Great video Ryan. You've picked up most of the key tactics - do whatever you can to not get dropped by the lead group. Once you're dropped, there is no way back and it's bye bye podium. If you can hold on through the tough sections, recover on the easier sections, you might have something left for the sprint. Lookout for 20-30 min races on flat courses and good luck!
If you haven't already, you need to get rid of those flat pedals. If you are riding with them, then most likely you have on sneakers. They are robbing you of watts with that soft layer between your feet and the pedals. invest is cycling shoes and clipless pedals. As for your weight and hills, while it is a disadvantage on the climbs you can mitigate that by getting on the power before you hit the climb. Don't wait to react to the other riders before doing so. You can see them coming, react before. And remember, there is a 3 second delay before what you do is relayed to your avatar, so you need to keep that in mind. Love the videos of your journey. Keep up the great content!
Great comment! Ill check out the pedal thing, you're right.. I wear running trainers. I didn't know about the delay, thank you. Appreciate you taking the time to type this.
@@RyanCondon Good tip about getting on power before start of hill. I am 90kg and ride harder into the hill and let momentum take me up the base. This will only work on little bumps as you find on the crit courses. Play with the power ups and work out what they do and the best time/terrain for YOU to use them. For example in Glasgow on the Clyde kicker I would have used the aero earlier so to gain speed and momentum before the steepest part. Good video and keep up the good work.
@@duncannash2121 yes the Aero on the Clyde Kicker is a great idea or the Feather on a longer hill after you've powered into it, just before you lose momentum. Im still learning the use of the power ups tbh. I've got my next vid coming tomorrow and it's a catalogue of errors.
There are decent flat pedal shoes out there, such as Giro makes. Very stiff flat soles that essentially grip the pedals. It’s been shown time and again that you actually don’t lose much if at all between clipless and flats. A 1200 watt sprint? Sure. Otherwise 99% of us do not utilize the upstroke at all.
@@rockhopper01 Good point! A stiff flat pedal specific shoe or a cycling shoe will be loads better than a sneaker\trainer shoe. Lost watts are lost watts. And yeah, I happen to be one of those 1200+ watt sprinters!
If you liked this video then you'll probably enjoy the one where I 'DON'T GET DROPPED' for the first time on Zwift - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sDwpzQbBfTI.htmlsi=MG6nCWeEHTKgeQeD Also please don't forget to sub if you haven't done so already. 🙌
Great video. I was willing you on. I’m new to Zwift. I also have a size issue. 6ft 4 and 27 stone. I go backwards when I hit a hill. Not giving up and your video has motivated me to keep going. I’ll be brave enough to try a race soon.
I know exactly what you mean, hills are a killer! If you're enjoying Zwift, then my advice is jump in feet first and race, I'm hooked and if you knew me a few years ago you wouldn't believe it. What goes up, must come down. I've learnt that I'm like a dead weight being dropped off a bridge coming down the other side of the hill. What you lose on the climb you might be able to claw back on the descent. Good for you not giving up, keep at it 💪🏻 I've got a video coming this Friday @ 5pm that you might enjoy.. what to do when you're dead last in a race and you've been dropped on the start line. Thanks for watching 🚴💨
Well done just found you on RU-vid I started regularly zwifting 12 months ago and found regular rides and races on zwift and with cutting down on certain foods helped me to get to go from 117kg down to 97kg if still a cat D rider but really close now to C
Interesting to watch your zwift journey, keep it up 👍 Remember though you don't want to lose weight, you want to lose body fat. Important us older guys (I'm older than you) do our best to slow the muscle loss by mixing in a bit of resistance training. Your fat lose is impressive I'm sure your family are extremely proud.
High protein diet, search David Feeley, you'll see a recent news article with me a fellow Ginger (on the left in the photo)and my friend who is 35kg lighter than me. I'm 114kg, very close to you in the video, I was 145 in 2021, calorie deficit with weights, cardio and a shed load of protein, to help retain the muscle loss usually associated with weight loss. @@RyanCondon
Great stuff, Ryan. I’ve been a D for five years and, at almost 75, I may have gone over the proverbial hill. Still, there’s a lot more out there, so consider joining a team for the team events like the Thursday TEAM Trial, Zwift Racing League the Ladder series, TFC Mad Mondays and Fridays and Rhino’s series. I’m HERD, personally
Damn, Ryan. This is the sort of content I watch RU-vid for. I was looking forward to this, and it doesn't disappoint. Fantastic progress in such short time. Keep on this trajectory and you're clearly headed to dominate podiums 🤘And you're right, your work ethic and 'all-in' approach comes across and is really inspiring. So, keep it up!
I'm a speck of doo-doo, mate! But I stand by my analysis; this is top notch content. Only a matter of time until one of your videos does well on the YT algorithms and gets suggested alongside some big RU-vidr's video.
