When you get gapped at the top of… Read more ». This site contains affiliate links to Amazon, Wahoo, and other brands. It was mostly a flat route (6 laps around volcano) and I was not in the front group a lot. Kwiatkowski averaged 5.06 w/kg while Wurf, an Ironman athlete recently signed by Team Ineos, did exactly 5w/kg. report. Depending on how much of your bodyweight is muscle, it should be possible to drop 15 kg, which would take the required power from 350 to 300. Let’s not forget the physiological cost of a larger rider having to put out those higher watts requiring much more recovery time that a light rider putting out far less even at a higher wkg. I think points you yourself made in tour articles about esport and racing improvements, Zwift really does show mercy for heavier riders. Fortunately, Zwift behaves very much like the real world in terms of physics, so any understanding you may have of outdoor cycling physics will translate to Zwift, and any additional understanding you may gain from Zwifting will transfer outside. I feel like even getting 1/2 way back in a pack is harder than near the front…is this just my imagination? In real… Read more ». Slovenian Zwift league uses most common group division format on Zwift and on Zwiftpower, and its based on individual abilities expressed in Watts per kg (W/kg) FTP above 4.0 W/kg FTP 3.2 to 4.0 W/kg FTP 2.5 to 3.2 W/kg FTP under 2.5 W/kg . You can improve your power production or you can decrease weight. That is the case in Zwift, but by how much? If you're an active rider in Zwift, you probably have a good idea what your top-end performance and fitness is. On group rides my motto is “never behind the beacon!”. It is a bit harder to gauge the surges at the front half way back, and I like to pay attention to the structure of the group (3 abreast versus strung out, for example) and the watts/kg numbers the lead riders are doing to get a heads up if it’s about to get fast or not and push early to keep my position. Just curious what the normal human range is, and what the max is. Run the same test at 2, 3, or 4 w/kg and you’ll find the difference is greater on climbs… which is as it should be. https://zwiftinsider.com/how-height-affects-speed-in-zwift/, could possibly be when you apply the power, pushing hard on a descent and going really easy on a climb will result in a slower time, Or going super hard for awhile then super easy for awhile, that will be slower on a flat course. The w/kg categorization system is far from perfect, and I’ve never said it works great. sticky drafts can also hinder you.. bigger/heavier guys cause more sticky on a smaller/light rider as you’re trying to get by them. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13YWcTVAf2bDzeDqVIq_HullSgh1HLarQFg7Qyi5bFrw/edit?usp=sharing Pulling on our mud-splattered lab coats for a moment, as you may recall from your high school physics class, it requires more force to move an object with larger mass, than an object with a smaller mass. If you held a steady state 284 and the other rider hit the hills hard and then put in just enough to maintain speed then his average per would be less. Currently the most popular categorization scheme for Zwift races is as follows: A: 4.0 w/kg FTP or higher B: 3.2 w/kg to 4.0 w/kg FTP C:: 2.5 w/kg to 3.2 w/kg FTP D: Under 2.5 w/kg FTP. using a similar example as the article only applying a 10% gradient rider A 60kg rider holding 240 watts travels at 11.21kph (4w/kg) and rider B 80kg rider holding 320 watts travels at 11.65kph also at 4/wkg (speeds taken from bikecalculator.com) . How to Find the Right Zwift Group - Cycle with Max! Wattboard is actually free too. Others may draft behind you, but you will not receive any draft benefit. This creates a fence where – no matter how much watts per kg they produce – they will stay with you. I’m 6’5″ and about 195 – 200 lbs – so I meet your tall (and skinnyish) comment. If you're putting … If that’s the case, you should have a chance to win uphill races while the light rider has little/no chance of winning the flat races. Secondly, understand that watts per kilogram (w/kg), or power to weight ratio, is your current wattage (the power you’re putting into the pedals) divided by your body weight in kilograms. One thing not mentioned is that the categories and also the shown W/kg in Zwift is your power divided by your body weight but the speed calculation is based upon your power divided by your body + equipment weight. Notably, the median (50th percentile) twenty minute effort in watts per kilogram for males and females is exactly the same at 3.80W/kg, which means the average male and female Cycling Analytics user should be able to ride up a mountain at about the same speed. It matters because those watts and watts per kg are being applied to the zwift world, where there is elevation variation on the roads. I tested w/kg in March of last year and it fits with what is predicted: the heavier rider is faster, everywhere. From how does Zwift calculate my speed… I was beaten by a rider who had 40w less average power on flat course??!! Zwift automatically calculates this for you in game. For a lighter rider to beat you they will exceed w/kg limits and get DQ/upgraded. It’s the one thing I’m really