How Esports Great James Joseph Barnes’ Coach Got Him Ready for the Indoor Season
Could training prep really mean doing nothing?
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round One—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round One Race Report by Saris-NoPinz eracer Liz Van Houweling!
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is the Full-Body Stretch Routine I Do After Every Ride
Follow this 10-minute post-ride stretching exercises for cyclists program to jump-start your recovery.
Why Do I Feel Like I Have to Pee So Much After I Ride? And What I Did About It!
Prostatitis is a common condition affecting 50% of all men in their lifetime, particularly cyclists. But you don’t have to live with it.
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round One—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Round One Race Report by NeXT pb Enshored’s James Joseph Barnes!
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and When I Identified This Pain On the Outside of My Knee, I Did This
Follow my multi-step approach to eliminating lateral knee pain for good!
Zwift Grand Prix: The Dawn of a New Era for Esports Racing
The hype is real. Virtual racing is about to change!
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!
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is the Foam Rolling Routine I Do After Every Ride
Add this 5-minute foam rolling program to your post-ride routine to revitalize your muscle recovery.
To Embrace Discomfort is to Truly Evolve In Cycling and Life
In cycling and life, knowing how to suffer is evolving as a person.
Zoon May Finally Be Now For Handcycles on Zwift
Code data that has emerged over the past 24 hours points to the momentous change.
Cycling, Coffee, and Recovery!
Coffee, carbs, and caffeine help recovery! Need I say more?
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.
How the Top-Ranked Zwift Eracer Got There and Does She Intend to Stay
Does Liz Van Houweling have a bullseye on her back?
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Nine
North Kingsville, Ohio to Westfield, New York
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Six
Day 46- July 24, 2022: Defiance to Monroeville, Ohio
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Twenty-Seven
Interior, South Dakota to Merriman, Nebraska
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Twenty-Four
Orin Junction, Wyoming to Edgemont, South Dakota
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Sixteen Rest Day! Guess What I Did?
What did I do? Not what you think!
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Week 2 in Review
Half Moon Bay, California to Green River, Utah
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
The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Zero
“Fall asleep with a dream and awake with a purpose.” -Unknown
“Off Season” Virtual Riding at its Finest
Small field sizes in eRacing do not have to mean less fun!
The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Minus-20 Years to Day Minus One
“A bicycle ride around the world begins with a single pedal stroke” – Scott Stoll
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.
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.
Three Changes Zwift Should Add That Would Help Us Feel Better About Things
The time is now for Zwift to make the promised changes and good feeling acknowledgments.
New Cycling Science Proves Strength and Sprint Improvements Across Multiple Seasons
Scientists reveal cyclists’ ability to make continuous power and sprint improvements and maintain them in-season and year after year.
How to Safely Return to Cycling After Injury?
Follow this framework for a post-injury return to cycling protocol.
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!
Recent Studies Show That Cyclists May Use Epigenetics to Return to Form After a Long Break From Riding
Long-lasting genetic changes at the molecular level give scientific insight into how athletes rebuild their fitness to previous levels after taking an extended break from their bikes.
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
Coach Aleksandar Coh Unlocks the Mind of Rising Esports Star Kjell Power
Pay close attention to Canyon Esports cyclist Kjell Power, it may not be long.
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.
Virtual Cycling and Zwift—Foundation or Fad?
A report in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living summarizes Zwift’s opportunities and threats.
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.
Sprain or Strain? Cramp or Stitch? Some Cycling Stuff Sorted. Well, Sorta!
Ever wonder the difference between a sprain and a strain? Or a cramp and a stitch? Knowing just might make dealing with them more manageable.
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.
Zwifter Carrie Matczynski Has A Lot to Celebrate on her Cranniversary
On May 8th Carrie Matczynski will celebrate four years as a brain tumor survivor and Ironman!
Sharron Yaxley—The Mink—200,000 Zwift Kms! An Ordinary Girl With a Stubborn Streak to Persevere and Endure!
In this wide-ranging interview learn what makes Sharron pedal and what almost stopped her in her tracks!
