,

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.

“A diamond in the rough is still a diamond,” were the words of Zwift’s Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Steve Beckett as he touted the announcement of the company’s partnership with Red Bull and BORA-hansgrohe to “innovate talent ID in sport.” 

On February 1, 2023, BORA – hansgrohe and Red Bull are launching ‘Red Bull Junior Brothers,’ a global talent scouting program. By analyzing Zwift and Strava segment ride data submitted by qualifying applicants through May 2023, the group aims to discover the next generation of professional road cyclists. 

At the culmination of the Zwift Academy-type program, Bora – hansgrohe will award the two most polished young riders a contract with their U19 team, Auto Eder, and Red Bull will offer an athlete partnership deal.

Beckett’s colloquialism overshadows Zwift’s untapped youth development and talent identification potential. However, it aptly describes the company’s confounding policy towards U16 racers and highlights the streamlining of project prioritization away from some highly sought feature upgrades.

Read the full report featured in the Opinions column of road.cc!

Zwift was shortsighted in overlooking this future when amending its ruleset to prohibit U16 racers from participation. On September 7, 2021, Zwift changed the ruleset governing its Zwift Racing League to read, “Riders must have reached sixteen (16) years of age by the event start date to be eligible to participate in any Zwift Racing League events.

You can read the original 2021 report entitled, “Zwift eSports Ruleset Change Excludes Racers Under 16” here.

There were rumors then of introducing a U16 ZRL, but nothing materialized. When Zwift hired former Amazon Kids+, a hardware/software/content subscription service—executive Kurt Beidler as Co-CEO in December 2022, the rumblings grew louder.

So why embrace the platform’s youth as the innovation of cycling talent identification now?

Why not a Zwift Junior Racing League? Zwifters voted for the long-awaited feature request alongside several others. Like much-needed accessibility adaptations for the visually impaired, an underserved subset that feels “Zwift is probably the most inaccessible app out there.”

Zwifters may find the straight answer in the words of Zwift CEO Eric Min.

Read the full report featured in the Opinions column of road.cc!

Steve Beckett Zwift talent ID announcement
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

The Zommuniqué

Virtual Velo Podcast logo final
Check out Episode Nineteen 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

Drink Coffee and Do Good!  

What could be better than that?

Click the Image and Shop now!