Nice work. I started zwift about 9 months ago in a similar position to you. no bike fitness, 110kg and no clue. i'm now down to 90kg, racing and holding my own in the middle of cat C and completely addicted. I would suggest adding some structured training. I found the build me up program for beginners a great inro to zwift and getting used to putting in work every week. and getting comfortable just jumping on and doing an hour or so in zone2 on the days after hard efforts. as you lose weight your ability to put out high raw watts will put you in a good place as you move up the categories.
Thanks SO for the tip. This is exactly the progression arc I'm looking forward to. Legs getting stronger combined with losing weight won't only help my Zwifting but it'll also help my running 🏃🏼💨 Thanks for the watch 📺
Great effort well done, I I have only used zwift for training but after watching your videos I will have a go at the races, I am 86 KG so will struggle on the hills but will follow your tips to racing. Keep up the videos
Great video! I'm new to zwift as of now. One point I would make is that even though the Aero power up will help you up the hill it should give you far more benefit on the flat or downhill as Aero gains increase at higher speeds. Aero gains are also close to non-existent once you get to 5% gradient for ppl of our level (for pros it's more like 7-8%).
Ey, Nice vids. I am 110kg myself and B rider. The hills remain a pain, then again downhill is lovely. remember three things: - you allways hurt the same, you just go faster. - everyone else is hurting the same! Its mental. - train on heartrate zones for weightloss Also, the fact you can still talk means you got more in you! Keep it going!!!
Good advice! I do always forget that others are also hurting. I often have to fall off the bike and can't speak after I finish. Rarely have anything left to give. Pleased you like the vids 👍
I'm just over a month in on Zwift. Everything you said and learnt at this stage is how I'm thinking now when racing. My heart rate like yours also peaks at 180, so if it's already at that point on the finishing sprint, I'm screwed.
Thank you for the video. We are about the same weight. You have definitely motivated me. Just bought a Whoo Kickr to put my Caladonia on. Looking forward to it.
Awesome! Really enjoyed that -well edited and reminded me of when I started on Zwift and brought back some great memories, although your numbers are better than mine were in my first month! You were saying all the right things at the end about how to improve as a racer, around sticking in pack to save energy, pushing when nearly dropped, etc - so I’m looking forward to watching you improve over the next few months!! 👊💪👍
Thanks for the watch and the comment Jake. I'm pleased you approve of my noobie tactics, considering I learnt most of them watching your awesome vids 😅💪🏻🚴💨
Brilliant video mate, your editing is 👌! Im a Cat D rider to and heavy, I totally understand the feeling of the hills on zwift 😂 and you hit the nail on the head when you said its one of the main things to push you to lose some weight. They way I see things if I finish every ride blowing like a kettle ill improve 😅 keep it up I can tell your gona smash it 👍
Well done! Ive started to zwift last month. Im not new to cycling but im kinda good weather rider. 😅 Well im also into racing but zwift sorted me Cat C instantly after a month of grouprides, couple ftp tests and workouts. So i didnt tryed racing yet because im obviously at the down end of Cat C. But i have to say your videos motivate me to do it so. 😊
Cheers Ryan. Brilliant vid. Very inspirational for an old cyclist expecting his bus pass next year. Just waiting for my smart trainer to arrive and your experiences were so informative and I’m sure are going to help me get going… and also lose some body fat. Thank you.
I’m rooting for you Ryan! I was in a very similar state late last year… had been off the bike and gained weight and so on. I went all in on zwift and IRL riding again and feel better than I have in years. Keep at it Man! Larry(aka A.reaman on zwift)
Great to have found your videos. I am almost as big as you but have the added problem of being 68 years old. I have been on zwift for a little bit more than a year and never tried a race because of the report that there are lots of sandbaggers and impossible to stay close if you are legal D category. I did race when I was younger and killing yourself to stay in the draft is worth or you just suffer and lose ground on any group staying together. I am not sure if Zwift actual captures the problem of being in the back where you get slowed down and then have to kill yourself to get back up with the people at the front. In any case you have inspired me to try some races. I still think some of those D racers are a bit too good to be in that category. On the first video I saw they rolled away pushing 600 watts. So think they really belong a cat up. But watching you as a beginner doing so well and really pushing it to your limit quite a bit is impressive and I am sure you will find increases in your ability as you learn how to better generate power and maintain it not to mention the fitness you are building. YOu probably have one already but a house fan works just fine.I use one on a stand and can change the speed etc with a remote. Far less expensive than the ones they sell that are workout specific. High velocity fans work good too and are less expensive too. Keep it up you are an inspiration and provide great coverage of your efforts and what you learn. You will be helping many people for sure.
