WHEN WE OVERTAKE
another commuter on the ride to work, sprint for signs against our mates or complete a lung-bursting interval session on Zwift, many of us indulge in ‘I wish I was a pro’ daydreaming.
Incredibly, that daydreaming has become reality for Leah Thorvilson, Tanja Erath and Ollie Jones – the three riders who graduated from Zwift Academy to gain contracts with top professional teams since the global mass participation training and talent ID program began in 2016.
Leah, from the USA, and Germany’s Tanja both signed with Women’s WorldTour team, Canyon//SRAM Racing, while New Zealander Ollie is now on the books of the U23 Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka Continental team.
“I think back to that moment my name was called out and it gives me goosebumps,” says last year’s winner, Tanja. “It’s been a big learning curve from moving to my new home in Girona to getting stuck into the racing, but I’m enjoying settling into my first year as a professional cyclist.”
“This is the third year we will be involved with the Zwift Academy,” says Beth Duryea, Canyon//SRAM team manager. “It’s a credible talent ID program that’s helped us discover some exciting new talent in both Leah and Tanja. Leah is now in her second year with our team, having proven herself in her first season. Tanja has already adapted very quickly with a strong performance at the Women’s Tour de Yorkshire. I’m excited to see who we might unearth next!”
To join the Academy, open a Zwift account and register at academy.zwift.com. If you’re a male cyclist under 23, or a female rider of any age, who thinks they could win a pro contract you’ll need to register for Today’s Plan too so that Zwift’s team of coaches can monitor your progress. Once you’ve registered you then need to complete a series of 10 workouts, four group rides and two races to ‘graduate’.
‘But I’m too old/nowhere near good enough to be a pro…’ we hear you cry! Don’t worry, you can still register for the Academy and take on the hugely rewarding program to help make you a stronger and faster rider. Well over 10,000 riders took part in 2017. This year, Zwift has introduced a series of four unlocks, encouraging all Zwifters to finish as much of the Academy as possible. Unlocks come after completing each quarter of the series with both in-game and real-life rewards from partner brands up for grabs.
Improved fitness and prizes are not the only reasons to sign up to Zwift Academy, as Eric Min, Zwift CEO and co-founder explains. “As an extra incentive for people to complete the program, we will be donating one Qhubeka bike for every 10 graduates of the Team Dimension Data Zwift Academy to support the cause. It’s a fantastic program that helps deliver better transport to remote areas of South Africa.”
Those of you who use Zwift will know, you’re also part of an incredible community and Zwift Academy acts a worldwide training camp.
“During the Academy last year, I was in the Facebook groups a lot and it was great to see the interaction between people,” explains 2017 Men’s winner, Ollie. “Obviously, I was in it to win, but for many it’s a great way to share an experience and improve overall fitness.”
Registration for the 2018 Zwift Academy is now open at academy.zwift.com. From here you can take part and enjoy the academy program. If you want to have the opportunity to win a professional cycling contract you must register with Today’s Plan too. From August 6, those registered for the Zwift Academy program must aim to complete a series of 10 workouts, four group rides and two races. The 20 semi- nalists (10 women, 10 men) will be unveiled in early October.
You’re part of an incredible community and Zwift Academy acts a worldwide training camp