Awesome to see. Tossing up whether to get a trainer and after watching this I'm absolutely getting either a Neo or a Kickr. Immersion looks great, and it would be so easy to forget about how much hard exercise you're getting.
I'm so impressed by the work that is being put in by Tilly, and doing the numbers, a 3rd place (or close to that) could have been possible with the same effort. Which is a crazy fact in an all-male group and should be very telling of Tilly's capabilities....
"all-male" you must of been under a rock. Now, there is no difference between women and men and they're equal in every regard. That is unless a woman wants to pick-and-choose when they're equal and when they're not. Women: "we don't need men" smh
You’re being hard on yourself. It’s just the nature of being a light rider in Zwift. I’m 64kg and it’s hard finishing a race against people who are bigger. It’s just how the categories work. You can’t change it, you can only give your best - and you slayed it!
Great video and race Tilly!! Jump in on INC relentless intervals @7:30pm Monday melb time. Not a race but it’s a great workout that will get you stronger ☺️
The beginning of a lot of these races reminds me of the kids at the local 5k races who would sprint to the front just to get in the picture that they use in the news paper for the event
excellent work tf, a few things to add/ask, cadence, I've found on finishing sprints I'd be at 100+, where you were still at 80-90 the pain of pushing a bigger gear at cadence seems to really help with staying power. big ring vs small ring for the same power ... I've again found more speed on climbs in the big ring yet same power, and can cover surges easier ... I've also pushed a slower big ring cadence (60) to keep the heart rate down when in groups, seems to help at times - think the zwift algorithm responds to slow cadence = meters gained ... maybe. yes you're spot on about energy conversation in race and hopefully having the good w/kg winning surge at the end. Do you think you'd gain any value doing a zwift 8 week ftp program for these races as apart from good fitness - raw power at the end seems to be what the winners have. - reckon you'd go well in the zwift academy could be a good pathway to futuredom.
Strong ride! Rollers like on this course are hard for lighter riders to stay up. Much like like racing in real life, raw power is much more important than power to weight, but Zwift actually puts more emphasis on power to weight than in real life. You will always struggle to keep up on anything where there's a lot of descents or quick rollers where weight keeps momentum, at least when racing with bigger guys. Either way, that's a great effort.
Don't know if you've tried out the Zwift Insider races. Held on a Saturday and with 3 events so good for most time zones. Normally 4 very short races in an hour, so although they are more about pure power, because you have to do all 4 races to not get disqualified endurance is also important. I really enjoy racing them, but am generally ready to fall off my bike at the end. I am similar in weight to you. and was a B until a month or so ago and was able to stay in contention for most races. Zwift decided that I'm an A now, so finishing in the top 50% is my target, but my ftp is only 240w.
Great job! Nice race. Did a nice job staying in the middle of the pack. Are you using zwift steering? Ive been debating. Auto steer I sometimes get pushed off to the side.
Another great video. I'm happy to see that you're not using the Tron bike. I think the game was made worse by creating it. I just hit level 21 and I'm going to patiently work my way to the top bikes. What bike and wheels were you using?
I don't think the difference was efficiency, rather that everyone in front was heavier than you. On a flat course like that a lighter rider has to put out more w/kg as raw watts is a big factor.
100% this is the answer. As a heavier rider, I absolutely benefit on flat or quick rollers vs. lighter riders - luckily for me!!! Long climbs on the other hand...
Yep, I ride with a friend in Zwift sometimes who I outweigh by about 20kg. On hills she beats me, but she struggles more on the flats and downhills. I never realized what a difference it made until I started riding with her.
I didn’t want to say it but yes!! 🙊 sensitive topic, I commonly hear complaints about how being light is “unfair” advantage on Zwift…. Didn’t want to sound the same like I was making excuses haha. Still efficiency point stands if you compare those that came before versus after me… do you think so?
Races you should do you ask. Do the saturday or sunday morning JETT rides. They are killer. Its a group ride workout but has a race in it (the saturday one has the race i think). The japanese are mad (in a good way: intervaks and hills)). I think it would suit you bc there is lots of climbing and the japanese tend to be lighter with high wkg so you would compare well. Do the B ride which is really A. Go close to winning it. Otherwise race up alp du zwift
As others have said, I think you rode very efficiently. There’s maybe a tad you could gain by dropping back and always being the last wheel, but that has its downsides too. But on such a flat course where attacks are unlikely to succeed other than on the Aquaduct, being last wheel is pretty safe.
You asked if we had any thoughts on any races or events we'd like to see you do, have you considered doing your own race or event? Maybe start a club? Does Liv have a Zwift club that could host an event for you? Just a thought. Did I hear you say your ftp is 5.8 w/kg?
Oh I wish that was my ftp 🫠 mines more like 4.6 and thanks for suggesting I host my own? I have as part of my team before but they don’t do that stuff anymore. Will have to give it some thought!
Good race Tilly. I think you'll do well on the more hilly routes. Question, do you get much fitness improvement racing on Zwift? Or is it mostly for fun? Was wondering how you fit it into your structured workouts and if it was used for training at all. Thanks.
