Zwift Announces Registration and Program Details for Zwift Academy 2023
Zwift unveiled details for the 8th edition of the highly anticipated Zwift Academy. Virtual cyclists have been anxiously awaiting the news for a chance to test their fitness against Zwift’s curated training and racing program.
Zwift’s ultimate training challenge pushes the boundaries of fitness and community engagement and, for a select few with exceptional talent, an unconventional pathway to the highly guarded pro ranks.
Zwift Academy 2023 offers a series of rigorous workouts and engaging races for the chance to become a Zwift Academy 2023 Grad and unlock exclusive in-game swag!
Key Event Details
Registration Date: Registration for Zwift Academy opens on October 30, 2023.
Event Dates: Zwift Academy 2023 will run from November 6 to December 17, 2023.
Workouts and Races: This year’s edition includes 6 challenging workouts and 2 exhilarating races. Completing all 8 activities is a requirement for graduation.
Workout Options: Participants can choose between long and short versions of each workout.
Exclusive In-Game Unlocks
As Zwifters progress through Zwift Academy 2023, they will earn exclusive in-game rewards, including:
ZA Kit: Awarded after the completion of the first activity.
ZA Cap: Unlocked once three activities have been completed.
Aero Helmet: Attainable upon finishing any of the two races.
ZA Bike Paint Job: The ultimate reward, granted upon successful completion of all 8 Zwift Academy activities.
Proven Pathway to Professional Cycling
Zwift Academy has a rich history of identifying exceptional talent in the virtual cycling world. In 2023, female participants in Zwift Academy have a remarkable opportunity to secure a professional contract with CANYON//SRAM Generation, the development team associated with CANYON//SRAM Racing. Male participants, on the other hand, have the chance to earn a contract with Alpecin-Deceuninck’s development team.
These development teams offer a formal pathway to the World Tour, exemplified by previous Zwift Academy successes. Luca Vergallito, the winner of Zwift Academy 2022, earned a promotion from Alpecin Deceuninck’s development team to their World Tour team. Ricarda Bauernfeind, another Zwift Academy graduate, started her journey with CANYON//SRAM’s development team.
Past Zwift Academy Finalist Winners
Men’s Winners
2021: Alex Bogna
2020: Jay Vine
2019: Drew Christiansen
2018: Martin Lavric
2017: Ollie Jones
Women’s Winners
2021: Maud Odeman
2020: Neve Bradbury
2019: Jessica Pratt
2018: Elle Harris
2017: Tanja Erath
2016: Leah Thorvilson
To be eligible for consideration for the Zwift Academy pro contract, participants must adhere to the following criteria:
- Wear a heart rate monitor for all Zwift Academy activities.
- Successfully complete all the long workout variants.
Zwift Academy 2023 will be an exhilarating and transformative experience for cyclists of all levels. It combines the thrill of competition with the opportunity to leave a mark in the professional cycling world, making it a must-participate event for the global Zwift community.
For more information about Zwift Academy 2023 and to register, visit the official Zwift website.
Don’t miss out on this chance to challenge yourself, earn exclusive rewards, and potentially launch your professional cycling career.
Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
