Let me share my story, decade by decade, so one can get a better understanding of my psyche as it relates to my athleticism. I hope my story helps and inspires women, even if just for a few more minutes of training every week.

The Early Years – Fun and Busy (0-39)

I was a high-energy child and involved in a lot of sports like running, cycling, swimming, and skiing. My nickname was Roadrunner as no one, not even the boys, could catch me in a game of tag! I was on the track team in high school, but my passion was downhill skiing. I started university and continued running and cycling for fitness through my twenties; this was a very busy decade during which I completed my post-graduate studies, started my career as a Social Worker in a maximum security detention centre, got married to my husband of 40 years, and gave birth to our 2 sons.

In my thirties, I was busy raising our high-energy sons who were involved in various sports like hockey, soccer, judo, and skiing. I worked full-time providing individual and group counselling services to youth and women in conflict with the law. Running during my lunchtime was not only for fitness, but a healthy way to manage my stress. A colleague suggested I start training for 5km and 10km races, and I got hooked on racing.

The Fun, Busy, and Interesting Years (40-65)

In my forties, I was busy with my career and raising teenagers, but always made time for running and training for races. I had excellent coaches and trained with a great group of friends. I decided to train for a marathon after setting the goal of racing 42km when I turned 42 years young. I qualified for the Boston Marathon, and, of course, I had to do it. I continued training and ended up doing 12 marathons, including 4 Boston marathons, over an 18-year period.

At 49 years young, I had my first hot flash at the Boilermaker 15km race in Utica, N.Y. It was as if someone poured a bucket of water over my head. I was drenched, and a couple of minutes later, my skin was dry, but my clothes were soaked. I experienced these hot flashes that came on intermittently and suddenly, never lasting more than a couple of minutes, for about 3 years. I had to bring extra clothes to work, just in case. I didn’t let these hot flashes prevent me from running. However, my running was not like it was; I had slowed down and didn’t perform as well in races.

I went through a period when I thought my racing days were over and this negative self-talk contributed to my not-so-great performance in races. It took me about 2 years to realize that I had to adjust my goals in racing and throw my ego out the window. I chose to consciously remind myself to be grateful for being able to run and accept the fact that I was not going to continue getting PBs with age… duh. It took me that long to embrace aging and celebrate my accomplishments. Interestingly, these thoughts and feelings pertained only to my running.

In my fifties, my husband and I became empty nesters and traveled a fair bit. I retired and started training for triathlons because I had the time to incorporate swimming, running, and cycling into my training schedule. I did a few triathlon training camps in Florida and started to do regular group rides and open water swims in addition to my running. I loved this cross training and I truly believe it has helped me to stay healthy and keep injuries at bay. My hot flashes subsided and I began setting new goals. I completed several running and triathlon races. To my surprise, I rediscovered my speed and usually ended up on the podium in my AG (age group). Woohoo!

The last 5 years can be summarized as me having the time of my life with my husband, my sons, and my 2 precious granddaughters as well as continuing to train for running and triathlon races. In 2019, I qualified for the World Triathlon Championships which were supposed to be held in Edmonton, Alberta in 2020 but the pandemic necessitated a postponement to Bermuda the following year. I was getting excited to compete in Bermuda but the event was postponed yet again because of the pandemic; this time, the World Triathlon Sprint Championships were to be held in Montreal, Quebec. After 3 years of training for this event, I was getting closer to crossing this goal off my bucket list, but unfortunately, I was involved in a bike crash and broke my elbow, 6 weeks before the race. Upon being cleared by the orthopedic surgeon, I competed on June 25, 2022. Needless to say, my swim was mediocre but I completed it and I was glad it was finally done. I didn’t let these setbacks (pandemic and broken arm) prevent me from accomplishing my goal.

