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ZwiftcastEp 215: Zwift Community Live and the latest Zwift updatesThis April saw the launch of Zwift Community Live. This epic four-day event brought together the Zwift community in Mallorca to connect fellow Zwifters, ambassadors, community leaders, special guests, and passionate riders from around the globe.
Dave Towle joins Rebecca Charlton to talk about the inaugural edition, as well as bringing us interviews with a number of Zwift community members who were in attendance including Sir Mark Cavendish.
Plus we discuss all the latest news, including Zwift outdoors, new roads in France, and much more!
Ride on!
2025-04-1551 minZwiftcastEp 214: A Zwift Academy special featuring Matt Stephens, plus winners Emily Dixon and Noah RamsayCo-hosts Rebecca Charlton and Dave Towle are back to explore the result of this year’s Zwift Academy finals.
Friend of Zwift, ex-pro and the ever-entertaining Matt Stephens drops in for a chat about his role in the process and his impressions of the finals for 2025.
Emily Dixon discusses the moment she won as a 17-year-old and her gratitude for what’s coming next.
Noah Ramsay discusses his fascinating background, giving us the scoop on his journey into the peloton.
And finally, Dave is off to Zwift Community Live to rub shou...2025-04-0151 minZwiftcastEp 212: Zwiftcast Women’s History Month Special 1 of 2: Featuring the Wheeltalk Podcast mums, plus Watch the Femmes, Zwift Games and Spin to WinIn March, Zwiftcast will spotlight incredible women’s stories. Hosted by Rebecca Charlton, Dave Towle and Kate Veronneau, each episode dives into powerful stories and inspiring missions. Complete any Zwiftcast ride to unlock the exclusive Watch the Femmes headphones and show your support.
In this first of two special episodes in celebration of Women’s History Month the crew bring you all the latest news, including the return of Zwift Games this month and look forward to Paris Roubaix Femmes Avec Zwift and the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2025. Plus, the Wheeltalk Podcast hosts pop in to t...2025-03-0459 minZwiftcastEp 208: Happy New Year from the Zwiftcast - Tour de Zwift, Prediction games and community favourite Cat Allen drops inThe Zwiftcast team are back to wish you a Happy New Year with co-hosts Rebecca Charlton and Dave Towle, joined by a host of special guests.
Eric Schlange joins for the whole episode to bring us up to speed on everything we need to know in the world of Zwift, plus discuss new year’s resolutions and why he loves them.
The incredible community member that is Cat Allen pops in for a chat about being the first woman to hit and exceed 300 thousand KM on Zwift and it’s an incredibly inspiring chat.
Plu...2025-03-041h 01ZwiftcastEp 211: TrainerRoad integration is here, Zwift Academy returns & we meet the Older Women in Lycra!Zwiftcast co-hosts Rebecca Charlton and Dave Towle are back together to bring you the latest fortnightly episode with news and updates galore, including the much anticipated TrainerRoad integration, news of Sir Chris Hoy's launch of Tour de 4 and the eagerly anticipated return of Zwift Academy!
Director of Product Management at Zwift, Nick Kalkounis, chats to Rebecca and Dave about that TrainerRoad news, and Nathan, Shane and Eric join the crew to discuss all things topical on Zwift, including the Peak Zwift result.
Dave also meets community inspirer Elaine Montoya to learn about the OWLs, the...2025-02-181h 21ZwiftcastEp 210: Ashton Lambie's incredible life-stories, Zwift Community Live chat and community member Joe Baxter talks Zwift and his traumatic recovery from a brain tumourPrepare to be truly inspired by this episode as the man known for perhaps the greatest moustache in the cycling world, Ashton Lambie has a brilliantly candid chat with co-host Dave Towle about the many wonderful strings to his bow, being married to an astronaut and plenty more intriguing facts along the way.
Dave chats Zwift Community Live with Eric, Nathan and Shane, and community member Joe Baxter drops in to talk about the moment he was told he had a brain tumour and how he coped from then until now, supported by the world of Zwift...2025-02-0446 minZwiftcastEp 207: A Christmas edition of The Zwiftcast…plus Shane, Nathan and Eric are back!A Christmas edition of the ZwiftCast with Olympic Gold Medallist Dani Rowe MBE…plus Shane, Nathan & Eric are back!
The ZwiftCast is back for a festive Christmas Eve special with its new regular hosts, British cycling broadcaster Rebecca Charlton and American cycling announcer Dave Towle.
The duo dive into Zwift’s recent decision to pause the Zwift World Series with returning experts Shane Miller, Eric Schlange and Nathan Guerra, as well as Zwift’s changes to the event calendar - removing a large number of events - and why this might be a good thing.
O...2024-12-241h 07ZwiftcastEp 206: A new cast for the ZwiftCast and interview with Eric Min and Matt StephensAfter a brief hiatus, the Zwiftcast is back with British broadcaster, Zwifter and life-long cyclist Rebecca Charlton joining American cycling favourite, commentator and announcer Dave Towle as your new co-hosts.
In this episode, they chat with Zwift's CEO and Co-Founder, Eric Min, to discuss Zwift's 10th anniversary, Eric Schlange of Zwift Insider joins to bring the team up to speed on what they may have missed over the past couple of months, and finally, Rebecca catches up with a friend of Zwift, ex-pro and all-round cycling legend, Matt Stephens.