Thanks for commenting Tony. I really appreciate that. Yes I have a fan, just out of shot. In regards to the sandbaggers, it's not as bad as people make them out to be. Of course there are those that should race as C's but I'm most instances they're borderline, I rarely see an out and out sandbagger now unless you race a open CAT non enforced race. 600 watts off the start isn't that big of a deal as you're fresh and if you play it right you can use their draft if they're daft enough to let you. I rarely give advice on racing (as still learning myself) but I'd focus on staying with a pack, doesn't have to be lead pack, and learn how to draft then build from there. Racing is fun. Good luck. 💪
Good effort mate, solid points made all round. Fellow beginner here, hope to see you out there one day if I can improve fitness enough to compete. Godspeed
Great vid, man. Congrats on all your progress - not just weight and watts, but especially the determination we see in your eyes. Great stuff. Remember warmups, cooldowns and stretching. Don’t want your progress being hampered by soreness or injuries 💪👏
@@RyanCondon good! I was probably just projecting, since my eagerness (and my apparent inability to admit that my body is ageing) has impaired my performance and had me sidelined a few times. I will be watching and learning from you 👍
@@MrPedel thanks for commenting. I'm far from the fastest or the strongest on Zwift but i can at least say that my lifestyle, diet, etc helps. I'll get there eventually. I'm sure you're as much a powerhouse and younger you. It's different for me because younger me was nowhere near as fit as 'now' me.
Hi Thomas, I've scrolled back to find this comment as I was too quick to dismiss it out of hand assuming that the light stretches etc I do are enough for Zwift Racing. They're not and I now realise the benefit of a solid, heart pumping warmup. Today I had my first ever sprint finish for a podium place, narrowly missed it but the 30 mins intense warmup definitely helped, it made me remember and appreciate this simple this tip.. Please keep the tips coming and I won't assume to know it all. 😅
I hope that you know how to train ! Have you heard of training zones and polarized training? If not get on RU-vid there à goldmine of information over there, i wish you good luck you seem very motivated !!!
Ryan - do you ride with a fan? You need one if not! Your performance will be impacted if you are over heating. I use a massive circulator fan - noisy but hugely effective. Also - if you want to get better at sprints, try some of the workouts which involve 30 second sprint intervals. This will also aid weight loss, as it boosts your metabolic rate, which stays high for hours after the workout. Keep it up - looking forward to following your progress.
No idea if you have looked into this and i don't know what set up your using for gears but when going up hill in the clips your not in the lowest gear all the time (I assume 12 is your lowest on your gear setup), if your a new rider its hard to remember sometimes but that will help. Also getting into highest gear on the flats will also help, it looks like you have a wattbike atom? so you could put the bike into ERG mode so it auto selects the correct gear for you but most people who cycle road refer the gear option.
Enjoyed your video. Remember it's the honor system...you'll be racing against some whose weight on Zwift could charitably be called their weight as they envision themselves someday, as opposed to their current weight 😉
Should have popped your aero after the clydesdale kicker on the glasgow circuit but before the kom so the aero speeds you up on the downhill, great racing
Thanks for the comment Roeland! I have been experimenting with my RPM (as well as W/KG) and so far, what little success I have had has come from higher gears and lower RPM producing more wattage. As a heavier rider I'm finding thar the higher the RPM the lower the power but I may be way off and still have a lot to learn. Thanks for watching 🙌
You have a pretty good ftp. But your sprint is pretty weak for your weight. Taking some creatine can help you with explosive power ( but you may increase a bit of weight due to water increase, read a bit about it, it's good stuff and totally natural) . And use your powerups on better parts. The aero boost doesn't do much uphill. On the Glasgow circuit, you should have used it on the downhill. Combined with your weight, you could have probably caught the pack and stay with them for another lap. I know you did a series here, but try to avoid hilly courses untill you lost some more weight, there is no fun in getting dropped every time on a hill. But really awesome video! Good luck on your weightloss journey! You'll be on the podium in no time 💪
Very interesting content mate. Good to see all the progress in just over a month. Looking forward to see your evolution in the next weeks. Keep up the GREAT work mate :D
Quick question as well if that’s ok. Are you recording off Apple TV? You f yes how have you managed that I can’t work it out. Again great video it’s ace!!!
Yes, if you've also got an Apple mac then you can use Quicktime to 'movie record' over Airplay. I'm finding it a bit glitchy tbh. Thanks for Sub though Gareth 👍 🚴💨
From whatever route you’re on - click the Menu button in the lower left corner. That pauses the game and brings up this screen: Click Challenges Select a different one if you’d like in the lower left corner.
Im new to cycling and zwift entirely is it just me or does anybody here thing it’s way harder on zwift resistance than real life? In real life I can hold 220w an hour but zwift only 190w!! It’s so much harder! It also has me spinning crazy high, I feel so useless lol
I'm probably not best to answer as I haven't biked IRW since 1998. I'm sure someone else will chime in. I do struggle with riding with a low RPM rather than spinning out.
Great development. But....in D and C cat, it's about raw watts and sprint and not wkg. Get stronger, do not race on punchy / climby courses like Glasgow. In B and even more on A, it's about wkg. Look at ZP, who dominates D and C, they're heavy guys going for flat races
