Welcome to “The Zommunique,” the Virtual Cycling, Esports, and Cycling Fitness site! There’s no singular voice or model for virtual cycling, esports competition, training, nutrition, and wellness. Let us help interest, inform, and put you in a position to make your best choice with a keen awareness of the effect the decisions have on the cycling community.

We’re here to support and cheer you on through knowledge!

Our intent is simple—empower you to reach your fitness and performance goals. While also presenting unbiased and uninfluenced truthful answers to your virtual cycling questions.

Whether you prefer feeling the wind through your hair while cycling the roads, trails, gravel, or indoor cycling on Zwift, Wahoo-RGT, or other virtual cycling platforms is your thing, “The Zommunique” is your resource.

Part One-Rhabdomyolysis: A Hidden Risk of Virtual Cycling
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious health concern we can avoid with knowledge of the disease and how to prevent it.
Two New Studies Will Change the Way You Look at Strength Training and Cycling Performance
The benefits of strength training are many for performance and general health. By taking a more careful and calculated approach, your gains will be greater!
Does Alcohol BLURRR Your Focus and Put a Nightcap on Your Cycling Performance?
The honest account of how this Zwifter switched his focus from hops to watts. What does giving up alcohol do for his performance and motivation?
When Is It Safe to Return to Cycling After COVID-19?
The recommendations and guidelines of authoritative organizations, experts on the topic, and a top cycling esports coach who battled COVID-19 for two years himself.
For Zwifter Caleb Carl, the Day He Was Almost Killed Was One of the Best Days of His Life
Caleb Carl has fallen back on the support of his Zwitch community to go full-circle to find closure, and it has made him a better man to his fiance’, family, and friends.

Featured Post!

Click the image above to be directed to the DIRT Dad Fund Store by Pedal Industries! The equipment and kit partner for the DIRT Dad Fundo Across America! More exciting products and designs soon!

Virtual Case Study: Upper Body Pain While Riding
Arm and hand pain that worsens as you ride can be prevented by following these simple tips!
Peripheral Heart Action Training for the Virtual Cyclist
PHA is an efficient and effective combination of strength and cardiovascular training for any cyclist!
This is Your Brain on Bikes
Strenuous race efforts that leave you cross-eyed may make it hard to think straight, but you can prevent it from going any further than that by being mindful.
Kevin Korenthal is Proof That Adversity and Calamity Has Its Purpose
Para-cyclist Kevin Korenthal considers virtual cycling a life-saver in providing him the strength to overcome a near-fatal accident.
Part One-Rhabdomyolysis: A Hidden Risk of Virtual Cycling
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious health concern we can avoid with knowledge of the disease and how to prevent it.

Become a member of The Zommuniqué Community!

Sprint Cycling Improves Muscle Strength, but As Much as Weight Training?

Sprint Cycling Improves Muscle Strength, but As Much as Weight Training?

I'm a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do For That Puzzling Foot Pain

I'm a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do For That Puzzling Foot Pain

I'm a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do to Prevent Quad Dominance From Robbing Power From My Pedals

I'm a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do to Prevent Quad Dominance From Robbing Power From My Pedals

I'm a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is my 5-Exercise Heavy-Hitting Home Leg Strength Routine

I'm a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is my 5-Exercise Heavy-Hitting Home Leg Strength Routine

The Zommuniqué

Virtual Velo Podcast logo final
Check out Episode Twenty-Two here!

The DIRT Dad Fund

Click Here
Contribute to a great cause!
Click Here for wristbands
Click Here for stickers
Click Here for caps
Click Here for bottles
Click Here for dirt socks
Click Here for mirt socks
Click Here for skull socks
Click Here for stem caps
Click Here for skull towels

The DIRT Dad Fund

Share the power of The DIRT Effect

Mindful Child & Family Therapy logo

Jaclyn Long, MFT

Certified Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher

Marriage & Family Therapist in CA

Sports Anxiety Therapy

Drink Coffee and Do Good!  