Join the new cast to hear h...2024-12-101h 01ZwiftcastEpisode 205: This Season On Zwift Special - Shiny New ThingsIn what has now become a tradition, Zwift HQ today revealed a bagful of new features, both in hardware and software, coming down the track as the Northern Hemisphere Peak Season ramps up.
The Zwiftcasters run through the shiny new things - some of which are being implemented immediately and some which will be scattered before Zwifters hopefully before there’s snow on the ground.
There are a number of real crowd-pleasers, including a revamped HUD and new roads in Watopia, but there’s more - it’s quite a packed programm...2024-09-0444 minZwiftcastEp 204: The "Simon Switch" + thrills on the Alpe + all the Zwifty NewsAfter the most thrilling finish to a Grand Tour for many years, perhaps ever, Simon and the Zwiftcasters assess the effect Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is likely to have on the sport in the future. In one of their favourite metrics - bums on saddles - already huge progress is being made. But what more needs to be done? The Zwiftcast’s man on the ground Dave Towle files a personal report and we discuss the Tour and its aftermath.
One of the longest running inside gags on the podcast - Simon’s non-ownership of a...2024-08-301h 00ZwiftcastEp 203: The XP Row, Amazing Stats on Zwifters' Levels and the Women's Tour avec ZwiftThis episode kicks of with a sequence looking at the community reaction to HQ’s latest changes to the XP system and, in turn, Zwifters’ levels. It’s fair to say the latest changes were not universally welcomed, and Simon, Shane and Eric pick apart the reasons. HQ acknowledged that the changes were not well signalled and HQ’s head of product Mark Cote explains what happened.
Even the most casual cycling fan must be aware that Women’s Cycling is on the up - fresh, exciting and growing fast. Simon talks to HQ’s Kate Veronneau about the ab...2024-07-2658 minZwiftcastEpisode 202: Zwifting just got cheaper . . . .hardware prices plunge amid fierce trainer price battleThe Zwiftcast hosts discuss the really significant implications of what looks very much like a price war on trainers as Australian manufacturer Jet Black unveils a gob-smackingly good value - and fully featured - trainer at Eurobike.
Simon chats to Shane and Eric about the consequences, with the Zwiftcasters pausing to take a humorous side-swipe or two at the extraordinary offering from Elite, bucking both pricing trends and design conventions.
Simon also catches up with Dave and Nathan for an extended and joyful conversation about Mark Cavendish’s incredible win at Le Tour. Mark, a gr...2024-07-121h 03ZwiftcastEpisode 201:The Zwiftcast Is Back! What Did We Miss?After a very long coffee stop, the Zwiftcast returns to resume the familiar mix of Zwifty chat and gossip. Simon, Shane and Nathan are joined by friend of the pod, Eric Schlange of Zwift Insider and special guest Dave Towle.
Quite a lot happened in Watopia and the wider Zwift world over the last two years or so. Simon picks out the big stuff and we put those through the Zwiftcast grinder.
There's a great chat with Olympian cyclist and now highly rated coach, Kristan Armstrong on how to get the best out of the...2024-06-281h 14ZwiftcastThe Final Zwiftcast: Zwift Vs Wahoo+all the Zwifty news and chatSimon, Shane and Nathan are together for the final time as the sun sets on the Zwiftcast. And they ask: Is Zwift’s Age of Dominance over?
Wahoo surprised the whole indoor training sector with the bombshell announcement that it was buying RGT, for some time the only like-for-like competitor with Zwift.
The Zwiftcasters consider several aspects of the deal . . . . will it spur the big Zee to greater urgency in its development of new features? What might it mean for the rumoured TrainerRoad deal? Could Wahoo’s undoubted power and expertise pose a serious threat to Z...2022-04-281h 33ZwiftcastEp 104: We go big on everything Zwifty - it’s Zwiftcast XLWell, that was a hot mess, wasn’t it? Simon, Shane and Nathan chew over the whole #freeLuciano debacle as a packed episode 104 hits your podcatchers.
In the longest Zwiftcast ever, the trio also take assess the likely importance to the platform of Club Functionality, now it’s available to all Zwifters. Simon interviews Eddie from HQ, who we christen the King of Clubs.
Zwift is coming under pressure on disabled and differently-abled athletes as Zwifter Andy Shuttleworth starts a campaign to highlight the lack of representation in game. There’s news from inside HQ of wha...2022-02-281h 46ZwiftcastEp 103: It’s all about the new things! Zwift Bike, Home Screen, Clubs and maybe Peak Zwift?In a packed and busy episode, the emphasis for the Zwiftcasters in the New Year is very much on new things.
Will we hit a new Peak Zwift, beating last year’s over 49,000 concurrent riders? Simon, Shane and Nathan enter their guesses.
The new Zwift Bike was announced, well leaked, by Zwift in a strange way over the holidays. The Zwiftcasters discuss this, but more importantly, the features we now know about. They are excited.
