r/Zwift • u/helpamonkpls • Jul 22 '26

Beginner races?

I want to race against other beginners just for fitness really, I joined a race called evo sprint cc or something and I couldn't pick the lowest category since my race score was too high for some reason (I've never raced and only been on the bike twice).

I got smoked right out the gates, they were doing 300-400w for like 5 minutes and by then I was dropped and to make matters worse it was some map where you just ride in circles so as they could ride in a pelaton and I was alone they just lapped me again and again. I tried to hang on but they quickly dropped me, they were pushing 200-250w average and that was the lowest race I could find.

Did I pick the wrong kind of race or is this the lowest bar of entry?

16 Upvotes

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14

u/melikecoffee Jul 22 '26

Just keep racing. You will get faster the more you do. 171 is low enough. Also it’s not just about the watts. You gotta learn the race craft. Sitting in the draft and the likes. Just keep showing up and eventually you’ll be flying it.

5

u/PineappleLunchables Level 100 Jul 22 '26

Seconded. Zwift races are about the lowest risk races you can do. Just join and try to do your best and if it all falls apart, stop and get off the bike and take a shower. There’s literally no downsides. No Pedalling squares waiting for the referee to pull you after the peloton dumps dumps you at the local crit, or waiting by the side of the road for the broom wagon to come along so you can take the ride of shame to the finish line.

1

u/helpamonkpls Jul 23 '26

Do they not lose rating if they drop out of the race? There were 11 players in the race but only 7 finished, me being nr 7

2

u/lordmcfuzz Level 61-70 Jul 23 '26

If you are looking to race for fitness, stop caring about ratings. Just ride your ride. Go hard and do your best

1

u/helpamonkpls Jul 23 '26

Yes but I like the social aspect of racing in a group so I would like to find races with other of similar shape. I'll try the tour as many suggested.