What could be better than that?

Click the Image and Shop now!

Related Articles

Extreme Dieting in Virtual Cycling, A Year Later—A Letter From Eracer, Tom Gakes
The first in a three-part retrospective exploring the impact, practical application, and future of Extreme Dieting in Virtual Cycling.
The Power Phase of the Pedal Stroke
Knowledge of the Power Phase of the pedal stroke is crucial, and by following these tips you will be able to maximize it! It’s all about your Glutes! [Featured image courtesy of eBike Shed Ltd @ ebikeshed.com]
The DIRT Dad Fund Helps DIRT Kirk Hawks Get Life-Changing Surgery
I have made many friends and would like to promote the DIRTDadFund for other members who need some help when life throws you a curveball.
I’m a Cyclist and a Physical Therapist, and Here is What I Do For the Four Most Common Recreational Cycling Injuries
Follow these tips to eliminate and treat the four most common recreational cycling injuries.
The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day One
Half Moon Bay to Ripon, California
The Virtual Cycling Newlywed Game – Featuring Brandon and Val Peterson
How well do you know the Petersons? Better yet, how well do they know each other? Let’s find out!
Extreme Dieting in Virtual Cycling, A Year Later—A Letter From Eracer, Alice Lethbridge
The second in a three-part retrospective exploring the impact, practical application, and future of Extreme Dieting in Virtual Cycling.
Sprint Cycling Improves Muscle Strength, but As Much as Weight Training?
Recent research suggests that on-the-bike muscle strength building through max sprint cycling is as effective as weight training.
The Psoas Muscle…Pso Why is it Pso Important to the Cyclist?
The most important muscle in the cyclist’s body that you have never heard of!
Your Brain on Bikes – Brain Fog Clouds a Cyclist’s Judgement
Strenuous race efforts that leave you cross-eyed may make it hard to think straight, but you can prevent it from going any further than that by being mindful.
One of The Most Momentous Events in Virtual Cycling Recently Took Place, and Not Enough of Us Are Aware, But We All Should Be!
The introduction of a handcycle and true-to-life avatar is a tremendous step forward on the path of accessibility and inclusion of disabled and adaptive athletes in virtual cycling.
Heart Rate Variability Algorithms Improve Endurance Performance—Ditch the Training Plan?
Will computers replace coaches?
The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Four
Lee Vining to Benton, California
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Three—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Elite NeXT Enshored Zwift Esports racer James Barnes gives his first-hand account of the Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Three, Squad Skirmish.
Adam Wiegandt Believes Zwift Truly Saved His Life
The Zwift Tron bike symbolizes Adam Wiegandt’s recovery from a year of post-COVID desperation and hopelessness.
I Don’t Skip Leg Day—Putting the WATTS in Watts/kg
The personal strength training program of elite eracer Jacqueline Godbe. Did I mention that she’s also a doctor? And a scientist? And finished 9th in the Esports World Champs!
Pro Cyclist Sarah Gigante’s View From the Road Racing and Virtual Peloton
Professional cyclist Sarah Gigante races for Movistar and will represent Australia in the Esports World Championship—this is what she had to say.
New Research Explores the Correlation Between All Six Leg Muscle Groups and Peak Cycling Sprint Power
The power-generating capacity of our glutes and quads is of primary importance, but scientists reveal that our calf muscles are essential in producing sprint cycling torque.
Get to Know 2022 Zwift Academy Finalist—Jasper Paridaens
An interview with 2022 Zwift Academy Finalist ABUS-Le Col’s Jasper Paridaens.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Nineteen
Rangely to Craig, Colorado
Virtual Case Study: Pain Behind the Knee When Cycling
Eliminate and prevent the pain at the back of your knee by following these simple tips!
Musings of the Curious Cyclist – Part Two: Does FTP Matter?
Challenging the validity of an accepted training metric and discussing alternatives.
Elite German Eracer Martin Maertens Has Found a Niche For Himself in Esports
The German hill climb champ, cyclist Martin Maertens tells what he does to be in the right position when it matters, which for him is on the podium of the Esports World Championship.
The Zom Preview for July 19th 2021