There is a new Home Screen coming to Zwift, but contain your excitement because it’s a slow roll...2022-01-131h 32ZwiftcastEpisode 102: Neokyo - The Verdict, plus all the Zwifty news and gossipWith many Zwifters now having had the chance to ride Neokyo, it’s time for Simon, Shane and Nathan to deliver their verdict. They’re joined by veteran Zwifter Sarah LaRocque and Zwift Insider chief bidon washer Eric Schlange, and all contributors have plenty to say about the new extension.
He Must Not Be Named now has a regular ride on Zwift. L****e Arm****ng remains a highly polarising figure, but the Zwiftcasters debate whether it’s right now, after the passage of much time, to welcome him onto the platform.
How long will YOUR ex...2021-11-251h 26ZwiftcastEpisode 101: Shiny New Things!Simon, Shane and Nathan discuss the big new idea from Zwift . . . .This Season on Zwift offers Zwifters a taster of what’s coming up in the coming weeks and months. This is a big change of direction from HQ, which has previously kept future plans close to its chest.
We now know we are getting a neon-fest of an extension to Makuri Islands. We know that there’ll be a new way to interact with the game with a much improved Home Screen. And we now know that Clubs is due to get a big jolt of new f...2021-10-201h 18ZwiftcastEp 98: A Conversation with Zwift's Chief Product Officer - the man with the planWelcome to this Zwiftcast Special Episode, an extended interview with the company’s first Chief Product Officer.
YuChiang Cheng, known to all as YC, was appointed in January and the move was hailed as “critically important” by Zwift’s CEO, Eric Min.
YC was put in charge of what seemed like almost everything . . . .from game design and art, engineering, research and development through content programming and live operations, plus a bit more.
It was clear that YC, whose background includes the development of the 28 million-player World Tour Golf game, was going to be hugely i...2021-07-0157 minZwiftcastEpisode 97: Yumezi - was it worth the wait? The community verdictWell, was it worth the wait? Yumezi has landed - the first new map, and the first new world in Zwift , for quite some time. Eagerly-awaited, much-delayed but now finally here, what does the community make of the new Tarmac with a strongly Eastern flavour?
The Zwiftcast abandons its usual format for a special episode soliciting opinion on probably the most beautiful world yet to be released by Zwift.
Simon, Shane and Eric Schlange from the Zwift Insider have their say, but perhaps more importantly the Zwiftcast flies around the world to hear from prominent...2021-05-2543 minZwiftcastEpisode 96: Zwift Re-thinks Height/Weight Call; Zwift Hub Rescue and Zwifting in JailSimon, Shane and Nathan round up all the latest from Zwift. The podcasters look at what they believe to be a big first: Zwift has changed its mind over a plan to hide riders’ weight and height after an outcry from the racing community.
Amidst other signs that Zwift may be extending its plans to consult the community on some planned changes, the Zwiftcasters discuss the significance of the decision as well as the thinking behind the initial plans.
After a round up of the Zwift news, including an easy way to ride without the He...2021-04-281h 12ZwiftcastEp 95: Return to Home at last; Blob Behaviour and all the Zwifty news and chatWe’ve wanted it since Jarvis. And now it’s here. The Zwift universe celebrated this week as HQ finally delivered the ability to do a second or subsequent session - without exiting the game.
Simon, Shane, Nathan and, as it’s a red letter day, special guest Eric Schlange, discuss the advent of the most requested feature of all time.
Senior games guy Wes Salmon is on the Zwiftcast too - to discuss another sizeable development in the game this week - the tweaking of our virtual pelotons. The changes to pack dynamics, or blob b...2021-03-191h 17ZwiftcastEp 94: Let's talk, say Zwift. Strava shake it up (again) and all the Zwifty news and chatSimon, Shane and Nathan reconvene to consider the state of the Zwift nation. Once the pressing matter of “leg posts” is dealt with, the podcasters move on to discuss the content of Simon’s interview with Zwift’s new hire Mark Cote, the company’s director of programming and content. One of the many strands of Mark’s expansive new role, which he explains in some detail, is to improve the communications between community and company, a move that the Zwiftcasters believe will be welcome.
There’s been yet another Strava shake-up on Watopia and the other Zwift worlds wi...2021-02-111h 24ZwiftcastEp 93: Peak Zwift, Coco is Cara! Zwift Power + all the Zwifty chatA new episode for a New Year - and 2021 has dawned with, as usual, lots of Zwift news and developments for the Zwiftcasters to discuss.The trio start off with an exploration of the possible reasons why Simon’s very favourite pacer bot may have had an identity change. Coco is now Cara! But why? Simon has a theory.
The podcasters move on to discuss the big new Peak Zwift - with more than 46,000 users on the platform concurrently the growth of Zwift over the past year can now be quantified, using this public metric. Up from a...2021-01-141h 24ZwiftcastEp 92: Where is Zwift going this winter? Plus the Worlds and what Coco said nextSimon, Shane and Nathan link up for another chat about all matters Zwift. And this episode the Zwiftcasters are preoccupied with one question: Where Is Zwift Going This Winter?
They attempt to answer the question by examining the most recent information given out by Zwift CEO Eric Min who gave an interview to Bloomberg and revealed a few snippets during his Thanksgiving Day Ride. The Zwiftcast trio try to assemble the pieces of the jigsaw to see if they can come up with a big picture - but they freely admit, there might be some missing pieces...2020-12-101h 32ZwiftcastEpisode 90: Zwift CEO Eric Min discusses 2020 and Zwift's new thinkingZwift CEO Eric Min guests on the Zwiftcast on Episode 90 to discuss some of the big changes that 2020 has brought to the platform.