Related Articles

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Thirty-Eight
Malcolm to Oxford, Iowa
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.
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round Three—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Zwift Grand Prix Round Three Race Report by Zwift Academy Finalist and Saris-NoPinz eracer Liz Van Houweling!
To Train or Not to Train? That is the Question When You’re a Sick Cyclist!
USA National team eracer and physician Jaqueline Godbe shares her personal philosophy on training and illness. A Yes, No, and Maybe cyclists checklist.
Boost your FTP with a Low Carbohydrate, Sleep?
Periodically manipulating dietary carbohydrates and subsequently muscle glycogen availability during exercise improves cycling performance for some.
Being an Endurance Athlete Almost Cost Me My Life—A Personal Story of Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disease in the Western world and, if undiagnosed and left untreated, can be life-threatening. It was for me.
A Pain Cave Built for Two
In-home trainer etiquette is the key to couple’s cycling therapy!
The Anatomy of The Race From the Mind of the Aerospace Engineer of Esports, Daniel “Jammers” Jamrozik—Part Two
The 2023 Cycling Esports World Championship Qualifiers through the eyes of Team USA and Restart Racing’s elite eracer Daniel “Jammers” Jamrozik.
Princeton Grad, 15-Year Pro Hoops Player, Listed at Six-Feet Eight-Inches and 227-Pounds Hailing From the Suburbs of Chicago, Your USA Cycling Esports National Champion—Mason Rocca!
An interview with 2022 USA Cycling Esports National Champion Mason Rocca!
DIRT Father meets DIRT GrandFather IRL – The History of DIRT Prequel
A two-hour breakfast meeting that only felt like 20 minutes and three years seemed almost the same way.
Julia Schallau is Focused on eRacing and Only eRacing
Julia’s grit, determination, and pure love of eracing make her a force to be reckoned with, and after hearing what she has to say you will know why.
Jeff Rooney to Attempt 12 Hour World Record!!!
Another great VCN Interview with Jeff, and how to be a part of his world record attempt!
Virtual Platform MyWhoosh is Changing the Cycling Esports Game
Free to use with huge prize purses the virtual cycling platform MyWhoosh is a legitimate Zwift contender and is leading the esports charge.
Elite Eracer Teppo Laurio is Back From the Bench
Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Three Race Report by Wahoo le Col’s Mercurial Fin Teppo Laurio!
The Zommuniqué Weekly Preview
See what we have coming this week to The Zommunique’!
Virtual Case Study: Hip Pain While Cycling
Hip pain, the result of long periods of time slumped over the handlebars or seated at work, can be prevented by following these simple steps.
Elite Esports Racer Brian Duffy Tells All it Takes to be Great!
I think Brian may have given away too many of his secrets!
The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day One
Half Moon Bay to Ripon, California
The Zom Preview for January 17th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
Warm-Up Essentials for Cycling Success
By preparing yourself mentally and physically for optimal performance, a proper cycling warm-up is critical to virtual cycling success. But why is the first mile so hard?
The Zom Preview for April 11th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Six
Day 46- July 24, 2022: Defiance to Monroeville, Ohio
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-Five
Shelby to Adel, Iowa
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 Zom Preview for September 13th 2021
The recent changes to Zwift’s eSports Ruleset concerning Junior racers. Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
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.
Authority Magazine and Thrive Global – eSports: Christopher Schwenker On The 5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career In eSports
Tyler Gallagher of Authority Magazine asked me some great questions. I hope you enjoy my responses.
Self-Awareness for Athletes – A Coach’s Point of View
The importance of Self-Awareness for Athletes from a pro cyclist and USAC certified Coach.
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.
Virtual Cyclist Behavior Study: The Weight of Your Avatar
The project aims to investigate virtual cyclists’ behavior with the stated weight of their avatars when using indoor cycling apps.
Overhydration—A Cycling Hidden Danger and a Potential Medical Emergency
Should you take sodium tablets before or during a big event? Exertional Hyponatremia from overhydration is a life-threatening condition that is avoidable by following these simple steps.
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.
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.
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.
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!
One Woman’s World of Zwift
Virtual cycling experiences differ for males and females, but we can all take advantage of the opportunities available and do our part to make the virtual world a better one!
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round Two—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Round Two Race Report by Saris-NoPinz eracer Liz Van Houweling!
The Recovery Phase of the Pedal Stroke
Knowledge and understanding of the muscle activity during the upstroke of the pedal cycle from a Physical Therapist’s point of view are essential to optimizing power, efficiency, and performance.
Heat or Cold For The Sore Cyclist: The Three Rules of Thumb
The Rule of Thumb for treating cycling injuries with Cold, Heat, or Both!
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.
A Proper Cool-Down is Essential for Cycling Success
A dynamic cycling cool-down is as important as a proper warm-up in optimizing performance and priming the system for your next race or workout.
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.
DIRT Daughter Marlow Manison is Riding 360 Zwift Miles to Help Find a Cure For Her Dad’s Juvenile Diabetes
To help support Marlow, the daughter of long-time DIRT Allen Manison read on! If you have a dry eye when you are through—shame on you!
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!
Talk DIRTy to Me Episode 10: Chris Schwenker
Special thanks to the Eat DIRT crew for inviting me on the Talk DIRTy to Me podcast and the opportunity to share my WHY!
World Indoor Cycling Rankings Race Series is Here!
The World Indoor Cycling Rankings Series is coming to determine THE best virtual racer! With Prizes!
Virtual Cyclists Tackle Racing in the Real World
Elite and pro cyclists of all disciplines use virtual training and racing to prepare for their real-life goals.
Stress and Mindfulness Training for Athletes and Cyclists
Becoming an aware athlete takes practice, but you will feel better for it. Physically and mentally.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirteen
Loa to Hanksville, Utah
303 Endurance Podcast Featuring Chris Schwenker
The 303Endurance Podcast mission is to create a global community of endurance athletes. To inspire participation in endurance sports by connecting you to coaches, experts and professional athletes.
The Difference Between Thirst and Drinking—Developing a Cyclist’s Hydration Strategy
Eliminate the guesswork with a systematic approach to cycling hydration. photo credit: tlbvelo.com
The Zom Preview for October 18th 2021
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
Meet 2022 Zwift Academy Finalist—Chiara Doni