Coming to The Zom this week is a two-part feature you can’t afford to miss. Poor indoor air quality is a serious concern and one which can have an adverse effect on your health.
The Zom Preview for February 14th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
Elite Eracer Pieter Avenant Proves Age is NO Factor
Coming off a strong showing representing South Africa in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships Pieter Avenant shares a bit about himself!
“Off Season” Virtual Riding at its Finest
Small field sizes in eRacing do not have to mean less fun!
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Six—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Six Winning Race Report, by Wahoo Le Col’s Marc Mäding!
The UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, the Olympics, and What the Future May Hold
What does the UCI’s call for bids to host the Cycling Esports World Championship reveal about the future?
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Sixteen Rest Day! Guess What I Did?
What did I do? Not what you think!
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Five—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Five Race Report by Abus Lecol’s Lennert Teugels!
Ten Ways That Zwift Racing is Exactly Like Real-Life Road Racing and Not At All
Read the full article in CyclingNews thanks to the help of a few friends at all levels of virtual cycling success.
Adaptive Athlete Representation is Coming to Zwift!
When I asked Zwift if they were going to represent adaptive and disabled athletes with true-to-life equipment and avatar integration, the short answer was “Yes.”
Virtual Case Study: Pain in the Front of the Knee While Cycling
Ride strong without that nagging pain in the front of your knee by following these tips!
The Most Common OTC Pain Relief Drug Worldwide Inspires Risky Eracing Behavior, Or Does It?
UCI Cycling Esports World Champion and tour pro-Jay Vine, his wife Bre, and an elite group of eracers sound off on the tactical mindset differences between indoors and out.
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round Four—Through the Racer’s Eyes 
Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round Four Points Hunter Race Report by Saris No Pinz elite racer Liz Van Houweling!
The Story of Brian Duffy Jrs Continental Qualifiers Race One Win
The 2023 Cycling Esports World Championship Qualifiers through the eyes of Team USA and NeXT Esports pb Enshored elite eracer Brian Duffy, Jr.
For Zwifter Caleb Carl, the Day He Was Almost Killed Was One of the Best Days of His Life
Caleb Carl has fallen back on the support of his Zwitch community to go full-circle to find closure, and it has made him a better man to his fiance’, family, and friends.
Zwift’s Partnership to Innovate Talent ID Raises Policy and Priority Questions
BORA – hansgrohe and Red Bull are launching a youth talent identification program using Zwift segments. The partnership points to inconsistencies in Zwift’s message and project priorities.
Core Strengthening Essentials for the Virtual Cyclist: The Bridge Exercise Series
Bridge the gap between your trunk and the pedals by following this core strengthening progression.
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport: Are we Cycling our Way to Illness?
It is important to become mindful of our energy needs and avoid the severe consequences of cycling and other sport-related energy deficiency.
Core Strengthening Essentials for the Virtual Cyclist: The Dead Bug Exercise Series
Be the fly swatter and not the fly of your group ride by learning this essential core stabilizing exercise.
Eat DIRT Community Racer J Bruhn Qualifies For the UCI Esports World Cycling Championships
While competing in his bathroom, J Bruhn fulfilled a lifelong dream and notched one for the average Joe cyclist. An interview with J Bruhn.
The Cycling Performance Club Podcast
When the cutting edge cycling coach and sports scientist Jason Boynton Ph.D. asked for a contribution to his podcast, the answer was clear.
Carbohydrate Loading Lunacy
Should cyclists even bother with Carbohydrate loading?
vCycling News Episode 1
About vCycling News Virtual Cycling News will bring you news, rumours and reviews on all things RGT whilst looking at some of the other online training apps that are available. The show is hosted by Mike Lister, an eRacer with over 15,000 miles logged on Zwift and...
Under-Fueling is A Man Cycling Thing Too!
According to recent research, RED-S in male athletes, especially cyclists and virtual cyclists, is a significant risk.