In an interview which is focused on this tumultuous year and on the consequences of the big new fund raise, Eric explains some company thinking.
A flood of new users as the pandemic hit has caused Zwift to accelerate its plans to simplify the platform for new users. Simon grills Eric on what the consequences of this policy may be for existing users.
Eric also discusses the decision to place...2020-10-061h 28ZwiftcastEp 88: La Belle France and the Tour virtuel + all the Zwifty chatLa belle France est arrivee! Simon, Shane and Nathan celebrate the arrival of brand new roads in Zwift.
The inaugural Tour de France Virtuel, itself a landmark in the history of the platform, has co-incided with lots of new Tarmac - always a good moment for Zwifters.
The Zwiftcasters pick out their favourite bits as well as giving their overall impressions of the new roads to ride.
We have an interview with Zwift marketing grand fromage, James La Londe to get some insight into the importance of the vTDF and later in the e...2020-07-131h 20ZwiftcastEpisode 87: New Roads to Ride? TdF on Zwift and all the Zwifty chatCould we be about to get a series of new roads to ride? Simon, Shane and Nathan assess the impact on Zwifters of the (as yet officially unconfirmed) news that Zwift is to stage a virtual version of Le Tour de France, complete with the IRL planned start and finish stages in Nice and Paris.
Perhaps more excitingly, there is speculation that the talk of a “marquee climb” may be a new TdF climb, rather than the existing recreation of L’Alpe D’Huez.
If so - and it’s still an “if”, which one might it be...2020-06-181h 04ZwiftcastEpisode 85: Zwift beyond the crisis; Private MeetUps and Boost Mode plus all the Zwifty chatSimon, Shane and Natahn return for more chat on the latest in Zwift.
This epsiode, Steve Beckett, Zwift's Chief Marketing Officer, is a special guest, with lots to say on Zwift during and beyond the crisis, plus thoughts on Family Subs, Club Functionality and community racing.
The podcasters range across the new Boost Mode in game; how Private MeetUps could be revolutionary and the current Tour For All.
There's also an interview with Guy Voisin, the head of cycling at Eurosport on what changes he'd like to see in game to make racing a...2020-05-061h 13ZwiftcastEpisode 84: Celebrating the Zwift CommunityA special episode featuring the very best of the Zwift Community in these lockdown times.
Simon talks to BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin about the overwhelming response to her charity ride on behalf of the NHS. Louise tackled an imperial century - in the company of more than 1,500 other Zwifters.
Simon also chats to Jason Dyck, the Canadian coach who organised what’s thought to be the first ever group ride for para-cyclists on Zwift. It was a resounding success and will now become a weekly fixture.
And finally Simon gets to know a...2020-04-2823 minZwiftcastEp 83: Pro Riders on Zwift, the good and bad; Monica is the Route Hero and the Pants Podium!Simon, Shane and Nathan reconvene for Episode 83 - and to celebrate a minor victory; the return of the famous First Attempt Very Intens Strava segment on Zwift. Simon has a little insight into how it happened.
Lionel Birnie, one of the co-hosts of the popular Cycling Podcast joins Simon for a chat about the recently updated Meetups in the game and to discuss what the prospects may be for a return of IRL bike racing this year.
The Zwiftcasters spend a few minutes riffing on the behaviour of pro riders in Group Rides on Zwift...2020-04-2258 minZwiftcastEpisode 82: Anti Sandbagging "catches' the boss! The Ineos Weekend and Cops called to Zwifter!Simon, Shane and Nathan are back with another of the weekly round-ups of all matters Zwifty
The podcasters kick off with a brief discussion on the Ineos Weekend - and the loss of the legendary First Attempt-Very Intens Strava segment, thanks to the ride logging app’s clean-up.
Owen Newbury talks about his awesome scheme to project Zwift on the side of his house, then the chaps have a light hearted discussion on whether Zwift CEO was “caught” sandbagging before Zwift Insider’s Eric Schlange gives his reaction to the early tests of the measures.
T...2020-04-151h 02ZwiftcastEpisode 81: Is this the Solution to Sandbagging? Plus all the Zwifty chatAnother week - another Zwiftcast. Simon, Shane and Nathan unite to discuss the boom times on Zwift as the platform provides welcome relief from the burden of the virus.
The headline feature on this episode is the long-awaited Solution to Sandbagging. This is a short term fix which Zwift hopes to implement within days (for testing) and weeks (for a full roll out)
The approach sees four types of warnings/sanctions applied to Sandbaggers . . . listen to a full explanation of the system from senior game guy Jordan Rapp.
The Zwiftcasters move on to...2020-04-081h 26ZwiftcastEpisode 80: The Fence is Back, Clubs Launches and Tour de QuarantineSimon, Shane and Nathan are back with the second of the new cycle of weekly Zwiftcasts - and there sure is a lot to talk about.
Special guest Wes Salmon from HQ appears twice to give us a ton of detail on both the return of The Fence and why it went wrong, plus the thinking behind the limited launch of the much-awaited Clubs feature.
