Should you SKIP ZWIFT ACADEMY 2024? Everything You Need To Know

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  • Опубліковано 30 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 55

  • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
    @EverythingIsPhotogenic  4 місяці тому +9

    It’s that time of the year for Zwift Academy 2024! This year has seen some big changes, and this year’s intro video dug deep. I went into the good, the bad, and the somewhat ugly! I’m skipping this year’s academy, but should you?
    This video is a dense one; I go through the basics and the changes this year and go into detail about each workout and race on offer. Check out the timestamps to tuck into exactly what you need!
    0:00 Teddy
    1:06 What is Zwift Academy?
    4:15 Positive Changes
    4:25 Time and Deliverables
    6:18 New Prize
    7:00 Negative Changes
    7:30 Workout Options
    11:00 Workout Duration
    18:12 Workout Deep Dive
    30:14 Races
    33:37 Closing Thoughts
    Zwift Academy Links:
    Main Page: www.zwift.com/uk/zwift-academy
    Terms and Conditions: www.zwift.com/uk/p/zwift-academy-2024-terms-and-conditions
    Zwift Insider Article: zwiftinsider.com/canyon-aeroad-2024/

    • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
      @EverythingIsPhotogenic  4 місяці тому +2

      Interestingly enough, UA-cam has published this video at 60 FPS even though the video was filmed and exported at 30 FPS. Videos can process for hours after publishing, so this may fix itself. If you see any strange smoothing or hiccups, that's probably why.

    • @LinkinVerbz44
      @LinkinVerbz44 3 місяці тому

      @@EverythingIsPhotogenic I had to set it to 480p because my graphics card is trash and can't handle twice the frames. And UA-cam is even getting rid of 480p in a lot of videos, old and new, which is total bullcrap! If UA-cam is ditching 480p, they should at least give us an option to limit the frame rate to 30 on the higher resolutions.

    • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
      @EverythingIsPhotogenic  3 місяці тому +1

      @@LinkinVerbz44 ugh! That's really obnoxious! I've had that happen on my Zwift computer when I want to run Zwift at 4K, TR, and then watch YouYube at a higher speed. Granted that's a big ridiculous, but it's literally just the frame rate that chugs.

    • @lukamalic486
      @lukamalic486 3 місяці тому

      Got your wheel on this one

  • @NO1808
    @NO1808 4 місяці тому +7

    There may have been a reason for the partially negative changes. However, the troubling part is that no explanation was given for them. It would have been easy to say, 'These were the reasons for discontinuing group workouts and not offering a shortened version of the workouts.' But good communication has never been Zwift's strong suit.

    • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
      @EverythingIsPhotogenic  4 місяці тому +4

      This ☝☝
      I will give Zwift credit in that there have been marked improvements in their communication in the last 2 years, but the huge asterisk is that they are only just tickling on where they should have been all along. Because the platform is SO community-driven, I would expect to see superlative communication and engagement.
      It seems to me they depend on members in the community (including their long-term creators like Zwift Insider, Shane Miller, etc.) to act as an "interpreter" for their actions.
      While I am trying to give a good faith interpretation for the changes they have made, it's definitely not to carry water for Zwift, but rather for the benefit of those community members who are trying to navigate the ever-shifting goalposts.
      I think if Zwift just came out with an explanation, you're going to see people who complain because that's what they do, but I would suspect the overwhelming majority would understand and move on accordingly.

  • @urbannilsson9914
    @urbannilsson9914 3 місяці тому

    thanks for a, as always, very good and informative video! I really like your videos, they are really really good.

  • @LuukeyB
    @LuukeyB 3 місяці тому +1

    I love your Zwift Academy videos personally and really hope you choose to work through the rides and provide your feedback post each one (good or bad!) I came across your channel last year and only did the ZA in 2023 off the back of your videos so will definitely do it again this year. After completing it last year, my FTP went up by around 30watts so I was happy with that. Dread to think what it’ll be when I check again before the 1st workout…
    Do you think they pulled the date forward to try and generate additional revenue due to a lot of people pausing their subscriptions for the summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway)? Starting it early Aug when it’s still summer up here forces people to reactivate their account. Who knows?! 🤷🏻‍♂️

    • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
      @EverythingIsPhotogenic  3 місяці тому +1

      That's a good question, it's possible... the only reason I would lean toward no is because it is SO weak for amateur riders that I would assume most people who would qualify for finals are probably using Zwift all year long for bad weather training. But that could be a completely misplaced assumption, and maybe there are some incremental revenue gains pulling in a cohort of folks to kick off the academy. If they were smart, they would sweeten the pot for amateurs, whether it is with random prize opportunities or lower-level competitions, they could probably pull in thousands rather than maybe a few hundred.

