Your first race

• A smart trainer or a power meter

  Most races require real power data from a smart trainer or a power meter. Estimated power (ZPower) is usually not allowed in races.

• A heart rate monitor

  Many series require heart rate data for results to count. A chest strap is the most reliable.

• A ZwiftPower account

  ZwiftPower is where most community race results live. Create an account and link it to your Zwift profile before your first race.

• The Zwift Companion app

  The easiest way to find events and sign up on your phone.

• A fan and a towel

  Not required by any rulebook, but you'll understand after five minutes.

Racing is split into categories so you race riders at a similar level. Different organisers use different systems, so always check the race page. These are the three you'll meet most:

Pens A-D

The classic Zwift start groups. A is fastest, D is where most people start.

Zwift Racing Score

Zwift's own score, built from your recent race results. Used for pens in many public events.

vELO

A ranking from zwiftracing.app, based on who you beat and who beats you. Used by FRR and DIRT.

Some women's series use watts per kilo (W/kg) limits for each category instead. If you're unsure, start one category lower. You can always move up.

Scratch race

Classic racing: first across the line wins.

Points race

Points for sprints, climbs and the finish. You can win without winning the final sprint.

iTT

Individual time trial. Drafting is off, it's just you against the clock.

TTT

Team time trial. Your team rides together and the time is taken on a set rider crossing the line.

TTR

Team time race, used by DIRT. Like a TTT, but in a race with other teams on the road.

Race of Truth

A no-drafting race used in the Zwift Racing League. Pure power over the distance.

Chase race

Categories start at different times, and the slower ones get a head start. Can the fast group catch them?

Stage race / tour

Several stages over days or weeks, with an overall (GC) standing, and often sprint and climber jerseys.

Pens

Start groups, usually A to D (sometimes E). You race against riders in your own pen.

Power-ups

In-game boosts such as a draft boost or a lighter bike. Many serious races turn them off.

1. 1

   Pick a women-only race. Check the calendar for pink races this week.

2. 2

   Sign up in the Zwift Companion app or on zwift.com. Some series also need a sign-up on the organiser's own site.

3. 3

   Check your category rules on the race page, so you join the right pen.

4. 4

   Join the start pen 10-15 minutes early and warm up. Calibrate your trainer if it needs it.

5. 5

   Expect a fast start. The first few minutes are usually the hardest, so hang on.

6. 6

   Stay in the group. Drafting behind others saves a lot of energy.

7. 7

   Got dropped? Totally normal. Keep riding, find a new group, and finish.

8. 8

   Look up your result on ZwiftPower afterwards, and say hi in the event chat.

• Race the same series for a few weeks. You'll learn the courses and recognise the riders.
• Watch a race replay on YouTube before your first one to see how it flows.
• Use steering or keyboard shortcuts to move up in the group before climbs and sprints.
• Fuel like it's real. Have a bottle within reach, and eat before longer races.
• Write a few words in chat. The women's racing community is friendly, and it makes the race more fun.

Racing with a team makes everything more fun: someone to ride with in the pen, team races like the Zwift Racing League, and people cheering for you in chat. Many women's teams welcome beginners.