We also have another honoured guest, Brad Sohner, the genius behind the funny and uplifting Tour de Quarantine, which now has a Zwifter in the mix.
Elsewhere the...2020-04-011h 20ZwiftcastEpisode 79: Crazy numbers on Zwift; will there be a trainer shortage and changes at HQIn a worried world, Simon, Shane and Nathan try to look at the positives whilst recognising some of the serious matters facing Zwifters.
Episode 79 marks the first of the weekly episodes during the virus crisis.
Simon kicks off with a Zwiftcast plea to HQ- let’s turn the Unemployed Badge into a Work From Home Badge . . . it just seems kinda better right now.
The podcasters move on to discuss the remarkable figures in the game as new Zwifters pour onto the platform in huge numbers. Simon is confident of victory in the Zwiftcast’s Pea...2020-03-251h 08ZwiftcastEpisode 78: Peak Zwift Revisited, Community Reaction to the Virus + Operation CofidisThe Zwiftcasters are working from home! But then we always do :) Simon, Shane and Nathan are back together to discuss how the extraordinary events of the past weeks have been impacting them personally, the sport they love - and the cycling game that is providing both escape from, and therapy for, a troubled world.
That doesn’t mean we are ignoring the virus - that’s impossible. And we hope Listeners understand that we can’t not talk about what everyone is talking about.
In the light of the huge surge of Zwifters onto the platfo...2020-03-191h 23ZwiftcastEpisode 77: Richmond refreshed, Ella wins big and the Minterview verdictSimon, Shane and Nathan convene for another hour-plus of Zwift chat.
The podcasters begin with their reaction to the big refresh for the Richmond course and conclude that it’s a huge improvement.
Throughout this episode Simon, Shane and Nathan discuss the biggest and most significant aspects of last episode’s interview with Zwift CEO, Eric Min. Amongst the subjects forensically analysed and discussed are the pace of development on the platform; Eric’s unusual comment about “digital destinations” and the state of play with trainer manufacturers’ innovation.
Simon also chats to Ella Harris, the N...2020-03-051h 16
ZwiftcastEp 76: The Minterview . . . Zwift CEO and Simon in conversationSimon sits down with Zwift CEO Eric Min for the now traditional “ask me anything” annual interview, covering a huge range of topics from the health of the company to, yes, the possibility of a velodrome. The conversation provides deep context and background on why some things happen, and why others don’t . . . . plus quite a bit on the pace at which things happen, or don’t, on the platform.
We hope you listen to the whole of the interview, but if there’s one subject in which you are particularly interested, maybe you’d like to skip to that...2020-02-061h 20ZwiftcastEpisode 75: Peak Zwift (or is it?) Tour de Zwift and all the Zwifty ChatThe Zwiftcasters welcome in 2020 with the first episode of the new decade - and kick straight off with a discussion of what’s become a landmark in the Zwift calendar - Peak Zwift.
You can hear which one of the Zwiftcasters, along with special guest guessers, got it right.
The podcasters go on to discuss whether the second January in Tuesday really will be Peak Zwift this year. The game has a few initiatives upcoming which may see the current record broken. Stay tuned.
Is the update which restored climbing cadence on Zwift fro...2020-01-1659 minZwiftcastEpisode 74: Crit City + review of 2019 and hopes for 2020Simon, Shane and Nathan convene for the final Zwiftcast of 2019 in both reflective and expectant mood. There’s plenty of looking back on what brought the podcasters Zwift joy in 2019 and a little on what they’d like to see for 2020.
There’s also reaction to Zwift’s pre-Christmas present of a new map - it’s short, but it’s fun. Crit City looks designed to appeal to the e-Sport crowd but should also please anyone who races on Zwift. The Zwiftcasters give their initial verdict and speculate on what they’d like to see added.
We hope...2019-12-201h 06ZwiftcastEpisode 73: The One for RunnersThis is a special episode of the Zwiftcast, dedicated to those who run on the platform. Some of you might ride too, but the focus here is wholly on running.
Mike McCarthy is one of the original Zwift execs who was a very early hire to the company when it was first set up.
Known as talented and successful cyclist, at Zwift Mike concentrated on a senior Business Development role, but recently he has been made VP of Running.
It’s fair to say Running has got off to a slow start on Zw...2019-12-1330 minZwiftcastEpisode 72: Special from DC Rainmaker's Pain Cave in AmsterdamSimon, Shane and special guest co-host Ray Maker, also known as D C Rainmaker, are together in person in Amsterdam to discuss all the latest Zwiftiness.
The three podcasters are gathered for Ray’s annual Winter Open House event where sports tech geeks get together over a few beers to discuss what’s hot and have fun.
Simon spends some time amongst this well-informed and enthusiastic crowd asking two questions: What’s Zwift doing well and where could it improve?
Elsewhere in this episode there’s a nice long chat with The Girl, Ray’s li...2019-12-021h 26ZwiftcastEpisode 71: Rumble in the Jungle, Whither the Rivals and all the latest Zwifty chatSimon, Shane and Nathan reconvene to discuss and analyse all the latest Zwift news and chat.
The podcasters get things going with a new take on the age old Kickr vs Neo debate, updated to the KickrBike vs NeoBike dilemma. If you have 3k plus to spend on a smart bike this will be of interest to you . . . . .Shane is one of the very few people in the world with saddle time on both, so what’s his verdict?