I’ve been called a Zwiftie, a term I wholeheartedly embrace because for me, Zwift racing is a convenient, effective and efficient way to keep my cycling fitness as high as it can be. This is especially true when the weather for outdoor riding is unfavorable (e.g. snow, ice, rain, wind) or when I have an injury, like a broken arm. I don’t really have a convenient and traffic-free route outdoors for cycling workouts. I like Zwift because workouts and hard rides are much safer to complete as I don’t have to worry about automobiles or traffic lights and signs. Moreover, the weather in my basement is always good, so I never have to ride in the rain unless I really want to. There are no potholes, flat tires, or the potential for a crash caused by careless drivers or cyclists. Last but not least, I have met so many wonderful virtual friends on Zwift and I even had the pleasure of meeting one of my Delirium teammates IRL. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love riding outdoors and I have a wonderful group of friends with whom I ride on a weekly basis, weather permitting.

Words of Wisdom

The longer you live, the more attention you need to pay to little nagging injuries. My days of running and cycling through pain are over. My days of rolling out of bed and heading out for a run or ride are over. Instead, I have incorporated a regime of dynamic stretching, foam rolling, strength training and mobility exercises through Pilates, Power Barbell, and Core, Balance and Stretch classes at my local gym.

Presently, I do 3 to 4 runs/weekly including speed work and 4 to 5 rides/weekly including a Zwift race and/or workout. My rest days from running and cycling have been Mondays for many years, because my long endurance runs and/or rides are on Sundays. I believe the wisdom that has come with aging for me has allowed me to stay injury-free by making sure I have a proper warm-up and cool-down when I run and ride. I also treat myself to monthly massages. I have had my share of injuries over the years, like sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis, and hamstring tears but thanks to my wonderful coaches and physiotherapist, I followed their advice and allowed my injuries to heal fully before returning to running and/or cycling.

I eat well and my diet consists mainly of healthy carbs, fish and chicken (no red meat), and I love devouring a bag of chips every once in a while. I sleep well, at least 8 hours/night with no naps.

Finally, I don’t let my age dictate what I can or can’t do because when I put my mind on a goal, I do everything in my control and power to achieve that goal. Sometimes there are setbacks, in which case I reassess and, though it may take longer, I don’t give up. Once I commit, I persevere and eventually, if it’s possible, I get there. I am proof that women can race in their sixties. For women new to Zwift racing, get clearance from your medical doctor, get a personal trainer or coach, start building a mileage base, join a women’s team, then sign up for a race. Ride on!!!

Amidst electrifying anticipation, the esports elite geared up, ready to unleash their full might in a spectacle of raw determination and it didn’t disappoint!

The jungle provided a fast but nerve settling introduction as the challenge of Alpe du Zwift loomed large. With spirits soaring, Illi Gardner ignited the ascent with a blistering 6w/kg surge, shattering the peloton. Yet, amidst the chaos, contenders like Gabriela Guerra and Lou Bates positioned themselves strategically – eyes locked on the Championship prize.

With every hairpin, the intensity soared! Emma Belforth once again unleashed her formidable power, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale. The top contenders clashed, their determination palpable as they battled the unforgiving slopes, each pedal stroke bringing them closer to glory or defeat.

In a display of sheer dominance, Gardner forged ahead, leaving her rivals gasping in her wake. Meanwhile, fearless Fuhrer executed her strategy flawlessly, steadily climbing the ranks and gaining ground on Guerra. Kristen Kulchinsky played a vital role, sacrificing her own chance at the podium to support Fuhrer’s ascent.

Gardner’s victory was undeniable, a testament to her unyielding spirit, power and unwavering dedication as she took $7,000 and the gold Concept Z1 bike in game. But it was Fuhrer who emerged as the ultimate Champion, a strategic genius whose calculated moves secured her $10,000, the Gold Wahoo KICKR Bike and the crown in a dazzling display of skill and determination.

As the landscape faded into the ether, one thing remained clear: in the realm of esports, the Zwift Games and its competitors took things to a whole new level – Chapeau!

Watch the Race

Results

We’ll add links to final standings here once Zwift has finalized and published results.

For the second week in a row, the world’s best Zwifters lined up on the start line, this time for the Zwift Games Women’s Epic Race. On a brand new course specially built for the Zwift Games, the racers took on over 80 kilometres with over 800 metres of climbing. Two primes at the top of Titans Grove, with $1,000 on offer on top of the $7,000 for first place laid the foundations for action-filled racing. 