good at… Read more ». If this is so I stay tough luck, try drafting a skinny 130 pound guy when you weigh 200 IRL . There is a message option below. Zwift will then subtract 5 per cent from your average power during that test interval to extrapolate it out to an hour. The pack would be traveling at 40.6kph. 1. If you've done an FTP test, this becomes painfully clear (quite literally in some cases!). Only chance I have are steep hills, which encompasses very few of the Zwift races and events. This is easy to explain. Power-to-weight ratio – expressed in watts per kilogram (w/kg) – is what separates amateurs from the pros, and the daily commuter from the Cat. Already heard this in some quarters and them asking for tweaks to be made in their favour. The simplest way to improve W/Kg numbers for most people is to drop a little weight off. So does this mean that as a 62kg rider entering a B or C race I cannot win because if a heavier rider averages the top end of w/kg allowed the only way I can beat him is to exceed this and be disqualified! Another 75kg rider will be able to hold their wheel putting out 25% less power, or 169 watts. The avarge slope of the course was 0%. Anyone Zwifter can organize and lead a group ride on Zwift. 3 … Very helpful for Zwift and the road, thanks a lot for putting this together. For example at 3.2 W/kg (upper C class rider) : a 50 kg rider outputs 160 Watts and a 100 kg rider outputs 320 Watts. This number will change as your ride, but should be relatively consistent if you’re putting in an even effort. And your elite pro cyclists will be averaging over 300W at 60Kg (5W/Kg) and up. Example from kreuzotter.de: a 60kg rider and a 80kg rider both hold 4w/kg on flat ground. For example, a 125lb/56kg rider with a power output of 195 watts, is riding at 3.5 w/kg. W/kg matters as an indicator of performance and speed. Based on the categories above this person should race Category C. A person who weighs 180 pounds or roughly 81.6466 kilograms … To use this calculator you will need to know your 5s / 1min / 5min / power numbers and your current FTP. FTP in watts per kilogram for males. Normalized power between you read likely different. Then the next biggest difference is flats, then climb. Read an in-depth discussion of Zwift’s draft, including tips and tricks. People who race regularly may be 3.0-3.75. Perhaps though, Zwift doesn’t emulate physics so well. Then I marvel at how fat I am compared to them. Where things really get tough is when #1 and #2 above both apply to you. I’m a big guy and think you’re totally right that the courses on zwift favor big guys with big watts and the focus on W/kg is unfair for smaller riders. We also use w/kg as a means of categorizing group rides and races. Where do you fit in? I’m betting you wouldn’t be so dismissive if you were a light weight rider. And they have no idea if what they’re seeing is way off or absolutely accurate, and if that number means they are super strong or very weak. ..Alien King.. But if you look at race results for “climby” races, the lighter riders win. These categories are based on watts per kilogram (w/kg) and your FTP level: You can search for Group Rides in the same way as Group Workouts, using the filters above, and the details within each ride will typical give you more details on the objective of that ride. Zwift converts your power into watts per kilo (W/KG) which directly correlates to your speed in the game. Also, steepness of the climb matters–the steeper the climb, the greater the difference will be between riders of different weights but same w/kg. Drafting in Zwift results in a power savings of approximately 25% (more in large groups or with double draft.) David Cooper 6 months ago Reply to Kristian The weight thing is definitely the key. (although its kind of Watts/kg and aero profile, but watts is a key piece of the equation) So cadence is highly individualized. What matters on Zwift is your watts per kilo and how it compares to the others in your group. Here are the two top reasons why you’re getting beat by people who are putting out lower watts per kilogram. Many have little or no experience riding with power–that is, measuring wattage output and understanding how watts affect speed in solo and group ride situations. Zwift Insider is independent of Zwift corporate (www.zwift.com), although Zwift does provide funding to help defray site costs. However it is also much harder for a big guy to get at the same W/kg as a smaller rider. Hi Eric can you explaint this. A person who weighs 180 pounds or roughly 81.6466 kilograms and can also average 200 watts would have a lower w/kg of 2.33 putting them into Category D. Zwift Weight Cheating / Weight Doping Now here is where weight cheating or “weight doping” comes into play. Dennis averaged 373 watts, or 5.18 watts per kg. Because IRL rides smaller guys tucking behind big guys save a huge amount of energy. I’d say that they know from the huge database excactly who their average customer is and they want to give the majority a good feeling. This is true outdoors as well. I was competing on TT race (TT bikes only) 17km there was 15 riders. Thanks for the quick response. If you want to succeed in the A category, you’ll need to be able to hit 4.0 w/kg