The Zwiftcasters move on to consider the demise of VirtuoGo, one of the rivals to Zwift. It...2019-10-311h 13ZwiftcastEpisode 70: The Jeffers controversy, MTB hits Zwift and art for Zwift's sakeThe 2019/20 indoor seasons has started with a bang, or should that be a ban? The Zwift community has been convulsed by Jeffers-gate, the fining, banning and stripping of the first officially-sanctioned national e-championship from Zwifter Cameron Jeffers by British Cycling.
Jeffers’s account was shown to have gained a Tron bike with the use of an ANT+ emulator . . . .and the news of the ban has polarised opinion. As the dust settles on a huge row for Zwift and e-sports, a row which has garnered international attention, Simon, Shane and Nathan give their positions and debate what it mea...2019-10-081h 00ZwiftcastEpisode 69 - ESports unleashed:The biggest development on Zwift since the platform launched almost five years agoSimon, Shane and Nathan analyse what is the biggest development for Zwift since the platform launched almost five years ago - the reveal of the strategy for making eSports a reality.
The partnership with the UCI, unveiled at the World Championships, grabbed the headlines, but the fascination is in the detail. And the detail is on the Zwiftcast. Simon conducts a lengthy and searching interview with Zwift’s CEO of eSport, Craig Edmondson and the three Zwiftcasters subject his answers to scrutiny and analysis. It would be wrong to think that this development only affects racers on Zw...2019-09-301h 25ZwiftcastEpisode 68: Yorkshire launches, steering is coming and Eurobike wrap upSimon, Shane and Nathan discuss the latest in a busy year of course launches for Zwift as the Yorkshire UCI Worlds circuit lands in game.
This is personal for Simon, with Harrogate being his home-town, making him well placed to assess how well Zwift developers have replicated a place he knows well. The verdict: Good job Zwift! Shane and Nathan lend a little objectivity to the discussion.
The podcasters also discuss a huge development for the game - the imminent launch of not only steering but also an MTB course.
There's a quick w...2019-09-0958 minZwiftcastEpisode 67: The latest tech for Zwifters from EurobikeThe smart bike revolution has finally arrived. Wahoo, Tacx and Stages all debut their all-in-one solution to indoor cycling. And in so doing, they lift the price tag of smart training. Are these good value, given you don't need a bike? Will they make indoor cycling more attractive to more people? Are they the game-changer long predicted as such by Zwift CEO Eric Min? Simon, Shane and Zwift Insider editor Eric Schlange try to provide some answers.
Zwift also announce the launch of FutureWorks, a test bed for new game features, with steering the first innovation to...2019-09-051h 16ZwiftcastEp 66: Zwift and Le Tour, an extension and a new course, The Fence reviewed and moreSimon, Shane and Nathan are back together for the first time in a few weeks to discuss all matters Zwift . . . with a departure or two towards a bike race in France.
Zwift and the Tour in fact coincide, with the platform launching a global advertising and sponsorship campaign around the TdF. The podcasters discuss the implications and hear from Zwift exec Laurent Jannau as to whether it’s working, and why Zwift decided to invest so heavily.
Ride leader Tim Searle has a review of The Fence, now that it’s been in operation for a fe...2019-07-251h 15ZwiftcastEp 65: A conversation with Zwift creator Jon MayfieldIn this wide ranging interview, Zwift creator Jon Mayfield makes a number of interesting revelations. Did you know Zwift is full of hidden features, yet to be activated? Which driving game does Jon feel has close parallels with Zwift? When is rowing coming? Will Zwift Run succeed? Are we going to see wholesale changes to Zwift's UI?
All these questions, and a good many more, are answered in this episode. I hope you enjoy listening.
2019-06-281h 10ZwiftcastEpisode 64: New course surprise, the elusive Road Runner and the streaming "controversy"This episode is a four-hander - with Greg Leo joining Simon, Shane and Nathan to discuss all the latest Zwiftiness.
The changed line-up was more by accident than design after Simon managed to incur a self-inflicted travel disaster on his plans to head for ZHQ . . .
But as ever, there’s plenty to discuss and geographical boundaries have never held back the Zwiftcasters.
The foursome kick off by discussing what to most, if not all, Zwifters was a bit of a surprise - the new Giro d'Italia Prologue TT course. Pacing strategies can work wel...2019-05-2357 minZwiftcastEpisode 62: Is this farewell to flyers? Should we call it "The Blob"? And all the latest Zwifty news and chatSimon, Shane and Nathan convene to discuss all the latest on Zwift.
Shane and Nathan give us a readout on the mood music coming from the big Zwift Week staff convention in Long Beach and the Zwiftcasters then move on to discuss the eagerly-awaited new feature for Group Rides, which is being called The Fence. Is this farewell to flyers?
Next the podcasters move on to discuss the usefulness, or otherwise, of videos posted on YouTube giving encyclopaedic guides to how to cheat on Zwift. A cheats’ charter, or a useful contribution to the discussion ar...2019-03-2853 minZwiftcastEpisode 60 – World Switching, Big Money, Pro Racing, Peak Zwift . . . and plenty more. It’s a long oneThe Zwiftcasters are back after something of a break – and Simon explains the reasons for that – with a monster episode covering all the latest from the ever busy world of Zwift.