3-Seconds of Training is the Minimal Exercise Dose—So What and Who Cares?
Science shows that you can get stronger after working out for only 3 seconds, which isn’t the minimal dose. Who knew? Not me. Who cares? Not me!
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.
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.
Cycling is Scientifically Proven to Increase Life Expectancy – How About Virtual Cycling?
Cycling is in the top five when it comes to lengthening your lifespan, but it isn’t all for the reasons you may think.
Elite Eracer Illi Gardner—No Special Effects Required in Her Stunning Performance
An interview with elite eracer and professional cyclist Illi Gardner!
Zwift’s BMTR Asst. Director Leads 9 Group Rides for 8 Teams in 7 Days for One Purpose
“Zwift Community rides make friendships, people who care about one another, and we truly make a difference.” – Jim Nelson
Recent Cycling Science Shows Day-To-Day Heart Rate Variability is Not Indicative of Performance, But For Virtual Cyclists, it May
Daily HRV monitoring does not affect average cycling performance, but it is significant in a few key areas critical to eracers.
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.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring and How it Can Make You a Better Cyclist, and Virtual Cyclist
An interview with beta-Zwifter and Supersapiens test athlete Pete Butler!
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.
Heart Rate Variability and How It Will Make You a Better Cyclist
Heart Rate Variability is a powerful data tool for guiding a cyclist’s training and recovery, but it isn’t the only wrench in the toolbox.
I Don’t Want to Lose the Cycling Strength I Got From Weight Training, But My Legs Are Heavy—When Should I Stop Lifting Before My Big Race?
Recent research sheds light on the cycling detraining debate and answers the taper from strength training question.
Shayna Powless is Much More Than a Professional Cyclist
Shayna Powless is a member of the 2022 North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of fame class, but it may not be for cycling—she’s much more than that.
The End of a Bike Race Isn’t Life or Death, It Is a Time to Reflect
It’s never too late to make a positive change in life. Make yours now and you will have nothing to regret!
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.
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.
Dr. Taitem Jewell Knows Better
A cyclist, a physician, and a post-COVID-19 cautionary tale you need to hear!
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 Lifelong Struggle With Body Image Ravaged Alisha Taubman’s Mental Health, and When She Lost Her Will to Live Zwift Was the Savior
Alisha Taubman attempted to take her own life when the battle with weight caused her world to spiral out of control. Zwift helped her take it back.
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 Confusion With Exercise Addiction, Overtraining, and RED-S in Cyclists and Endurance Athletes
An unhealthy relationship with exercise can lead to addiction and have a disastrous effect on your well-being, relationships, and cycling performance.
Extreme Dieting in Virtual Cycling—Where Zwift Needs to Go Next, and Why
In the final retrospective, by continuing to innovate and commit to a proactive approach in the area of Extreme Dieting, Zwift will impact the lives of a staggering number of virtual cyclists.
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.
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.
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.
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and I Follow this 5-Minute Pre-Ride Flow to Prevent Those Twinges in My Back
Take it from this cycling PT that had to learn the hard way. If you don’t take care of your back, it won’t care for you.
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.
Zwift’s Youngest Ride Leader Sophie Guy is Virtual Cycling Mature Beyond Her Years
At eleven-years-old Sophie has accomplished more in virtual cycling than most riders twice her age and has earned the confidence and respect of the cyclists she leads.
Recent Innovations in Muscle Typing Technology Predict Cycling Success
Scientists have discovered a technique that has made muscle information more readily attainable. What would you do?
Team USA and Liz Van Houweling Hunt for Rainbow on the Virtual Roads of New York
The USA women’s team put three in the top ten but are first in the hearts of eracing fans for their unified and gutsy performance at the Cycling Esports World Championships.
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 Frederic Audet’s Big Zwift Adventure!
The beautiful, eloquent, and passionate story of one man’s quest to fill his spreadsheet—Zwift Badge hunting and DIRT Zwift Team daily motivation!
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.