  • @SignorLuigi
    @SignorLuigi 4 місяці тому +2

    Hello Sweetness! Good to see you and Teddy 😻 back in the UA-cam saddle! 🙌🙌🙌 My first reaction is these changes are especially unfriendly to senior riders. I mean "senior" in the everyday sense of 60-65 and older. I know some very fit senior riders. But for many, those longer workouts are just non-starters. I have no idea of the demographics of Zwift subscribers. But I would guess riders 60 and older are not where Zwift makes a lot of their money. Nevertheless, introducing changes that are exclusionary to segments of the Zwift community leaves an unsavory taste in my mouth. 🤮 This is an especially "curious" change for Zwift to pursue on the heels of their recent price increases. Less product for more money.🤔💰💰💰

    • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
      @EverythingIsPhotogenic  3 місяці тому +1

      I thought the same exact thing! More cost, less value? That's why I have the suspicion that their back may have been against the wall with Today's Plan exiting and their recently leaned out staffing levels. Maybe the 60+ age segment isn't a majority of riders, but I don't think the demographic is negligible, especially in their core dedicated base that doesn't continually churn. Crazier sill is the fact that if they wanted revenue, the Academy would be a perfect draw to bring folks in as the Northern Hemisphere enters the fall. I always think back to ZA Tri and how any amateur who would put in the work and show potential had a chance. It wasn't necessarily the fastest athletes that won their place on the team. There were men and women of different backgrounds, from Kona contenders to people targeting a sub 12 hour IM. I think there is a place for that in the cycling academy. I know it's not like running and Triathlon with notable events and finisher's medals, but Zwift could certainly create such an event. Seems like a missed opportunity.
      I also don't think the 60+ demographic is the only one that will find these rides unfriendly. Perhaps I would say these would cast a wider net if they were able to offer up the Critical Power results for each of the assessments, which actually should be a pretty easy task, but those results will be obfuscated for anyone without the knowledge or a coach. I think that represents 80% or more of the riders on Zwift, and that's probably being conservative.

    • @SignorLuigi
      @SignorLuigi 3 місяці тому

      @@EverythingIsPhotogenic All good points! The only thing that raises a bit of suspicion on the part about the Today's Plan angle is that customers were told it was shuttering back in early December, 2023. Surely, considering their relationship with Today's Plan, Zwift knew before that? At least they must have had enough suspicion they might not be able to count on TP in 2024 to start looking for other options quite a while ago. Right? Could Zwift lack the nimbleness to be unable to address the exit of Today's Plan with so much lead-in time?
      🤔 Of course, Zwift still hasn't figured out a way to have the Apple Watch be reliably used as a heart rate monitor on its platform. Weird, since the Apple Watch is the most used heart rate tracking device in the world...by a wide margin.
      Anyway, I always love chatting with you. You look good! I hope that means your new job is treating you well. ♥️

  • @MrLootshoot
    @MrLootshoot 4 місяці тому +1

    Sarah & Teddy it must be ZA season😁 I'll watch the video later, currently glued to the Olympics

  • @LeeBoris974
    @LeeBoris974 4 місяці тому

    I might do it, but it really depends on the weather and how long outside season lasts where I live (usually until the end of September, at least). I am fine with the changes of only one workout length and no group rides myself. I enjoy the races, and the workouts just give me something different to do.

    • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
      @EverythingIsPhotogenic  4 місяці тому +1

      Definitely a good approach. It is an odd time of the season, and having something to put on the calendar as a goal as the weather turns is definitely of value!

  • @michielvanderwal1276
    @michielvanderwal1276 3 місяці тому

    Really enjoy your ZA videos, but I can totally understand your decision to skip ZA2024. One of the only things I can think of that ZA2024 can be of use to the broader community is to use the test results to point people to their strengths/weaknesses as a cyclist and to recommend real training plans (within Zwift or outside) to improve on specific parts. ZA has done some form of rider phenotyping in the past, but it has been very limited. It could be expanded a lot more and make ZA a great stepping stone for future fitness. Not having much confidence that Zwift will do something with this, but you might do a video on rider phenotyping, strength/weakness analysis and point us viewers to which types of training or training plans would be best suited to follow up on ZA2024?