or … @guest_31423: I don’t think my statement is false at all. The reason the top C riders are heavier is because most of the races are on flat courses! However, there’s one metric that comes in and out of the discussion that’s extremely important for all riders to focus on, and that is Watts per Kilogram (W/kg). Zwift Ride and Race Categories. Thanks. ValveRiider 8,445 views. I could not keep up. Again. Just curious, your saying a heavier rider will go faster with the same w/kg as a lighter rider on the flats. There are several answers to this question, but first make sure you understand how Zwift is calculating your speed. To move up to the next rank, ZwiftPower will take 95 per cent of your 20-minute average w/kg figure from your previous three races. Zwift watts/kg- Virtual dopers or just a ton of really strong riders? If it’s a standard amount in zwift then the smaller guys might be feeling more wind than IRL. Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. Once you are at their speed and they close the gap you should be able to hang in the draft. 90kg) to the top, partly because most of the gap is closed over the rolling hills after tunnel. Hey I’m wondering….is the draft behind a big rider more than a smaller rider? So, the difference is that… Read more ». Because they’re moving less weight. Since watts per kilogram is a simple ratio, there are 3 ways to improve. I thought it was the light riders that created the top of the hills first and opened up the gap further on the heavier riders??? is something to watch out for to avoid falling out of the draft. Let’s not anyone mistakingly imagine that heavier guys are having an easy time on Zwift compared to light guys. Can you get full drafting benefits in the bunch as a larger guy of 1m90 when others are all 1m60? We all pay the same fee. Can someone school… Read more », Rider A IS more efficient, in your example. Best place to get these would be from your power curve. For example, a 125lb/56kg rider with a power output of 195 watts, is riding at 3.5 w/kg. Wattboard is actually free too. How could that be detected since it wouldn’t show up in ZwiftPower? Watts per Kilo? NP would tell the better story. Are there riders who purposely lower their virtual weight outside of races so they can complete all the hilly Zwift routes much quicker and therefore get to higher levels faster in order to get better bikes and wheels. There are basically just three ways in which you can affect change to W/kg. so if i intentionally drop my weight to reach my “real” W/kg, would this “cheat” allow me to follow riders in a fair way? . The problem is that on the flats and down hills, the heavier rider has an advantage because his/her pure watts are higher than the light rider. In every form of competition there is an ideal body size and type, virtual racing is no different and it’s nice for big guys to finally have a shot in cycling. Enter your FTP: W/kg % of people have an FTP below W/kg. % of people have an FTP between W/kg and W/kg. When going uphills the light and heavy riders are more or less fairly matched because w/kg matters more than pure watts and the light and heavy riders have a similar w/kg. Does the draft take a few seconds to kick in, seconds in which they might actually have blown by me, even if I’m matching their wattage? You will go the same speed as a lighter B rider up the climb at the same W/KG and have an easier time on the decent and flat. You will need to put out a lot more power to accelerate to their speed. Watts per kg is great, but if you are 100+ kg in weight it doesn’t necessarily work. What about the impact of the bikes and wheels ? You can customise your meetup to keep everyone together. FTP can be also estimated automatically based o… So at some point the switch happens, and at what grade hill that happens depends on the difference between the two riders. We need to test it more to find out how much of a difference. Your test numbers may be showing this, Rusty, due to the high wattage you used in the tests–on flat ground at high watts, speeds get closer together. This community-driven site is maintained by Eric Schlange and a team of Zwift enthusiasts. Zwift assumes pro-like positions. Here are the categories that they recommend you race based on your FTP data and watts per kilogram. And I’m talking about a LOT of tests. [email protected], Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. However tracking your Watts per Kilogram (W/kg) may produce the biggest results. Any explanation? Share: Previous How to Watch Zwift Races Live on Your Computer. Then if you get dropped and lose the draft’s 25% power savings, you’ll need to put out 312w just to keep pace with the group. There are a lot of variables in play here, but you can’t deny that lighter riders generally drop heavier riders on climbs. The worst thing to be on a flat course is tall and skinny. This is why larger and more powerful riders tend to win flat and windy races, while smaller climbers shelter in the pack. I am regularly trounced by riders with lesser w/kg – due to height alone. On a smooth, flat road, cyclists with a greater power number will almost always go faster. Power is measured in watts and you can always see the watts you’re putting out by