The first meaningful split came just over 20 minutes into the race, 1 kilometre from the first prime. Maria Holdcroft reached over 10 watts per kilo as she crossed the line first. Commentator Hannah Walker’s tongue in cheek comment “$1,000 in the pocket, thanks for coming”, ended up holding some truth as that was the last we saw of the rider in the front group.

There were a number of attacks over the next hour of racing. Emma Belforth and Kristen Kulchinsky tested their legs, and their competitors, but it would be late on in the race until the big names went head to head. 

UCI WorldTour Pros from Fenix-Deceuninck Carina Schrempf and Olha Kulynych featured in the front group but felt the increased pace as they dropped from the front group as the second prime approached. Kulchinsky, with her trademark out-of-the-saddle style, made winning the final prime look easy. 

As the riders hit the final ascent of the QOM the attritional race meant there were only just over 15 riders left in the lead group. 

Lou Bates attacked at over 9 w/kg as the climb reached its steepest gradients, Gabriela Guerra matched her pedal stroke for pedal stroke, Kulchinsky sat in third wheel refusing to be distanced by the lead two. With 500 metres to go, Fuhrer, resplendent in the Gold Leaders Jersey, riding the Gold Concept Z1, passed Kulchinsky, then Guerra, then dropped her featherweight powerup. Bates dropped hers in reply but couldn’t match her power. Fuhrer hit peak power just as she came out of Bates’ draft. Two wins from two from the Swiss rider. 

The question is, can she make it three?

Tune in next week for the Zwift Games Climb Championships and to find out who wins the Wahoo Overall Championships.

Watch the Race

Results

Zwift Games Elite Women’s Epic Championship Results

Zwift Games Wahoo Overall Championship Standings – Women

Zwift Games

This brand-new series organized by Zwift is bringing out the masses! Each stage includes women-only race events as well as mixed events. Get ready for some personal challenges as we navigate a mix of familiar and new courses! 

Keep your eyes on the other riders in your category because all of the women’s cats start together.  Get a strong start, settle into a comfortable pack position, and sit in until you arrive at key course features where you can pounce like a tiger (or maybe get dropped like yesterday’s news – and we’ve all been there)!  The game is on!

Read more about the Zwift Games at zwiftinsider.com/games

Iceni Women’s Series

The Iceni Women’s Series is back with some fun and dynamic courses!  We’ll be traveling to Makuri, Watopia, Yorkshire, and France over four action-packed weeks.  Are you challenging for points or hanging on for dear life?  Regardless, come join in the fun in the company of other women!  

Read more about the Iceni Women’s Series at https://zwiftinsider.com/iceni-womens-race-series-2024

3R Women’s Sunday Rollout (weekly group ride)

This women-only group ride is a fixture on the Zwift event calendar.  Every Sunday, join the 3R group leaders as they alternate between flat courses with some fun sprint segments (where the pack regroups after) and race recons of ZRL courses.  This fun and friendly ride is worth checking out!

See the upcoming Sunday Rollout ride on ZwiftHacks >

BL13 Women’s Race Series

This BL13 series has a really neat format where each week, we are treated to back-to-back tiny races.  Conservative riders might try to go easy on race one to feel strong for race two, and some might go hard in race one and hang on during race two, but who has the stamina to go hard on both?  Come join and find out!

Register at zwift.com/events/tag/bl13ladies

ZHCC Ladies Beginners/Recovery 1.5 (weekly group ride)

Join this 1-hour ride in the company of other women.  This group has a Discord channel that you can join if you wish to visit while you ride.

See upcoming ride on ZwiftHacks >

CKD Who Run the World League

Thursday evenings just got a little more exciting with this weekly race series put on by Copenhagen Virtual Cycling (CVC) and eCykle Klub Danmark (eCKD).  Week after week we’re treated to courses of varying lengths that suit riders of very different styles, and it’s ok if you have to miss a week or start late, as riders are able to drop a couple of races in the overall standings.