An interview with 2022 Zwift Academy finalist Chiara Doni of Team Castelli.
Does Probiotic Supplementation Improve Athletic Performance & Recovery?
Probiotics have been shown to improve athletic performance and enhance recovery. Are they the missing ingredient in your nutrition plan?
It’s Only a Number—Cyclist Luca Zanasca
An interview with Team Italy’s elite cyclist Luca Zanasca.
Virtual Case Study: Pain on the Outside of the Knee While Cycling
Eliminate and prevent the pain on the outside of your knee by following these simple tips!
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 Gracious Welcome Home Has Been Incredible!
A reporter and his photographer were among the large group of family and friends that greeted us, and of the many delving questions during the interview, one stumped me. "Did anything surprise you?" he asked. The article made the front page, and it's pretty cool! You can...
How to Keep Bicycling Into Your 50s, 60s and Beyond
Lifelong riders and health experts share their tips so you can stay strong and resilient on the bike into your 50s, 60s, and beyond.
DIRT Christian Jensen formed a Chapter of myTEAM TRIUMPH and Changes the Lives of Differently-Abled Individuals Through Cycling
Christian uses Zwift and the support of his DIRT mates to touch the lives of many.
Meet 2022 Zwift Academy Hopeful—Elite Cyclist Cooper Sayers
An interview with 2022 Zwift Academy finalist Saint Piran Pro Cycling’s Cooper Sayers.
For Cyclists Struggling to Get Back on the Bike After COVID-19, an Explanation is in How Our Bodies Respond to Exercise
Recent science sheds light on the safe return to cycling after COVID-19 question by research into how our circulatory system responds to exercise.
Team INC-led Group Sets Zwift Sub-4 Hour 200 km Mark
Fresh off their record-breaking sub-3 hour 150km, Team Innovation Cycling is the first to 200 Zwift km in under 4 hours.
Elite Cyclist Ben Russell—Straight Talk on Esports and Endurance Life
An interview with Team Great Britain and Zwift team Wahoo Le Col’s elite cyclist Ben Russell.
First Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Victors Crowned
The $3,500 Prize Purse Goes to the men of Coalition Alpha
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Twenty-Six
Hill City to Interior, South Dakota
Is There a Virtual Cycling Arms Race?
Read the full report featured on Road.cc!
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty-Five
Warren to Schoharie, New York
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Nine
St. George to Apple Valley, Utah
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.
Elite Eracer Illi Gardner—No Special Effects Required in Her Stunning Performance
An interview with elite eracer and professional cyclist Illi Gardner!
The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Seven
“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them” – Ernest Hemingway Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 Weather: Wind at 5-10 mph and temps in the 50s that steadily...
Part Two: Virtually Trapped in My Own Mind
An interview with the Sports Psychologist for the USA Track and Field team.
When the Nutrient Timing Window Closes A Garage Door of Opportunity is Opened For Cyclists
Scientists offer a practical approach to the strategic timing of nutrition for athletes and move away from the restrictive limitations of the metabolic window.
Elite Cyclist Eleanor Wiseman Found Sanity in Esports During Cancer Radiation Treatment 
On the heels of a strong showing in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships the Saris-No Pinz racer Eleanor Wiseman shares a bit about herself.
DIRT Jon Izagire Wins the Inaugural Zwift Cup of Panama
Hear the amazing story in his own words as he describes what it felt like to win!
The Zom Preview for May 9th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
Jean-Philippe Leclerc—Sir Zwift-a Lot, More Than Just the Worst of the Best
An interview with Restart Racing’s elite cyclist JP Leclerc.
Our Kids Have a Void in Their Lives and Virtual Cycling Can Fill It
The mass exodus from traditional youth sports to video gameplay has the potential to create a cascade of adverse public health concerns if the question continues to be left unanswered.
For Virtual Cyclist Neal Fleenor Knee Replacement Surgery Was The Only Option
As knee replacement technology improves post-surgical rehab is less extensive and cyclists are getting back sooner and better than before.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty
Wilton, Iowa to Geneseo, Illinois
DIRT Travis Bowersox Gives New Meaning to Everesting For a Cause
A holiday gift came early for DIRT Travis Bowersox, and it came in the form of charity, inner contemplation, and satisfaction.
Follow Along with the DIRT Dad Fundo Across America Map!
Follow the ride with this interactive map! Click the icons to find a blog post with details about each ride and a bunch of cool pics!
Part One: Virtually Trapped in My Own Mind
You have them! I know you do, but there’s no reason to be ashamed or afraid. Silence the negative thoughts that stand between you and the best cyclist you can be!
New Science Suggests That You May be Able to Change the Type of Rider You (Think) You Are
By focusing your cycling training approach, you can change your muscles and eliminate your cycling weaknesses by causing muscle fiber adaptations.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Twenty-Two
Alcova to Casper, Wyoming
Marc Mäding—Not a Fancy Cycling Success Story
Wahoo Le Col elite cyclist Marc Mäding shares the honest truth about his struggles with mental health and why he’s done doing things he doesn’t enjoy!
Some Cyclists Aren’t Virtual Cyclists. Who Knew?
Are you ever tempted to defend your love of virtual cycling?
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Three
Minooka, Illinois to Portage, Indiana
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]
Team Italy XTRA League – A Mixed Categories Zwift Event That Gives Racers of All Abilities the Chance to Contribute the Team’s Success
With the option of mixed teams and racers assigned to their own category, and with the same score assigned across all the categories, the races are fun, all-inclusive, and the final results fair!
Elite Eracer Ben Hill’s Wife Introduced Him to the “Nature” of Esports—He Never Looked Back
An interview with Team AERO elite esports cyclist Ben Hill.
“Be Crazy All You Want, But Don’t Be Stupid” —Teppo Laurio is Eracing’s Human Experiment
An interview with Teppo Laurio!
A Recent Study Shows Virtual Cyclists Don’t Meet Their Nutritional Needs
Science shows virtual cyclists don’t consume enough carbohydrates before, during, or after key events leading to underperformance.
Recent Improvement Upgrades Signal Culture Change at Zwift
Zwift rolls out Handcycles! Full article published in Cycling Weekly!
Wahoo RGT and Project Echelon Introduce Trikes For Disabled Virtual Cyclists
Project Echelon, in a joint venture with Wahoo RGT, raised the bar for adaptive athlete inclusion and representation even higher.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Eighteen
Fruita to Rangely, Colorado
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Twenty-Seven
Interior, South Dakota to Merriman, Nebraska
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!
Elite Cyclist Richard Barry is Taking Esports Into His Hands
An interview with Team Ireland and NeXT Esports pb Enshored’s elite cyclist Richard Barry
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
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x