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Strava and Zwift combine to take the edge off winter training

published 30 October 2015

Two months of free access to online cycle training game

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Zwift is an online software. We connected a PC to a TV for a better viewing experience (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

You'll even be able to attack Strava Segments virtually(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

Crossing hot spots also often gives you a little 'boost', shown in the green circle at upper left. The feather shown here is a climbing boost, which effectively lowers your weight for a few seconds(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

There are three types of ways to engage with the game: with a speed/cadence sensor, with a power meter, or with a smart trainer like this Wahoo Kickr(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

When you stop pedaling for a while, the game automatically pauses and shows you your stats(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

A number of 'achievements' pop up as you ride: the first time you complete 10 miles, or hit a certain wattage, and so on(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

The avatar changes positions depending on what you're doing. Here, he's tucked on a steep and fast descent(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

Clicking the number keys on your keyboard changes the perspective. The lower-right option brings in helicopter noise, as if you're being filmed by race TV(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

Zwift recently added Pinarello framesets to the list of options. Zipp wheels and Castelli clothing exist on Zwift Island, and other brands are likely to appear soon(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

Zwift combines road racing themes with decidedly videogame inspired elements(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)

This article originally appeared on BikeRadar

Zwift online training game now open to all

Strava has partnered with online cycle training game Zwift to give Strava Premium members two months of free access every year.

Zwift, an online program that combines game elements such as the ability to ride against other real and virtual players, was developed to make indoor training a more social and – dare we say it – fun experience. It's compatible with a number of smart turbo trainers and costs £8 for a monthly subscription.

Strava Premium members will be able to access two consecutive months of Zwift per year, with Premium membership costing £3.99 per month or £39.99 per year. With the nasty weather well and truly here, we reckon this could take the edge off winter training.
Premium members also get access to a suite of other features, including coaching tips, videos and customisable training plans.

“We want Premium athletes to have the most engaging experience possible – all year long, whether they're indoors or outdoors," says Strava's David Lorsch. "Strava Premium cyclists will now have access to an incredibly engaging indoor platform and will get even more value out of their membership."

For those concerned that virtual indoor training rides may steal some of their KOMs or QOMs, Strava says that it will be updating its feeds to distinguish between segments completed in real-life and those completed on indoor trainers via Zwift.