Read more at zwiftinsider.com/who-run-the-world-league

Chasing the Dream – March 8th

To wrap up this first week we have a women’s-only chase race to celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8). Race your way through Turf N Surf in Makuri with women in your category, and make sure to join the Discord voice channel to connect with your group and get helpful tips from the group Director Sportif. First category across the line wins, and all finishers will unlock their category’s race jersey!

Read more at zwiftinsider.com/chasing-the-dream/

Register at zwift.com/events/view/4173498

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

Special Events

Recurring Events

The following events recur weekly, and can be found easily using the Companion app’s women-only filter or by browsing events at www.zwift.com/events.

This International Women’s Day (March 8), join your fellow women Zwifters for a Chase race on Makuri’s Turf N Surf! See all the details below…

About the Chase Race

This is a unique racing format that rewards you for working together with women in your category. Often in Zwift racing you are trying to beat the racers of your speed on different teams, so this race style really asks a lot of women – to come together and work towards a common goal with women they are often trying to beat. This format is a fitting tribute to International Women’s Day – to celebrate the strength of the collective and show that racers are faster together than they are apart. Each category has an assigned captain who will lead the discussion on Discord (links to the channels are in the event details) and try to turn a churning mass into one with motivation, direction, and a common purpose.

Get Chase Race tips from this Zwift Insider post >

Category D will start out first, with a 4-minute headstart on the C’s. Category B starts just 2 minutes after the C category, and then Category A will start 3 minutes after that, 9 minutes after the D category. The first person in each category to finish wins the race for the category. For instance, if a B category woman crosses the line first, then a D rider, then an A rider, the B cat wins, D cat gets second, etc. Each category has an assigned jersey and will be outfitted as follows once you enter the starting pen:

• Category D – Zwift Academy 2020 Women’s jersey – starts on :00
• Category C – Women’s Week 2018 jersey – starts on :04
• Category B – Rapha Women’s Souplesse jersey – starts on :06
• Category A – Voxwomen Tour jersey – starts on :09

Note: Racers will unlock that jersey for their garage once the course is completed.

Details and Registration

• Details: Friday, March 8th at 11:00AM PST/2:00PM EST/7:00PM BST/8:00PM CET
• Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/4173498
• Route: Makuri Islands’ Turf N Surf
• Distance: 24.6km (15.3 m)
• Elevation: 195.8m (642’)

In-Person Gathering

In addition to the virtual racing, there will be a gathering of women racing in person at Molti Amici in Healdsburg, California, including a brand new D rider and two B riders, with local supporters enjoying an International Women’s Day cocktail and pizza.

We hope this is enough fun for both racers and spectators to warrant more of this type of competition, where non-racers can see the collaboration and effort needed to compete in races on Zwift!

Live Stream and Commentary

Livestream and commentary will be provided by Jillian Howland and Rhys Howell. Watch the live stream on Twitch at twitch.tv/rhysatcoalition.

Useful Links

Zwift Insider’s women’s site, which launched last month, hopes to be a place where women can come to experience a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. If you haven’t visited yet, check it out!

For more information on International Women’s Day, as well as its mission and goal, please see their site at internationalwomensday.com.

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

The world’s best Zwifters lined up alongside one another for another night of rapid cycling esports racing. Following the same format as Saturday’s action, three short races tested the athletes to their limits. Tactics, drama and raw power shone through as the long startlist was whittled down to 30 for the second race, and 10 for the final. The winner claims $7,000 and a Gold Concept Z1 bike, as well as 100 crucial points towards the Wahoo Overall Championships.

Race One

The longest of the races, two laps of the new Loop de Loop course started steadily, with an initial attack coming from Em Nyquist on the descent of Hilly QOM. With around 10 kilometres to go, after Nyquist had been brought back by Emma Belforth and Charlotte Colclough, the pair went clear at 7 watts per kilo and grew their lead to over 40 seconds. While Belforth was looking relatively comfortable, the effort was clear on Colclough’s rider cam. On the second ascent of the Hilly QOM Colclough cracked, and sat up to wait for the group. Belforth pushed on at a steady pace, maintaining a healthy distance between the chasing group all the way to the line. 