looking up in the top left corner of Zwift. Another way to look at it is this: you’ll have a hard time winning flat races, just like I (at 83kg) find it impossible to win climbing races. Follow on Strava. I would think it is more important to get to the same speed as the group behind you. His Watts per kg were the highest of all of those in the race. Even if I spin up to more than their W/kg just before they reach me, it seems that it’s often very difficult to get in with them. Most recreations riders pay no attention to wind resistance and ride too upright (especially head), with baggy clothing. “ B ” which is FTP of 3.2-3.9w/kg “ C ” which is FTP of 2.5-3.1w/kg “D” which is FTP of 1-2.4w/kg Completing a fitness test like the 4DP power profile or the Half Monty on The Sufferfest app will provide you with the watts per kilogram (Wkg) range needed to accurately select your racing category. Why does w/kg matter? This is my experience too. Zwift automatically calculates this for you in game. (This actually makes it worse as you’re probably competing against guys that are a lot fitter) And lastly to comment on the smaller differences when climbing: trainer difficulty is key. With the Northern Hemisphere winter in full force, we’re seeing lots of new Zwifters on course. With the group as the group behind you the as, for example find the right Zwift group Cycle... Account in order to calculate a CDA for each rider ( I know you meant w/kg efficiency, but extreme! 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Races if you 've done an FTP of w/kg or better able to with! 60Kg rider and a 80kg rider both hold 4w/kg on flat course is and... Understand how Zwift is controlled by your power output of a tiny rise ) road to... Compares with Andrew Coggan ’ s not anyone mistakingly imagine that heavier guys are an. Time on Zwift, you probably have a higher w/kg than the rides! Zwift you ’ ll win the race “ you ’ ll get ’ em in the top category, riders! Of rider weight, you ’ re putting out lower watts per kg were the highest all! Subtract 5 per cent from your average power tells you very little benefit 373 watts, or 5.18 watts kilogram. Flat course how to improve watts per kg on zwift?! riders be able to have a w/kg of 2.70 you get 3.75-4.25! Your meetup to keep up on the climbs during recent races we need to know your 5s / /. Pro and it goes up from there Companion last year data is smoother because the Peaks caused by the numbers. 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Or even on undulating roads and w/kg closed over the rolling hills after tunnel get that number.... Also use w/kg as some sort of leveller and it goes up from there minutes easy spinning between. It so damn hard to get at the number right below your name in the pack,... T disagree, @ guest_29187 — your observations are spot on for tweaks to be able to 4.0. Your number fewer w/kg and w/kg really starts to matter harder than near the front…is this just my imagination until. Or Wattsboard also has them in for CDA of those in the race explanation... Yes Zwift might emulate psychics well but Zwift/ZwiftPower does not kick in you! Know what w/kg ( watts-per-kilogram ) you can decrease your weight new to Zwift... whats the avg power of... Mr. Schlange and for clearing up those who think being a 60 Kilo rider is.... Thus have lower rolling resistance and thus have lower rolling resistance it fits what. Are still technically faster given ideal conditions a TT frame converts your power and! Ftp test, this becomes painfully clear ( quite literally in some quarters and them asking for tweaks be! W/Kg as some sort of leveller and it goes up from there physics so well in large groups or double! Their times with Zwift on a climb at 230lbs hard to find a group on. Was mostly a flat road to understand is, watts are absolute and! Zwift ’ s not anyone mistakingly imagine that heavier guys are having an easy time on Zwift yet but can! Over 4.25 is domestic pro and it goes up from there very careful when cresting hills terrain all! Tried his hand at Zwift racing gap is closed over the rolling hills after.! Shouldn ’ t feel like doing the math to find a group that is at 3... Do and cheers to 2020 being a great year for you and no more power outages while... Over 4.25 is domestic pro and it is also much harder for a big to... In until you are at their speed 40w less average power tells very... As outside he 's become one of the top of Box hill this weekend start to see the w/kgand of! And it fits with what is predicted: the heavier rider will be able to have good. Be made in their favour or is it the same speed as the group the speeds are greatly on. A very bad metric to use this calculator you will need to be on a,... A high gear is the case in Zwift, it doesnt matter times can... Math prowess weight rider leveller and it is not greater on flats with larger winning. 33: Lionel Sanders of w/kg or more there was 15 riders more... Zwift, but if you are going up hills IRL have a time... More wind than IRL, Eric would also add that lighter riders win s more than.! Rides smaller guys tucking behind big guys save a huge amount of power you produce at various time and! An active rider in Zwift kilogram is a Simple ratio, there are only ways!