Probably struggled to find a routine over the last year or so and I Zwifted 2-3 times a week, usually races, just to motivate myself to ride and get quality work done in limited time because I enjoy racing :) when I would manage to stick to my plan I’d do a Zwift workout as part of that and then maybe 1 race a week on a day when I didn’t feel I had the motivation to complete my workout. So would substitute. Does that all make sense? Haha
Rolling courses I like as yeah I am a heavy rider ...doesn't mean I avoid races with long climbs but my expectations are certainly smaller for those as I know my bulk will always be a handicap regardless of how light my bike or wheelset is there is a point of diminishing returns ... for those I just go with 'how long can I hold onto the front of the pack while climbing.... and did I last longer than I did last time while doing it - as long as it is more than previously done I am happy ... I'll take whatever pre-climb lead I can get though before then on the flats .... so sue me =D
Zwift needs improvement. A wheel speed somehow would be great. Too much reliance on watts/kilo and it doesn’t feel realistic. Want to be a superstar just lie about your weight. Also, wind simulation would be nice. So much they could do. That being said love the product.
Good job. I have to try a few races...
Loving the regular content, from things that you’re up too as well as breaking down Zwift races 👍
Awesome to see. Tossing up whether to get a trainer and after watching this I'm absolutely getting either a Neo or a Kickr. Immersion looks great, and it would be so easy to forget about how much hard exercise you're getting.
Trainers are fantastic and Zwift honestly makes it fun!! A bit of getting used to but once you’re there it’s addictive.
Great breakdown of what you were up to! Great editing to! You did awesome!
I love these videos! You're such a badass!! Great commentary.
I'm so impressed by the work that is being put in by Tilly, and doing the numbers, a 3rd place (or close to that) could have been possible with the same effort. Which is a crazy fact in an all-male group and should be very telling of Tilly's capabilities....
"all-male" you must of been under a rock. Now, there is no difference between women and men and they're equal in every regard. That is unless a woman wants to pick-and-choose when they're equal and when they're not. Women: "we don't need men" smh
TFC Mad Mondays are a great series to do. Half divisions so very even racing. Similar lengths to that one, and a mix of flat, rolling and hilly.
Great content Tilly, thank you for sharing
You’re being hard on yourself. It’s just the nature of being a light rider in Zwift. I’m 64kg and it’s hard finishing a race against people who are bigger. It’s just how the categories work. You can’t change it, you can only give your best - and you slayed it!
Thank you!!! I watched your video prior to today's race, which I just won moments ago. That's my first win ticked off.
As a suggestion, have you tried any of the Zwift TT Club events. The race against the clock...no drafting...gear choices! It's a good time!
Great video and race Tilly!! Jump in on INC relentless intervals @7:30pm Monday melb time. Not a race but it’s a great workout that will get you stronger ☺️
That’s what we want 💪 remind me again if I don’t show up in the next couple of months haha
The beginning of a lot of these races reminds me of the kids at the local 5k races who would sprint to the front just to get in the picture that they use in the news paper for the event
😂😂
excellent work tf, a few things to add/ask, cadence, I've found on finishing sprints I'd be at 100+, where you were still at 80-90 the pain of pushing a bigger gear at cadence seems to really help with staying power. big ring vs small ring for the same power ... I've again found more speed on climbs in the big ring yet same power, and can cover surges easier ... I've also pushed a slower big ring cadence (60) to keep the heart rate down when in groups, seems to help at times - think the zwift algorithm responds to slow cadence = meters gained ... maybe. yes you're spot on about energy conversation in race and hopefully having the good w/kg winning surge at the end. Do you think you'd gain any value doing a zwift 8 week ftp program for these races as apart from good fitness - raw power at the end seems to be what the winners have. - reckon you'd go well in the zwift academy could be a good pathway to futuredom.
Excellent race.
nice work Tilly!
The ghost is great as I can hide when I get dropped like stone and drift way back...
Haha I almost used mine the same way 🥴
Strong ride! Rollers like on this course are hard for lighter riders to stay up. Much like like racing in real life, raw power is much more important than power to weight, but Zwift actually puts more emphasis on power to weight than in real life. You will always struggle to keep up on anything where there's a lot of descents or quick rollers where weight keeps momentum, at least when racing with bigger guys. Either way, that's a great effort.
Don't know if you've tried out the Zwift Insider races. Held on a Saturday and with 3 events so good for most time zones. Normally 4 very short races in an hour, so although they are more about pure power, because you have to do all 4 races to not get disqualified endurance is also important.
I really enjoy racing them, but am generally ready to fall off my bike at the end. I am similar in weight to you. and was a B until a month or so ago and was able to stay in contention for most races. Zwift decided that I'm an A now, so finishing in the top 50% is my target, but my ftp is only 240w.
Great job! Nice race. Did a nice job staying in the middle of the pack. Are you using zwift steering? Ive been debating. Auto steer I sometimes get pushed off to the side.
No and it's very frustrating when your off to the side..you'll see me leaning on camera trying to will myself back into the middle! haha.