  • @weiwenng8096
    @weiwenng8096 3 місяці тому

    One other channel said that this is basically a set of power tests. Basically same as your conclusion. Looking at the workouts, you're right, this is a LOT of max efforts and a lot of everyday riders aren't going to benefit.
    I actually don't race but I track some numbers aside from just my FTP. This is a LOT of tests. I'd rather go group ride or go train on my own. You do not need this many datapoints to fit a critical power model. If Zwift gave us our relative positions after the fact then maybe I'd try this. But I don't think they will.

  • @troycollett8540
    @troycollett8540 3 місяці тому

    You can also do the workouts in any order you like or any course

  • @vincecaito6985
    @vincecaito6985 3 місяці тому

    Weather's just too nice this time of year to do ZA. Hardly on Zwift at all right now.

  • @rayF4rio
    @rayF4rio 3 місяці тому

    I just finished the 1st workout about 15 mins ago. My first year doing ZA, but have been on Z on and off for over 10 yrs.
    I thought these "workouts" were more like tests/evaluations. Not sure, am I supposed to do these workouts multiple times each, or just once each, filling in with my own training?

  • @robertrafetto8270
    @robertrafetto8270 3 місяці тому

    I agree that Zwift lost the value that previous ZA had for the vast majority of users. Your coaching video helped riders grow while those very few competing for the job could race.
    I think you should recommend parts from previous ZA - curate your set. I missed your observations on 2024 Spring ZA too.

  • @zwiftingwithdemonhunter
    @zwiftingwithdemonhunter 3 місяці тому

    I'm on the fence about doing this year's Academy. I've done the last two years, but this year just doesn't interest me with the changes. I may do it, but it won't be front of my mind on a daily basis. It will be more of something to do if I'm not interested in whatever race offerings are on the schedule for a certain day.

  • @samhaacke
    @samhaacke 3 місяці тому

    I've decided not to do ZA this year as the "workouts," other than tiring me out, won't really benefit me. I'm a bit disappointed but also relieved that i dont have to waste my time and mental energy on these tests....😅

  • @prince3121
    @prince3121 3 місяці тому

    I cancelled my Zwift, because of the price increase. I could not justify the price increase for what I was getting from Zwift. Also my country's currency deficiency against the US dollar contributed to the decision even more. I moved to Trainer Day, as I do more workouts which suits my indoor training program, for a huge price reduction compared to Zwift.

  • @jackiegerwitz-dunn4046
    @jackiegerwitz-dunn4046 3 місяці тому

    This ZA offering doesn't look like it would benefit my training or really be all that much fun. I really enjoyed ZA 2023 and your related videos provided insight and inspiration. For this year I will stick to my TrainerRoad Masters Build and Cyclocross specialty plans to help me get some decent race performances. I hope you find the time to create more content. I really love your channel, especially the Zwift content.

  • @troycollett8540
    @troycollett8540 3 місяці тому

    You could do your normal training and slip in a ZA workout once a fortnight

  • @PeacefulRallyCar-pw3cs
    @PeacefulRallyCar-pw3cs 3 місяці тому

    Z must offer something different. The other platforms are essentially the same.
    The ZA is a misguided project. Barry is banging out 7 w/kg at gramas garage in Cairns. Let's send him to Europe...
    They made it more rational by targeting under 23 riders in Europe, but what does the average zwifter get from that?
    Maybe Z should sponsor local crits and in turn have online races. The overall series decided by a combination of outdoor and indoor placings.

    • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
      @EverythingIsPhotogenic  3 місяці тому

      I agree! If you remember those beginning years of the Zwift Academy Tri, they had a more robust amateur program. I know liability concerns loom large with outdoor pack cycling, but there has to be a way to work out something more than a program that will target 1% of 1% of the community.

  • @francoislansival
    @francoislansival 3 місяці тому

    I will do it again. I think having more time to spend than the 6 or 8 weeks from before is a great improvement.
    After ZA 2023, that I reached long version (around 82min/workout) to success. Quite unexpectedly I must say.
    I just hope to be finisher, as last year ! And then compare my progression.
    Thanks for those videos, very helpful.

  • @mjokffsgfjs
    @mjokffsgfjs 3 місяці тому

    Apart from the workouts, the broadcast of the finals are so watered down that I didn't knew it existed until I suddenly remember and searched for it.

    • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
      @EverythingIsPhotogenic  3 місяці тому +1

      You're absolutely right! Even the hype behind the finalist last year was weak. Seems like a missed opportunity. If you remember a few years back, ZA Tri was marketed very strongly and you were invested in some of the personalities through the series. Such a squandered opportunity

    • @zwiftingwithdemonhunter
      @zwiftingwithdemonhunter 3 місяці тому

      That's true. For some reason they dropped GCN fro the finalist broadcast and went with some other platform. I think I watched a couple of minutes and then turned it off.

    • @troycollett8540
      @troycollett8540 3 місяці тому

      @@EverythingIsPhotogeniclast year felt like they delayed it then rushed it

    • @askmeaboutmattweiner
      @askmeaboutmattweiner 3 місяці тому

      ​@@zwiftingwithdemonhunterAnd it was bad

  • @adamweb
    @adamweb 3 місяці тому

    I use Zwift since (love or hate it) it's still the best virtual cycling platform... I enjoy most of the special/group events but have zero interest in Zwift Academy. I'm not trying to become a pro from my garage in my 40s lmao 😂

  • @JermTheCow
    @JermTheCow 3 місяці тому

    To be perfectly honest though I've done the Academy a few times since they dropped the charity incentive my real motivation was riding to support the underprivileged through provision of bicycles through Qhubeka. Yes I realize this would require additional sponsorship but making a difference makes a difference to me.

  • @oneschance
    @oneschance 3 місяці тому

    Hyperbolic is not a word😂😂😂😂
    Mainly because I still don’t know what it means and have never looked at the definition. 😂
    I guess it’s time to change that.

  • @rkclime4
    @rkclime4 3 місяці тому +2

    Where have you been? Missed your videos.

  • @robmagee100
    @robmagee100 4 місяці тому +2

    I have done and enjoyed Zwift Academy each year, but this one is not at all interesting to me. As a 65 year old 102 kg rider, I don’t see anything there that would be fun, and that is the bottom line for me.

    • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
      @EverythingIsPhotogenic  3 місяці тому +1

      It really is a bummer. I think a small tweak they could have made to make this more appealing was at least to offer results from the assessment workouts. Whether it was live or by email, let people know what their Critical Power is for different time intervals and what that might mean. They could even provide a phenotype at the end of the Academy and tell riders how to leverage their strengths and improve their weaknesses. At lease the amateur rider would feel they were getting some value from the program.

  • @valiantabello
    @valiantabello 4 місяці тому +4

    He does not look like a crackhead how dare you madam

  • @sccxvelo
    @sccxvelo 3 місяці тому

    Finishing chasing tour series rest of August and early Sept. Then into gravel/CX season as the inland socal summer heatwaves finally relent. May not be doing any ZA workouts this year till late in the period it is open if at all. Agree this year seems pro road only and no one else. Plus as part of trans, intersex, non binary community people like me are banned form UCI stuff anyways for just existing. So little reason to do ZA2024. Can do other workouts programs on zwift. Power testing is not workouts.

  • @madiantin
    @madiantin 3 місяці тому +1

    Hahaha. Teddy is the cutest crackhead ever.
    Oooff. Well that's disappointing. I like collecting badges but...well, honestly, given the state of my fitness lately the only way I'll be completing these workouts is if I dial them down considerably.
    Bummer. =/

    • @EverythingIsPhotogenic
      @EverythingIsPhotogenic  3 місяці тому +1

      He knows he's cute. He never misses an opportunity to exploit that! I am definitely bummed that this year's offering is so stale. I'll give Zwift credit that they have improved some of their other offerings, but layer in people's sentiment about price increases and the perception that ZA has stripped away more value, it's disappointing.

  • @SteakandChains
    @SteakandChains 3 місяці тому

    Hahahha this broad 🤣😂. You are awesome

  • @jamesmckenzie3532
    @jamesmckenzie3532 2 місяці тому

    I have abandoned Zwift Academy because I don't have the time to participate. Also, it looks like something designed for people who already trained.

  • @gregk-muth8566
    @gregk-muth8566 4 місяці тому +2

    Maps are flat, therefore the world is flat

  • @christophebrassac3269
    @christophebrassac3269 3 місяці тому

    I'm always skip Zwift Academy. No structure trainer juste test capacity of riders community and find the "perle". And i'm not the PERLE hihihi

  • @goldenretriever6261
    @goldenretriever6261 3 місяці тому

    Buffalo accent is funny.