His Sincere Thoughts Have Left the Barn—An Interview with Iconic Cycling Announcer Dave Towle
Passion personified, Dave shares his earliest cycling experience, the pivot to virtual cycling, and how he fell in love with bike racing.
Recent Science Discovers a New Way Muscles Heal Themselves After a Workout and Gives a Clearer Picture of How We Get Stronger
Recent research uncovers an unknown muscle fiber repair process and provides the opportunity to revisit what we know about post-exercise recovery.
Get to Know the USA Men’s 2022 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship Team
A one-stop guide with a bit of background and insight from the guys to help you get pumped for the big race!
Get to Know the USA Women’s 2022 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship Team
A bit of background and DS notes—a one-stop guide to the fast, exciting, and fun eracers of the US national esports squad.
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.
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.
New Research Explores the Link Between Body and Mind to Make Us Better on Our Bikes
Scientists study 25 National team cyclists to put a number to the link between mind and body, but the value is in realizing the relationship and how to use it to make us better.
The Day Zwifter Jason Bretz’s 11-year-old Son Became a Better Cyclist Than Him
It is never too soon for our children to be better than us—at everything.
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.
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.
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.
Importance of NAD for Muscle Function: Supplementation Implications for the Performance Cyclist
NAD could be a key to unlocking a considerable performance boost for competitive cyclists.
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.
Part Two: Virtually Trapped in My Own Mind
An interview with the Sports Psychologist for the USA Track and Field team.
Recent Scientific Discoveries Explain the Role Our Genes Play in Determining the Type of Rider We Are
Scientists have discovered genes that determine our response to training stress and the key to unlocking endless performance potential.
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.
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!
Can Exercise Affect Our Immunity and Increase the Risk of Illness? The Experts and a Cycling MD Weigh In
A recent study explores this question, and according to the experts and a cycling doc I asked, the prescription might be a bit common sense, and a lot of this makes sense.
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.
Stress and Mindfulness Training for Athletes and Cyclists
Becoming an aware athlete takes practice, but you will feel better for it. Physically and mentally.
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.
Behind the Scenes of the Life of Si Bradeley
YouTuber Si is much more than just the Recon Guy, and here’s why. An interview with Si Bradeley.
Through Virtual Cycling Military Veteran and Recumbent Rider Andy Shuttleworth Heals and Helps
Zwift makes riding, racing, and raising awareness possible for this former Reservist whose injury makes pedaling an upright bike impossible.
Improving Pedaling Technique
By following these tips, you will pedal perfect circles and produce more power with less energy.
I Can’t Stop Myself! Why Do I Have to Sprint or Go For That KOM?
The psychology and science behind what motivates virtual cyclists to push harder than they want to.
For Kevin du Manoir Unlocking the Tron Bike Is About Overcoming Barriers
After three years and 50,000m the 270-pound Climbing Clydesdale proved to himself that he doesn’t have to be held back by his own body.
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.
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!
From The Feet Up Customs – Matthew Ralph is a Colorful Member of the Virtual Cycling Community
Matthew Ralph has created functional masterpieces for celebrities, pro cyclists, and many people in between, including his virtual cycling friends.
Peripheral Heart Action Training For the Virtual Cyclist
PHA is an efficient and effective combination of strength and cardiovascular training for any cyclist!
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?
Part Two: My Virtual Road to Recovery Timeline – Richie Sheerin’s Roller Coaster Cancer Journey and the Inspiration Behind the Formation of Zwift Team Racing Without Borders
In the second installment, Richie shares the emotional highs and lows of his cancer recovery and how the virtual cycling community is essential in his life.
Part One: My Virtual Road to Recovery Timeline – Richie Sheerin’s Roller Coaster Cancer Journey and the Inspiration Behind the Formation of Zwift Team Racing Without Borders
In the first of Richie’s two-part series, he tells his tale of bloods, resetting expectations, and never losing sight of the big picture.
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!
Boost your FTP with a Low Carbohydrate, Sleep?