Race favourites Lou Bates, Vicki Whitelaw, Kathrin Fuhrer, Charlotte Colclough, Gabriela Guerra, Liz Van Houweling, Kristen Kulchinsky and Mika Söderström all made it through, however Olympic Esports Legend Lam Kong rolled in at 36 and didn’t progress. 

Race Two

Following a short break and the offer of respite for the riders, the top 30 set off on another new course, the Jurassic Coast route. 

Only a couple of kilometres into the race, Belforth struck again. The group looked at one another, letting the gap grow to 10 seconds in a few hundred metres. After an initial response from Kristin Kulchinsky that looked set to bring Belforth back, impetus faded and with half the race done, it was clear the peloton was, as commentator Nathan Guerra, “racing for nine places now.”

Similar to the previous night, the ridiculously fast finish favoured the sprinters with Zwift craft, and who held their nerve, with those who went early fading at the last. 

Söderström won the bunch sprint for second ahead of Ellexi Snover in third.

Race Three

The scene then was set for the final race, 15 kilometres in Glasgow Crit Circuit over five laps. 

Everyone was expecting Belforth to be well and truly beat from the first two races, but the Swedish MTB rider attacked early, once, twice, three times in the first lap. The result started to feel like an inevitability but the other riders dug deep and refused to let the elastic snap. After a quiet second lap the race became more animated on the third and fourth, with a rhythm setting in, Belforth attacking, Lou Bates and Kulchinsky responding. The 10 were all together on the final ascent of the Clyde Kicker, Belforth went one final time at just under 9 w/kg, pain etched on her face, but she couldn’t hold it. Bates came through as the riders turned onto the final straight with 200 metres to go and a number of riders on her shoulder. Söderström looked to be certain for the win until Fuhrer’s final surge, pipping her on the line along with van Houweling who claimed second.

Watch the Race

About CVC’s Ladies Team

Copenhagen Virtual Cycling (CVC) is a Danish cycling club training on Zwift together. The purpose of the club is to spread knowledge of and love of e-cycling and to create a community for Zwifters of all levels.

In the past six months, the club has grown considerably, recently gaining a women’s-only team: CVC Ladies. CVC Ladies train together each Thursday evening, primarily racing together. The team includes women of different ages and skill levels. 

CVC Ladies is a positive, women’s only community where the participants encourage each other and celebrate each other’s victories. Together with eCykle Klub Danmark (eCKD), CVC Ladies invites women all over the world to participate in the new Who Run The World League!

League Schedule

The league takes place on Thursday evenings at 6pm UTC (7pm CET/1pm EST/10am PST) in February and March and 5pm UTC (7pm CEST/1pm EDT/10am PDT) in April and May.

Categories and Series Rankings

The league consists of 15 races, with each race earning you points based on your finishing position. Understanding that many participants have busy everyday lives and other obligations, you “only” need to complete 10 out of the 15 races. Your best 10 race results will count toward your overall total.

The league consists of a mixture of routes to benefit different types of cyclists, and women at all levels are encouraged to participate. These are mass start events, so riders are not broken into categories.

Route Details

Currently, the initial nine races are available. The first race has concluded. Details for the final six races will be added soon.

Details and Registration

Read more about the league and see race results on the league’s website. To register, just sign up for upcoming events on zwift.com or in the Companion app.

See upcoming events at zwift.com/events/tag/cvc

Questions or Comments?

Share below!

About the Name

In case you don’t remember your Roman history, the Iceni tribe was ‘peacefully annexed’ by the Roman Empire at some point before 47 AD, though it was allowed some autonomy. When the King of the Iceni tribe died and Boudicca I became High Queen of Iceni, the Roman Empire saw her unfit to rule and invaded the region. Iceni then led a revolt against the Roman Empire and regained its independence, along with the independence of several other tribes.