The Zom Preview for October 18th 2021
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
The Zom Preview for July 26th 2021
Check out what is coming to The Zom this week!
Zwifter Diane Letheren Didn’t Let Defeat Stop Her From Riding 1,000Km
After injury and disappointment caused her to abandon her first 1,000km attempt, Diane Letheren found strength and knowledge in the Zwift community
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Eleven
Mt. Carmel to Kingston, Utah
A Deep Dive with Cecilia Hansen
A candid chat with the esports great about how she got into cycling, her eracing story, and what separates her from the competition.
Off Training Wheels at Two, Mountain Bike Racing at Four—Shayna Powless Rides Her Experience to Elite Eracing Success
Shayna was recently inducted into the 2022 North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame and had a tremendous showing at the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships on Zwift.
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Three—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Three Race Report by Toyota Cryo RDT’s Martin Maertens!
Being More Mindful is Great, But Can it Make Me a Faster Cyclist?
My attempt to be more mindful while cycling came at a price I wasn’t willing to pay, but I will be better.
Zwift Grant Awarded to The DIRT Dad Fund
Recognizing its commitment to the virtual cycling community, the DIRT Zwift team-inspired organization will receive $5,000 and 20 complimentary Zwift accounts to further its mission.
Testosterone, Iron, and Thyroid Hormone Depletion in Cyclists
The Impact of Testosterone, Iron, and Thyroid Hormone Depletion in Cyclists: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Week 6 in Review
Week 6 in review!
What does eSports mean to you?
The Zommunique asked elite eRacers from around the world to share their experience and thoughts on what eSports means to them!
The Wattsberg 2021 DIRT Year in Review
Never before and never again will you hear the words, “400 W for ten minutes” sound so “matter of fact”!
The Creation of D. I. R. T. Culture
The Badger is a fine writer! Who knew? You will, after reading his account of what made DIRT what it is today!
The Virtual Journey to the First Live Illinois State Cycling Esports Championship
On February 25, 2023, REVO race director Gail Kocher joined fellow Chicagoland virtual cyclists live and in person to compete for the right to be called Illinois Cycling Esports Champion.
Land Lucy a Bike DIRT Dad Fund Drive
Lucy is the smart, sweet, and special daughter of DIRT Zwift team member Colin Kipping-Ruane. She suffers from a rare disease called Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome and needs our help!
The Day my Grandson Met His First Sporting Idol – Mark Cavendish
Mark Cavendish made a fan for life and a moment that will last forever for a proud Grandad and his Grandson.
Strength Training Improves Endurance in Virtual Cyclists
Research strongly suggests, and fitness professionals agree that strengthening is essential to maximizing your endurance!
Is Zwift’s Anti-Doping Policy Enough to Eradicate Cheating Culture?
Zwift’s Anti-Doping Policy Allows Cheating Practices, According to Published Review, and Zwift responds.
Harness the Power of Your Mental Chatter When Cycling to Get Through the Tough Times
Six science-based tricks to control the narrative of your inner mental dialogue and improve your cycling performance.
Team Movistar’s Beth Maciver Started Bike Racing on Zwift and Hasn’t Looked Back
An interview with elite eracer Beth Maciver, whose first introduction to racing was on Zwift and her drive and motivation to learn all there is to know.
Peripheral Heart Action Training For the Virtual Cyclist
PHA is an efficient and effective combination of strength and cardiovascular training for any cyclist!
The Zom Preview for August 16th 2021
Check our what we have for our loyal hive of Zombeez this week!
Recent Studies Define What Use It or Lose It Means for Masters Athlete Endurance Training and Average Joes
Recent research studies define the outlook for masters endurance athlete training and the rest of us for performance and longevity.
The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America
An Indoor Specialist Literally Bikes ‘Cross the Country in Support of the Virtual Cycling Community!
The Zom Preview for November 15th 2021
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
