Did my first virtual bike race today. Some things were better than real racing, some things worse and some things unchanged. Given that USAC seems to be virtual for 2020, Zwift or Rouvy or similar are going to be my only options. As with real races, my efforts were much higher than when I’m just riding on my own.
The good It was quite nice to have my pre race bio break in my home facilities instead of a portajohn on the side of the road. It was also nice that I didn’t have to drive an hour or so to the event (around here, races seem to be moving further and further out of town). During the race, it was helpful to see time splits and locations of the rest of the racers. I was able to decide if I wanted to try to move up or wait for someone coming up from behind to draft with. Time, distance, watts were all displayed so I could better pace myself and avoid blowing up. Perhaps the best was that there were no crashes. I always worry about crashing in a race and it keeps me from going as hard as I could. Hurtling down a gravel road at 60kph today was actually fun (or perhaps it was just my oxygen deprived brain playing tricks). Afterward is was great to be able to stagger to the kitchen for a recovery drink instead of getting in the car, hoping my legs don’t cramp up on the long drive home.
The bad The UX experience with Zwift was quite confusing. I missed the first race I signed up for because I had done something wrong and the start time came and went without the app ever moving me into the race. Luckily, there were multiple events this morning, so I was able to try again. This time I got into the event, but in the wrong category so was blown out the back within the first 100 meters. Finally, everything lined up and I was racing. Riding a trainer still sucks after an hour or so. Unlike the road, you don’t get to coast as much, you aren’t adjusting in the saddle frequently enough and sweat gets everywhere.
The same In the end, the racing is racing. The start had multiple efforts over my wattage threshold as I fought to stay in the pack. Then things settled as we rolled along. Got caught behind some gaps a few times and eventually got blown off the back. Then the race became a long time trial effort. I did manage to catch stragglers during the race, and I didn’t finish last. About what I would expect for an early season race when I’m not yet in shape. There definitely seem to be tactics in play.
I’m pretty sure I’m going to virtual race once or twice a week for the summer. It wasn’t racing outside, but it was fun.