This one kicks off with a look at Peak Zwift for the 2018/19 season. Which of the Zwiftcast trio backed the right horse on the highest number of concurrent users?
Then it’s swiftly on to World Swap, via Shane’s battles with a rival mega corp, the President of Wahoo’s eyebrows and a full tech round-up. Zwift history was made with the launch of the fir...2019-01-311h 25ZwiftcastEpisode 59 - KISS Super League, Zwift's new best friends and all the new stuff in game and on CompanionA bumper end of year Zwiftcast, not full of “Best Of” or “Year in Review” material as is traditional elsewhere – but jam-packed with lots and lots and lots of Shiny New Things.
Simon, Shane and Nathan discuss the flood of new features in the game, in Zwift Companion and, not least, in the real world.
Zwift has announced the formation of a Super League Race Series, featuring professional cycling teams. In partnership with respected race organisers, KISS, the League will feature men, women’s and perhaps most importantly Zwifters competing on the platform, all under the official...2018-12-141h 15ZwiftcastEpisode 58 - A Conversation with Zwift CEO Eric MinThis episode is devoted to an in-depth and wide-ranging conversation with Zwift CEO, Eric Min. Simon and Eric discuss a large number of issues of great interest to Zwifters, ranging from Eric’s management style, through the debate around an annual membership fee and even plans for a Zwift Convention. Eric has news about the immediate future pricing of Zwift and talks about why he’d like things to happen faster in Zwift – along with the reasons why they don’t. We discuss rivals to Zwift, siren voices in the community and whether Zwift Run is working. And that’s just a f...2018-11-261h 13ZwiftcastEpisode 57 - New Roads, World Switching, the Rivals and the Double DraftSimon, Shane and Nathan convene again for another hour of chat on all matters Zwifty.
The trio begin by getting the full story of Shane’s YouTube ban – and how it affected him, before moving on to discuss another new extension to Watopia. “Mostly flat”, we’re told. The Zwiftcasters hope that really means rolling terrain.
And it’s definitely coming – world switching. We discuss whether Jon Mayfield’s solution is an elegant and clever thing, or a bit less than what Zwifters wanted.
Quite a lot is changing in the way Zwift could work, and...2018-11-161h 07ZwiftcastEpisode 56 - NewYork, New York and more:Marvellous Marge, Rachael's battle and esportThis episode is dominated, as you may expect, with analysis and chat of the new world in Zwift: New York City. Simon, Shane and Nathan talk about the first “future-world” ever released by Zwift, ranging across the quality of the artwork, the number of intersections and what it may tell us about game development. The Zwiftcasters have plenty to say, some of it, possibly a little controversial.
But there’s room for more in Episode 56 – with hints about what may be to come in this important period for the company and indoor cyclists. With the number of worlds o...2018-10-191h 05ZwiftcastEpisode 55 - Trainer talk, the new baby named for Zwift, essential Zwift extras and Eight Days of InnsbruckSimon, Shane and Nathan chew the fat on the latest happenings in Zwift. . . . with some speculation on where the platform may be heading this indoor season in terms of numbers of riders and runners.
Shane reports back on his trip to HQ and to the other big bike show of the year, Interbike.
The Zwiftcasters spend a few minutes discussing trainers – as it’s that time of year again, when many Zwifters may be considering a purchase or an upgrade. Simon talks to the CEO of Stac, a Canadian company launching an innovative “no contact” resistan...2018-10-011h 01ZwiftcastEpisode 54 - New York is coming . . .soon. Zwift's Smart Bike, the Academies and in praise of slow ridesThe Zwiftcasters are back on their winter schedule . . . with more regular episodes packed with Zwiftiness. Simon, Shane and Nathan discuss when we might see New York, what we might see in it and speculate on whether it may be the best course ever.
The podcasters discuss the potential implications of Zwift's acquisition of an interest in technology owned Virtu Pro who make a highly rated smart bike - could we see a Zwift-branded Smart Bike any time soon? The Academies are roaring ahead with record levels of completion. Zwift commits to their future and Simon, Shane and N...2018-09-101h 07ZwiftcastEpisode 53 - It's All About Innsbruck . . . and Mark CavendishThe Zwiftcasters are back with an episode dominated by discussion around the launch of the new course on Zwift, the replication of the UCI Innsbruck Worlds Circuit.
There’s a feature with one of the HQ development team revealing how the artists and devs went to enormous lengths to get the detail of the real world based course spot on.
Simon, Shane and Nathan discuss their reaction to the course; whether it’s the best choice for the platform in the light of its stated aims to recruit more recreational cyclists and, in a lively exch...2018-08-071h 08ZwiftcastEpisode 50 - New courses, a catch up with the amazing Rachael Elliott and lots of tech talk as Eurobike loomsSimon, Shane and Nathan are back for a minor landmark in Zwiftcast history, with the publication of the 50th episode. . . and as usual, there’s plenty to detain the Zwifcasters as they ponder developments in the Zwiftiverse.
The trio herald the half century with a chat that clarifies which new courses are due and maybe when . . . we now know we’re getting two new maps and late summer/early Autumn is looking favourite for release.