Weights or Your Cycling Workout, What Should You Do First?
Cutting-edge research provides a new perspective into the weights before or after cardio question and the answer is likely not what you thought.
The Zom Preview for September 6th 2021
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of Zombeez this week!
Part One: Poor Indoor Air Quality – The Invisible Danger to the Virtual Cyclist
Training and racing in a fresh air environment is vital to our health and performance.
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is My In-Season Total Body Strength Maintenance Program
Follow this 8-exercise home program to keep your strength gains without sacrificing cycling training time.
Sprinting Stops Age-Related Muscle Loss in Virtual Cyclists
By including max efforts in your training, you will avoid losing muscle mass and strength.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-Seven
Altoona to Malcolm, Iowa
The Nocebo Effect Is Why Your Fitness Tracker May Be Doing More Harm Than Good
Fitness trackers, their data, and algorithms have a place as they should. Decide where that place is before your device does it for you.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Week 7 in Review
Week 7 in the books!
Core Strengthening Essentials for the Virtual Cyclist: The Flutter Kick Series
The Flutter Kick is the perfect core exercise for a powerful pedal stroke.
Restart’s JP Leclerc Conquered a Brain Tumor to Race at Zwift’s Elite Level
Following Brain Surgery in 2012 JP Leclerc attacked the uphill battle of his life.
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do For Wrist Pain From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Follow this cycling PT’s approach to preventing, treating, and eliminating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome When Cycling.
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do For Shoulder Pain While Cycling
Perform this ten-minute shoulder pain while cycling prevention and rehab routine.
18 Everestings (14 virtual), 2 Non-Stop 1,000 km Rides, and 115,000 km and 800,000 m on Zwift, Saverio Addante adds a Second Virtual Everesting Roam
On November 26, 2022, ultra-endurance virtual cyclist Saverio Addante rode 1,000 km and climbed 10,000 vertical meters in under 28 hours. It wasn’t the first time and won’t be the last.
Roasting Those Pits – Part Two
When faced with the daunting pressures of life, allow the nuances of your character to mature like a finely crafted roast.
Zwifter Ventures Back Into the Wild To Find The Balance She Has in Virtual Racing
Liz Van Houweling’s life-changing formidable experience at the 2021 USA Cross Nats!
The Zom Preview for August 30th 2021
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of Zombeez this week!
Elite Cyclist Zoe Langham is Fortunate for Esports
An interview with Team Great Britain and Wahoo Le Col’s elite cyclist Zoe Langham.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty-Four
Verona to Warren, New York
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Six
Day 46- July 24, 2022: Defiance to Monroeville, Ohio
Zach Nehr Puts BBQ Sauce on Eggs and That’s Only the Beginning of What He Dished
An interview with elite esports cyclist Zach Nehr.
A Sit Down with Elite Eracer James Joseph Barnes and his Innovative Coach Aleksandar Coh
James Barnes is a top-five eracer globally and credits his recent rise in success to his difference-making coach. After reading this candid interview, the reason will be apparent.
An Interview with USA Crits Pro and Eracer Ben Wolfe
From a unique perspective, this cycling pro compares esports to IRL. You’ll be interested in hearing his thoughts.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty-Eight
Holmes to HOME!
Inaugural Women’s Zwift Grand Prix Title Awarded
Aeonian takes the crown and solidifies their spot in esports history.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Week 5 in Review
Week 5 in review!
Improving Pedaling Technique
By following these tips, you will pedal perfect circles and produce more power with less energy.
John Young is the First Individual with Dwarfism to Compete in an IRONMAN, and he’s also a DIRT
DIRT John Young doesn’t let dwarfism define him. Get a glimpse of what’s inside this remarkable man!
Facebook Pinterest Instagram Linkedin

Contact Us if you have a Content Idea or Want to Advertise!

Christopher Schwenker, P.T. – webmaster                   chris@thezommunique.com

Our Promise
Disclaimer
Terms of Use
Cookies Policy
Privacy Policy