This led to the subsequent formation of the Comhairle, an alliance of the British tribes. Iceni had a major say in Comhairle affairs and became an important center of trade, military, and leadership. A prime example of women pulling society together, right?

Categories and Registration

This series uses standard A-D women’s categories, and category enforcement will be used. Categories will start and race separately.

Sign up at zwift.com/events/tag/iceni

Schedule and Route Details

Each week features two different league times, which change slightly throughout the month due to daylight savings time. You will want to race the same league time each week if you are competing for the overall series win.

This year there are four distinct challenges over the month, with each week being a challenge in itself as riders look to maximize their series points.

Week 1 (March 5) 18:00 & 23:30 UTC

• Route: Sugar Cookie
• Length: 1 lap – 39km (24.3 miles)
• Power-ups: Aero, Anvil, Feather

This is one of the first major races on Sugar Cookie, a new route released by Zwift in October 2023, and the points in this race are tricky! The first sprint is FAL, but the second and third are FTS – so while the first sprint could encourage breakaways, the pack speed will be undeniably an advantage in the second and third sprints.  To finish it off, the fourth and final segment will be FAL followed by 15km more of racing for finish points, including a short, steep climb around 20 km.  Sprinters might have a chance to bag major FTS and FAL points, but will have a hard time with the 900 meter climb and furious racing after the segments are done. Prepare your strategies well for this one!

Intermediate Points :

• Stoneway Sprint: top 10 First Across the Line (FAL)
• Acropolis Sprint: top 10 Fastest Through Segment (FTS)
• Sasquatch Sprint: top 10 Fastest Through Segment (FTS)
• Woodland Sprint: top 10 First Across the Line (FAL)

Finishing Points: 75 – 1 points depending on your finishing position in your category.

Week 2 (March 12) 3 Mini races

Ready for some sprint-climb time? In this challenge, we’re adding a twist by featuring three short races for racers’ enjoyment. Be sure to choose bike equipment wisely, as drafting is disabled in the first two races.

• Race 1 (18:00 & 23:30 UTC) Tick Tock (custom length, 2.3 km/1.42 miles)
  Drafting disabled. Finish points only – fast, flat racing for those with the ability to produce the highest watts
• Race 2 (18:10 & 23:40 UTC) Bell Lap (4 laps – 7.9 km/4.9 miles)
  FTS points on each lap at the prime as well as finish points – racers will need to choose their strategy for this mini race carefully, as the segment points are fastest through, but the draft is still OFF for this race!
• Race 3 (18:35 & 24:05 UTC) Cobbled Climbs (1 lap, 9.5km/5.9 miles)
  Drafting enabled. Finish points and segment points: FAL for Libby Hill, followed by FTS for 23rd Street. This is tricky, because the longer Libby Hill climb is immediately followed by 23rd Street, but those off the front after Libby Hill won’t benefit from that gap when trying to compete for FTS within a km!

Finishing Points: 50 – 1 points depending on your finishing position in your category on each mini race.

Week 3 (March 19) 18:00 & 23:30 UTC

• Route: Royal Pump Room 8
• Length: 1 lap – 27.8 km (17.3 miles)
• Powerups: Anvil, Feather, Aero

We are off to Yorkshire for week 3 with 2 QOMs and one sprint segment in play. Again, racers will have to think about their strategy for this course, as only FTS is up for grabs on the first sprint (right out of the gates, where everyone will have fresh legs), and then the Yorkshire QOM and Yorkshire Reverse QOM come within 5km of each other.  Racers will likely target one or the other QOM. However, your strategy for this course might have to be dictated by the powerups that you get – with the anvil and the feather in the mix, each racer will have to adjust on the fly to get the most out of them. 

Intermediate  Points :

• Yorkshire Sprint Reverse: top 10 Fastest Through Segment (FTS)
• Yorkshire QOM: top 10 First Across the Line (FAL)
• Yorkshire QOM Reverse: top 10 Fastest Through Segment (FTS)

Finishing Points: 75 – 1 points depending on your finishing position in your category.

