Explained: how to go pro with the Zwift Training Academy

How does the chance to join a professional road cycling team sound? If you want to see just how far you can push your cycling fitness and skills, you might just get yourself a place on the Canyon//SRAM women’s team for 2017 – and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home with the Zwift Academy. Well, nearly.

Zwift is an online training video game that allows you to ride virtually with hundreds, even thousands, of riders around the world. All you need is a laptop with the Zwift app installed, a smart trainer and power meter if you have one, or a simple trainer with a speed/cadence sensor, so long as they’re ANT+ devices.

Your customisable avatar (including gender, clothing, etc) rides through virtual environments, including flat routes, climbs and cobbled sections, while other riders online ride around you. You might even spot a pro or two as you ride.

It certainly injects fun into indoor training sessions, and with functionality including new group ride capabilities, mountainous stages, and the ability to communicate with other riders, not to mention a stats-rich display, it’s easy to see why it might be the perfect way to identify road cycling talent of the future.

What is the Zwift Academy?

Zwift recently added a massive mountain to its virtual reality course

Essentially, the Academy is a year long training and vetting process that will, at the end of the year, result in one woman being selected to join the Canyon//SRAM pro women’s team.

Something for everyone

Zwift Academy stage 1: getting involved

Zwift Academy stage 2: data screening and talent development

Zwift Academy stage 3: the finalists

How to get involved in the Canyon//SRAM Zwift Academy

Laptop or computer with Zwift app and internet access
Smart trainer with power meter OR turbo trainer with ANT+ cadence/speed sensor OR Wattbike

You can read more at BikeRadar.com