Periodically manipulating dietary carbohydrates and subsequently muscle glycogen availability during exercise improves cycling performance for some.
Some Cyclists Aren’t Virtual Cyclists. Who Knew?
Are you ever tempted to defend your love of virtual cycling?
Do You Know Your Sweat Rate?
Avoid the performance-limiting effects of dehydration by following these simple steps!
Balance Training is Essential to the Cyclist, Especially a Virtual Cyclist
By integrating these simple exercises and one piece of equipment into your program, you will combat the loss of balance experienced with age without the need to steady your bike.
Three Things That Seem to Make Racing and Training Mentally Easier for Me
Cycling isn’t easy! But there are some things about virtual cycling that make it easier mentally for me.
Changing the Way You Breathe Will Make You a Better Cyclist
By perfecting your technique through practice on the bike you will breathe easier and get faster.
When His Life Took a Turn Jordan Bergeman Became the Motor and His Son Jeffrey Was the Motivation
This Zwifter turns to his virtual cycling community for the support and encouragement needed to achieve his son’s goal of competing in IRONMAN Wisconsin and the Boston Marathon.
Fast is Fun and Slow Should Be Too
We all know the Zwift tagline: “Fast is Fun.” But what if you aren’t very fast? Shouldn’t you be invited to the party?
Get to Know The Petersons and Why Their Lives Would Not Be The Same Without Virtual Cycling
Virtual cycling is an essential part of married life for the Peterson’s, and they can’t imagine living without Zwift.
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.
Musings of the Curious Cyclist – Part Three: Does FTP Matter?
Challenging the validity of an accepted training metric and discussing alternatives.
Musings of the Curious Cyclist – Part Two: Does FTP Matter?
Challenging the validity of an accepted training metric and discussing alternatives.
Musings of the Curious Cyclist – Part One: Does FTP matter?
Challenging the validity of an accepted training metric and discussing alternatives.
The Importance of a Sleep Routine to the Cyclist – A Coach’s Point of View
A Team Twenty24 esports pro and Coach emphasizes the importance of a proper sleep routine for optimizing cycling recovery and performance.
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!
The Larson Family Zwifts Together, including Eight-Year-Old Antonia, and Collects Memories in the Process
Eight-year-old Antonia Larson has an impressive list of Route Badges, and her parents are not too bad at playing bikes themselves.
A Cycling Chemist’s View: Reducing Activation Energy for Efficient Training
For the elite esports racer, chemist, and physician, Jacqueline Godbe, finding the formula for success boils down to adding the perfect ingredients.
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.
Chris Schwenker PT Joins Joe Lavell on the Wise Athletes Podcast!
I hope you enjoy this interesting and informative podcast.
Is Temperature Doping in Virtual Cycling a Thing? – An interview with Jason Boynton, Ph.D
Dr. Boynton is a sport scientist, cycling coach, and an expert in the effects of environmental temperature on training and performance of endurance athletes.
Dead Butt Syndrome – A Real Pain in the Cyclist’s A–
Dead Butt Syndrome is a common cycling condition that can be treated and prevented by following these simple steps.
Indoor Training, This Time It’s Going to be Different!
Indoor training is no longer something to dread!
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.
Breaking Bones in the Virtual World of Cycling
The tendency for cyclists to develop brittle bones can be avoided by following these tips.
Honest Race Nutrition: What Pro Jacqueline Godbe (Really) Eats To Win
The Race Winning Glycogen Refueling Chocolate Hydration Plan of an Elite Virtual Cyclist
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!
A Proper Cool-Down is Essential for the Virtual Cyclist
A dynamic cool-down is as important as a proper warm-up in optimizing performance and priming the system for your next race or workout.
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?
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!
Warm-Up Essentials for Virtual Cycling Success
By preparing yourself mentally and physically for optimal performance, a proper warm-up is critical to virtual cycling success. But why is the first mile so hard?
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.
What does Virtual Cycling mean to you?
The Zommunique asked virtual cyclists around the world to share their experience and thoughts on what Virtual Cycling means to them!