Week 4 (March 26) 18:00 & 23:30 UTC

• Route: Casse-Pattes
• Length: 1 lap – 23.9 km (14.9 miles)
• Powerups: Feather, Aero, Draft 

The last challenge of the series takes us to France, where riders, once again, will need to focus on their strategy to score the most points.  Two sprints and two QOM’s are in play, all in the back half of the race, with the first up being a FAL sprint! (Breakaway, anyone?) But if you miss the FAL points there, you’ll have a good chance at FTS only a few kms later on the Aqueduct with a bigger group.  So what will you go for?  FAL, or FTS? 

Intermediate Points:

• Pave Sprint Reverse: top 10 First Across the Line (FAL)
• Aqueduct QOM: top 10 Fastest Through Segment (FTS)
• Petit QOM: 75 – 1 points First Across the Line (FAL)
• Marina Sprint Reverse: top 10 Fastest Through Segment (FTS)

Finishing Points: 75 – 1 points depending on your finishing position in your category.

Final Results

The winner of the series is the rider who has accumulated the most points in their category, in their league. Each time slot has its own league.  

See overall ZwiftPower standings for Europe time slot >
See overall ZwiftPower standings for Americas time slot >

Sign up at zwift.com/events/tag/iceni

Watch Live Iceni Series Races

ZMS Esports Studio will be providing live stream commentary of the races each Tuesday. Watch them on YouTube or Facebook!

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

The Warrior Games has announced the fifth edition of Tour de Boudicca, a popular women’s stage race. Registration deadline is January 4, with stage 1 kicking off January 12th. See below for our summary of the event, and read the full race document for details.

About the Race

Stage 1: Friday January 12, 19:00 GMT/ 14:00 ET/ 11:00 PT/ 06+1 AUS

The Tour begins with a set of short races back to back. Make sure you set the best time for these three as this will go towards your Individual General Classification!

Note: an extra time slot has been set up for the Americas for this race only, starting at 7pm EST/4pm PST.

• Race 1 –  Watopia Hilly Route (custom 1.9km )
• Race 2 –  Champs-Elysees ( custom 6.5 km )
• Race 3 –  Innsbrucking (1 lap – 9km)

Stage 2: Saturday January 13, 19:00 GMT/ 14:00 ET/ 11:00 PT/ 06+1 AUS

• Sprint Race – Glasgow Crit Circuit (10 laps – 30.2km)
• Powerups: Aero, Feather, and Ghost

In this points race, team points are given for fastest through segment up The Clyde Kicker and first across the line for the Champion’s Sprint, with bonus points at the finish line.

Stage 3: Sunday January 14, 19:00 GMT/ 14:00 ET/ 11:00 PT/ 06+1 AUS

• Queen Stage – Legends and Lava (1 lap – 24.5km)
• Powerups: Aero, Draft, Burrito

Team points given for fastest through segment on Titans Grove Reverse and first across the line on Volcano QOM, with bonus points at the finish line.

Individual and Team Competitions

Individual GC winners will be awarded in each category based on each individual’s time across all three stages.

The Team GC will be based on points earned in stages 2 and 3 by the top three riders from each team. Team GC winners will be named for each category.

How to Enter

As explained in the race doc, “Interested, established teams must submit an entry form of team roster by 4th January 2024 to The Warrior Games at thewarriorgamesvirtual@gmail.com.”

Interested riders should read the full race document, which explains full entry requirements, including the Warrior Games weigh-in protocol.

Live Broadcast

ZMS Esport Studio has been streaming Zwift racing for years, but they’ve recently been added as an official Zwift vendor and asked to cover Tour de Boudicca as a full production broadcast.

ZMS will be covering all three stages of Tour de Boudicca, not including the Americas timeslot of stage 1. Broadcasts will include live rider data throughout, rider “pain cams”, and coverage of all four categories, with commentary by Emma Martin & Jillian Howland.

Watch the live stream on ZMS’ Facebook page, YouTube channel, and Twitch channel.

Questions or Comments?

Share below, or comment on The Warrior Games’ Facebook page or Insta profile.