Comparing the virtual cycling TTT offerings of Zwift, TrainingPeaks Virtual, and MyWhoosh reveals exciting possibilities for racers looking for a unique challenge.
By Matthew Forshaw (Contributions by Rob Miller and James Ogilvie)
Team time trials (TTTs) are one of the most popular formats in virtual cycling, with up to 3,000 riders and 500 teams competing weekly in the WTRL time slots on Zwift. These Thursday events have become a staple of the community. But what if you’re looking for a fresh TTT challenge? Are there viable alternatives for teams or individuals? Let’s take a look at two other platforms offering exciting options: TrainingPeaks Virtual (formerly indieVelo) and MyWhoosh.
First, a quick disclaimer—I’m a dedicated TTT fan. Four years ago, I joined the Zwift world and found my passion for e-cycling through the WTRL TTTs. Since then, I’ve participated in nearly 100 events across various teams with different levels of success. Personally, I’m not someone who enjoys structured training plans. TTTs blend interval training with teamwork, which keeps things dynamic and enjoyable. The team chat and camaraderie motivate me to push harder than I ever could on my own.
Why WTRL TTTs Are So Popular: A Tried-and-True Favorite
The WTRL TTT format has plenty to offer. It caters to a wide range of riders with its start pens, TT bikes, multiple time slots, and graded Coffee Classes for different abilities and genders. Special events like the Alpe du Zwift New Year TTT add a layer of excitement and variety to the mix. For many riders, this format has become synonymous with virtual TTT racing.
However, like any format, there are areas for improvement. Weekly competitions focus on individual events rather than a cumulative series, and the course selection can feel repetitive, with most races lasting between 30 minutes and an hour depending on team strength. Smaller teams of five or fewer often struggle to remain competitive within their Coffee Class. Additionally, the drafting mechanics can be a challenge. Have you ever struggled to catch the draft after finishing your turn and dropping your power? These are common frustrations for many riders.
WTRL’s standout features include:
- Diverse Offerings: Multiple time slots (on Thursdays), TT bikes, and team classifications (the well-loved “Coffee Classes”).
- Special Events: Unique challenges like the Alpe de Zwift New Year TTT.
- Accessibility: Options for riders of various skill levels.
If you’ve experienced these limitations and are curious about alternatives, you might find what you’re looking for on TrainingPeaks Virtual or MyWhoosh.
TrainingPeaks Virtual TTT League: Physics Meets Innovation
Over the past year, TrainingPeaks Virtual has introduced a dedicated TTT mode, creating opportunities for structured leagues. As one of the co-organizers of the TrainingPeaks Virtual TTT League, I’ve seen firsthand how this platform offers a unique take on the format.
The league runs two TTTs every two weeks, allowing teams to race on a day that works best for them. There are shorter courses of 20 to 25 minutes and longer options of 35 to 50 minutes, catering to varying preferences. The setup process is straightforward, with YouTube instructional videos available to guide teams. The platform also allows live racing against other teams with time checkpoints, making it easy to track progress.
Team sizes are capped at six, with the time recorded on the third rider. If your team is short one week or you’re riding solo, TrainingPeaks Virtual offers the option to race with bots. These AI teammates are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and some solo riders have even achieved competitive times in the league. Currently, over 20 teams from around the world participate regularly, and the league continues to grow.
Why Try TrainingPeaks Virtual?
- Flexible Scheduling: Two TTTs every two weeks, rideable on the day of your choice.
- Innovative Options: Solo riders or incomplete teams can race with AI bots, who are evolving to become highly competitive.
- Realistic Physics: Advanced algorithms simulate drafting, braking, and wind dynamics.
Of course, there are challenges. The platform is still in beta, so the graphics may feel basic compared to Zwift, and there are no TT bikes yet. Team captains are responsible for setting up courses and submitting results manually. Additionally, while the platform is free until March 2025, it will eventually introduce a subscription fee—though it’s expected to be lower than Zwift’s.
What sets TrainingPeaks Virtual apart is the physics engine developed by George Gilbert. It offers more realistic drafting, cornering, and the effects of external factors like wind, giving it a significant edge over Zwift in terms of simulation.
MyWhoosh TTTs: Flexibility and Free Access
MyWhoosh also provides an engaging TTT experience, organized by James Ogilvie of OTR Virtual Events. The platform offers a distinct combination of features that make it a compelling alternative.
One of the most appealing aspects of MyWhoosh is that it’s completely free. This accessibility is a huge draw, especially as we head into 2025. The platform boasts stunning visuals, a growing selection of worlds, and automatic TT bike allocation, which adds to the immersive experience.
The MyWhoosh TTT league takes a different approach with its “Ride When You Want” competition. Teams can complete their TTTs at any time during the week, with courses ranging from 16 to 22 kilometers. This flexibility eliminates concerns about conflicting schedules or time zones, making it easier for teams to participate.
What Makes MyWhoosh Unique?
- Completely Free: No subscription required, making it the most accessible TTT option available.
- Flexible Competition: Weekly “Ride When You Want” events fit into any schedule, with routes ranging from 16 to 22 kilometers.
- Dynamic League Structure: Promotions, relegations, and points resets every four weeks keep the competition engaging.
The league structure also stands out. It begins with a “Sorting Week” to establish divisions, followed by four weeks of racing. At the end of each cycle, teams are promoted or relegated based on performance, and the points reset. This dynamic structure ensures ongoing engagement and prevents a single missed week from derailing a team’s chances. After 12 weeks, the season concludes with a “Finals Week” to crown the series champions.
The first season in 2024 saw significant growth, with participation increasing from a handful of teams to 23, including a five-team women’s-only division. This demonstrates the growing appeal of MyWhoosh and its emphasis on rider flexibility and league accessibility.
If you love TTTs as I do, then why not try something new?
While Zwift’s WTRL TTTs remain a beloved staple of virtual cycling, TrainingPeaks Virtual and MyWhoosh present exciting alternatives for those seeking something different. Each platform has its own strengths, from TrainingPeaks’ realistic physics and customizable team dynamics to MyWhoosh’s free access, flexibility, and innovative league structure. If you’re ready to explore new challenges, why not give them a try? You might discover a fresh perspective on TTT racing.
How To Get Involved
Whether you are already part of a virtual ecycling team or just a group of friends looking to get involved during the winter season, you will need a method of communication. The most effective and widely-used choice is a Discord voice channel, allowing you to be organized during the racing in terms of rider order and length of time on the front. And it’s great fun to chat and suffer with your mates!
Details about the Zwift WTRL TTTs can be found at: https://www.wtrl.racing/
Details about the TrainingPeaks Virtual TTT league can be found at: Autumn/Winter TTT league. We also have a dedicated Discord channel on the TrainingPeaks Virtual Discord server.
More details about the MyWhoosh TTTs can be accessed from OTR Virtual Events at OTR.virtual.events@gmail.com.
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.
