the Lightweight, Draft Boost, Aero Boost. I don't ever got offered the Burrito, Cloaking, Steamroller or Anvil. Can you answer my question. Many thanks Mark

[@hansjanssen6771]

Thanks Kate

[@davegearing2707]

Join early in any race. Then quit event, it will save your pen place and warm up as you need. Then rejoin race with 5 to go and you're back in your saved spot.

[@IcySwan1]

What mount do you use to attach your phone to the bike? It looks like you rely in the companion app so the phone must be mounted, no? Mike

[@StephanieLuff]

💯 ALWAYS keep more water nearby than you think you'll need 😅

[@Alniemi]

cool series!

[@luquinhasleiva]

How often do I have to oil my chain if I am only riding at home?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Just when it gets dry - depends what climate you live :)

[@rbonn3880]

Excellent series, even though I ride a Peloton and for the foreseeable future will not be Zwifting.

[@KatieKookaburra]

you do you :)

[@duncancorkill-xn4bb]

Hi Katie, thanks for the info. Im about to dive in for the first time so this is such a help. I like that you use your best bike too. Have you tried or considered the wahoo climb, haven’t seen this in your vids? You seem to be content without it, i’m unsure, dont like the aesthetics of it

[@KatieKookaburra]

I have a Tacx smart bike!!! It's INSANELY good!! :) Have a look at some more recent videos x

[@mangeza7452]

Hey Katie, Awesome and informative video! I love coming back to the channel to see whats new. P.s (I know you cant fix it now) but you steam roller section - you have the explanation saying it makes you invisible for 10 seconds ☺

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank you! Aww I know that pesky error, someone else mentioned it too. I'm just making sure you're all paying attention 😉😉

[@mangeza7452]

@@KatieKookaburra haha you should make it like an Easter egg for your videos where there is a small error somewhere that the viewers need to find!

[@billcaulway9910]

Very helpful...thank you

[@ChiccoMusic12]

🐻

[@PhilCrombieMTB]

'Filter Out' oooooo thats how you do it! hahaha.. 2 years later! 😁😁😆😆🏆🏆

[@KatieKookaburra]

Haha glad I could be of assistance :)

[@talbetty]

Thanks for the series, Katie. So well presented and helpful. I just can’t help but think Zwift races only start so fast because every KZbin video I’ve seen advises to you to… start fast? :)

[@KatieKookaburra]

Haha nah there are more racers than there are people making videos about races :)

[@erik_midtskogen]

I could see how Zwift racing could be a better match for your power curve than outdoor racing. Zwift racing is much more of a steady-state effort, because the draft effect is much less pronounced than in real life. And with your incredible FTP, I would imagine you win very often.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Haha nahhhh I can't sprint to save me life haha! Gets me every time!

[@stephanyzamboni3258]

Look my Strava !

[@stefanosinguaroli7615]

If I keep watching you very useful and easy video tutorial .. I might fall in love with you.. 😁😁 ….opsss…actually I already am in love with you 😁🥰🥰🥰

[@markgunn6680]

Just imagine dropping the anvil up a steep hill! I think I'd stop if I was 50kg heavier! 😂

[@jonathanphillips8861]

Power ups??? Aka cheating!!!

[@micycledalgleish2005]

Zwift is not cycling. So sad it has all come down to this. I'm out.

[@dom.a.e]

I've only done Ven-Top twice and both times were in races, it can definitely help push you harder!

[@KatieKookaburra]

How tough is it in a race??? I felt like I was going to cry a few times during it hahaha!