Another great video. I'm happy to see that you're not using the Tron bike. I think the game was made worse by creating it. I just hit level 21 and I'm going to patiently work my way to the top bikes. What bike and wheels were you using?
I don't think the difference was efficiency, rather that everyone in front was heavier than you. On a flat course like that a lighter rider has to put out more w/kg as raw watts is a big factor.
100% this is the answer. As a heavier rider, I absolutely benefit on flat or quick rollers vs. lighter riders - luckily for me!!!
Long climbs on the other hand...
Yep, I ride with a friend in Zwift sometimes who I outweigh by about 20kg. On hills she beats me, but she struggles more on the flats and downhills. I never realized what a difference it made until I started riding with her.
I didn’t want to say it but yes!! 🙊 sensitive topic, I commonly hear complaints about how being light is “unfair” advantage on Zwift…. Didn’t want to sound the same like I was making excuses haha. Still efficiency point stands if you compare those that came before versus after me… do you think so?
It’s a fair point. Heavier riders can sit at lower w/kg throughout due for raw power.
You work harder on the descents too! Great effort, maybe you go better an a hilly course?
I think you should do a race up the Alpe for “fun”
Shuddering at the thought 🥴 but for you, I’ll make it happen!
Races you should do you ask. Do the saturday or sunday morning JETT rides. They are killer. Its a group ride workout but has a race in it (the saturday one has the race i think). The japanese are mad (in a good way: intervaks and hills)). I think it would suit you bc there is lots of climbing and the japanese tend to be lighter with high wkg so you would compare well. Do the B ride which is really A. Go close to winning it. Otherwise race up alp du zwift
As others have said, I think you rode very efficiently. There’s maybe a tad you could gain by dropping back and always being the last wheel, but that has its downsides too. But on such a flat course where attacks are unlikely to succeed other than on the Aquaduct, being last wheel is pretty safe.
Yep for sure!!
Would it be ok to ask how many hours you train endurance a week?
Awesome ride Tilly! Very impressive. Would love to see some Race scotland content.
Ooo yes I need to try it!!
You asked if we had any thoughts on any races or events we'd like to see you do, have you considered doing your own race or event? Maybe start a club? Does Liv have a Zwift club that could host an event for you? Just a thought. Did I hear you say your ftp is 5.8 w/kg?
Oh I wish that was my ftp 🫠 mines more like 4.6 and thanks for suggesting I host my own? I have as part of my team before but they don’t do that stuff anymore. Will have to give it some thought!
I have pretty much the same thoughts when I race, can't sprint for toffee and always desperate for 3 or 4 rider break with about 5km to go.
Good race Tilly. I think you'll do well on the more hilly routes. Question, do you get much fitness improvement racing on Zwift? Or is it mostly for fun? Was wondering how you fit it into your structured workouts and if it was used for training at all. Thanks.
Probably struggled to find a routine over the last year or so and I Zwifted 2-3 times a week, usually races, just to motivate myself to ride and get quality work done in limited time because I enjoy racing :) when I would manage to stick to my plan I’d do a Zwift workout as part of that and then maybe 1 race a week on a day when I didn’t feel I had the motivation to complete my workout. So would substitute. Does that all make sense? Haha
Tilly are you up at odd hours to race in Zwift races. Well done by the way.
You are awesome👍
Truly stunning power and race read. You would pick me on the floor in foetal position after that kind of race !
Rolling courses I like as yeah I am a heavy rider ...doesn't mean I avoid races with long climbs but my expectations are certainly smaller for those as I know my bulk will always be a handicap regardless of how light my bike or wheelset is there is a point of diminishing returns ... for those I just go with 'how long can I hold onto the front of the pack while climbing.... and did I last longer than I did last time while doing it - as long as it is more than previously done I am happy ... I'll take whatever pre-climb lead I can get though before then on the flats .... so sue me =D
Perfect attitude! Acknowledging where you’re own advantages/disadvantages lie and developing a strategy to maximise and minimise 💪
powerful girl
Super ride and voice over. Zwift racing is hard 😪
I can relate to the struggle of being lighter rider and not being explosive. (I am a 61kg male; 20min power: 315w, but my sprint sucks)
Thank you for breaking down the race and the attack strategies.
My pleasure! So much more you could talk about even in a straightforward race like this one.
Time for a Kiss 100 :)
Are there female cyclists with an ftp of 300+ Watts? Van Dijck, Reuser, Kopecky maybe?
They are heavier, so they can ride with little lower w/kg
Me who can only put 160 watts watching this :
-Gud 🗿🍷
liv sponsorship?
Lets see how long you can last with the hardest Pace Partner!
Challenge accepted!!
It's a testament to how consistent your cadence is when every 20x looks like you're not pedaling. Any variation and it would've went out of sync.
Well at least I’ve got that going for me 😃
Zwift needs improvement. A wheel speed somehow would be great. Too much reliance on watts/kilo and it doesn’t feel realistic. Want to be a superstar just lie about your weight. Also, wind simulation would be nice. So much they could do. That being said love the product.
You should learn how to conserve Watts. They are not for free.