Why you should race bikes virtually
New tech has made training better
My dad was shocked when he saw my indoor cycling setup. He noticed me riding my old road bike in front of a TV screen.
“It looks like you’re racing”
He was correct. About two times per week I sign up for a virtual race and compete against riders worldwide in real time — from the basement.
As I mash the pedals, I’m trying to out-hustle a group of riders from other countries. The smart trainer adjusts to every undulation in the road, forcing me to stand up on the pedals through the uphill finish.
My dad stood and watched in envy, as he did not have this sort of technology available to him in his cycling prime.
His trainer in the garage is old school. Putting pressure through the pedals starts to spin the rear wheel, and in turn spins a roller in contact with the tire. An adjustment from a dial on the handlebars increases resistance on the roller, making it more difficult to pedal.
On this type of trainer, riders have to make up ways to stay entertained. They often resort to watching ESPN for 30 minutes before getting bored — dismounting the bike in disappointment.
I have never been bored on my smart trainer. I connect my Wahoo Kickr Core to an iPad via Bluetooth, which allows me to stream a virtual cycling world to my TV. This allows me to climb virtual mountains without ever leaving the house.
My background
I’ve been riding bikes my whole life, but took up road cycling more seriously about 4 years ago. I now ride 100+ miles per week year round.
My indoor training setup utilizes Zwift for winter riding. In the winter I ride 3–4 days per week. I try to hit at least 50 miles per week to maintain fitness for the upcoming summer. I mix it up by riding some long mountain climbs, flat sprints, and at least one race weekly.
Why I race online
1. Road racing is dangerous
I love riding my road bike, I really do. I also love group rides. Although I’m a safe rider, I have had my share of wipeouts, walking away — luckily — with only minor injuries.
I expose myself to enough danger with my normal riding routine. Racing increases risk of serious injury.
As a young man who hopes to start a family, I can’t risk a life-altering accident. I’m competitive, but I value my safety and my future more than my competitive edge.
I’ll race triathlons or time trials because the dangerous group dynamic is removed — but virtual racing is an easier way to engage in competition.
2. It is convenient
Road bike races are an arduous task. Riders wake up at 4am to drive to the starting line with all of their gear. It can be tough remembering to pack cleats, water bottles, registration info, gloves, helmet, glasses, snacks, tool kit, and bike, all in the dark hours of the morning.
Once they arrive they need to check in, they still have to prep their bike and store all of their belongings. It’s a tedious process.
I have only competed in triathlons since my collegiate running career ended. Even a short sprint triathlon takes up the whole day. The same can be said for bike racing.
I love racing, but I can’t justify going through the whole road race process more than once a year (regardless of my safety concerns).
With a virtual race, I could race every day if I wanted to (I don’t because that would be overkill). But I can sign up for 2–3 races per week and get great rides in against solid competition.
3. It’s cheap
In addition to the time commitment, road racing is expensive. Before clipping in at the line, all riders must have a racing license. A 2020 license costs $50 per year. Each race has their fees, typically ranging from $30–90 per race.
Racing often involves travel. When a race starts at 7am, it much easier to arrive the night before. Hotels, gas, and meal expenses can turn a 20-mile race into a $500 weekend.
When racing virtually, I don’t pay any entry fees. I pay $15 per month for my app subscription. This includes all of my training, racing, and group rides — no extra fees. I also save on travel, lodging, and meals.
4. It’s competitive
I crave competition. I love picking an event, training for it, and giving it my all in a race. In the summer I usually can get my fix from group rides. There’s an addictive quality to cruising along at high speeds with other riders.
I get the same exhilaration while racing virtually.
Before a virtual race, I feel the butterflies in my stomach. My heart rate increases and I usually need a last-minute trip to the bathroom.
Getting a fight or flight response from a virtual race tells me all I need to know: it fits my needs.
Each racing app has categories to put riders into groups with similar competitors. I find that I get a good workout in every race I enter, and there are always riders to race against.
I’ll keep racing virtually for now
I love competition, but I can’t justify racing my road bike. I’m in my cycling prime, but I value my future too much to risk it.
Pro cyclists will say you have to be crazy and fearless to race bikes. I may be crazy, but I’m definitely not fearless.
Virtual racing has allowed me to get just enough competition in my routine. I know it’s not for everyone, but I have fallen in love with virtual bike racing.
