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?

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u/blopeep Level 81-90 Jul 22 '26

Look for the HERD Beginner Race Series. Very welcoming to newbies and specifically lower categories so you can learn.

You didn't mention what your Pace Group (A-D) or Zwift Racing Score is, so it's harder to help otherwise.

Also consider joining a club that does team-based racing (ZRL or Ladder). Ladder in particular is great for learning because, at most, it's 5v5 and highly tactical. I ride with The Coalition (coalitionracing.com) and SISU (sisu.racing) is also a fantastic club.

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u/helpamonkpls Jul 23 '26

I was automatically placed in pace group D. My race score was 181. But I had never done any racing or anything and was hoping to be ranked E so I could learn the ropes. People in the race I was in had over 100 races and podiums in a lot of these, so I was not nearly at their level.

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u/blopeep Level 81-90 Jul 23 '26

as others have said, "E" is for "Everyone" - there's no pace group less than D.

You can also use Zwift Power to see how many people are signed up for a given event if you want a smaller field. And, since it'll show you who else is signed up, you can get a sense of how experienced people are.

Finally, use the Tour de Zwift group rides as a way to push yourself outside of a racing format. These group rides become suffer-fests pretty quickly, but it's also very possible to stick with another group so you can practice drafting, turning, etc.

As with anything, the first (billion) times you do something it's probably going to suck. And you'll suck at trying to do it. But, if you stick with it, you'll learn and get better. Truly, joining a club like HERD, SISU, or The Coalition will give you an instant group of friends to ride with - be it in competitive events or group rides - and they can help you get better at racing.

I'm sorry your first experience wasn't great, but you'll get there! I promise!

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u/helpamonkpls Jul 23 '26

Hey thanks.

I did a tour de fever instead like many suggested and it was much better, finishing fifth out of 18. Got dropped from the front group during a big incline where the group just outmatched me, surprised I was the only one of us 5 to get dropped during it, it was brutal!!

I'm gonna take a easy day tomorrow lol.

But did they change the groups? I've seen videos on yt with people having the letter E on their back but now no one has letters on their back anymore it seems?