Switching gears, there’s a chat with Rachael Elliott on the progress of her recovery from her serious stroke, which left t...2018-06-211h 01ZwiftcastZwiftcast Episode 49 - The (absent) Kickr Climb. Tanja's Tour de Yorkshire, Simon Warren on the Alpe and Trans AthletesSimon, Shane and Nathan are back in their usual places of the UK, Australia and the USA for a look at the ever vibrant happenings on Zwift. The Zwiftcasters kick off with a chat about the KickrClimb, or, in fact, its absence. Despite it being ever-present on the Zwift Tour of Australia, where Shane's been hanging out, it's still not available to buy.
The trio move on to to discuss another rare bird - the special wheels you might get if you ascend the Alpe du Zwift, before climbing expert Simon Warren, of the 100 Greatest Climbs series...2018-05-2357 minZwiftcastEpisode 46 - Zwiftcast Special with Academy Winners Leah and Tanja in GironaIn a special episode in celebration of Women's Week on Zwift, Simon spends time in Girona with Academy Winners and pro racers with Canyon-SRAM, Leah Thorvilson and Tanja Erith. The women are now based in the Catalonian city, which is a magnet for cyclists and home to dozens of pro riders.
The Zwiftcast sets up camp in La Fabrica, a cycling themed cafe in the heart of the Old Town, and a familiar pre-ride coffee destination for the pros. There's also a tour of the apartment Leah and Tanja share with team-mate Alexis Ryan, which ends up...2018-03-1550 minZwiftcastEpisode 45 - Rachael recovers, meet Jordan Rapp the workout king and behind the scenes at Nathan's stream centralSimon, Shane and Nathan discuss all things Zwift on the new episode of the podcast for Zwifters.
This edition begins with an intriguing tease dropped by the game’s creator Jon Mayfield that “hidden areas” which are “locked to the public” exist in Watopia. The Zwiftcasters discuss.
Rachael Elliott is one of the most admired racers in Zwift and a valued member of the community. Thousands of people were shocked to hear she’d suffered a serious stroke. She’s recovering – and Simon caught up with her in hospital for a chat about the astonishing reaction in the...2018-03-0854 minZwiftcastEpisode 44 - Zwift Run reaction, Strava's data surprise, junior racing . . . and cheeseSimon is with Nathan in Wisconsin and Shane is in Melbourne as the trio return to discuss all things Zwift. Simon has a few portions of humble pie to eat . . . . on cheese, on running and on beer, and he explains how it’s all going to get digested!
With the dust settling on the launch of Zwift Run, the Zwiftcasters assess the reaction in the community and debate the revelation from Strava that a large portion of the data uploaded to the ride tracking platform now comes from indoor activities.
Ben Shepherd, an Australian triathlete, is...2018-02-1855 minZwiftcastEpisode 43 - Zwift Run Launch, the Rocker Plate Revolution and CoachPodSimon and Shane are in New York City for a big moment in the history of Zwift - the launch of running. The expansion of the platform was marked with a splashy launch event and as well as Simon and Shane's views, there's comment from Zwift Insider editor, ric Schlange and pro triathlete Lionel Sanders. The huge flowering of innovation and ingenuity from the Zwift community has seen designs for rocker plates mushroom. Simon rounds it all up and gets expert comment from inside the trainer industry.
Many Zwifters work (a little) while training or riding, but t...2018-02-1123 minZwiftcastEpisode 42 - World Switching, the Zwift Light Show, Cloud Gaming and Rehabbing with a Broken NeckSimon, Shane and Nathan are back with a packed episode, which kicks off with the Zwifcasters unanimously agreeing “it’s time” for Zwift to enable world switching. Zwift creator Jon Mayfield concurs, telling the podcast that be believes critical mass has now arrived as numbers on the platform grow ever larger.
The trio move on to discuss the Tour Down Under, where a duathlon race in the Zwft pop-up drew massive numbers. . . and was rated by Shane as the blue riband event – a sign of things to come perhaps as Zwift Run develops?
Graphics card giant NV...2018-01-251h 07ZwiftcastEpisode 41 - Zwift Grows! The coming club portal and trainers sound testedThe Zwiftcasters welcome 2018 with lots of chat about the Zwift getting bigger – in both senses. The roads are longer, with the London expansion, and the roads are busier, are thousands of new Zwifters flooding on to the platform.
Simon, Shane and Nathan try to make sense of it all – and look at the statistics, combining insight, public information and naked guesswork to try to assess the scale of the Zwift universe.
Meanwhile the chaps discuss the Surrey Hills expansion. It may not be as visually spectacular as recent developments, but there could be some very inte...2018-01-121h 03ZwiftcastEpisode 40: Lotto Soudal launch on Zwift, Academy Winner, Zwift Insider and more . . .Simon, Shane and Nathan are back with the last Zwiftcast for 2017. It’s the usual mix of Zwift news and features – kicking off with a report from Belgium, where Zwift was involved in the team presentation by Lotto Soudal. Simon was there and caught up with sprinter, Andre Greipel, breakaway specialist Thomas de Gendt and Ladies rider Puck Moonen, Zwifters all.
The Zwiftcasters discuss how it may be best to marshall group rides on the platform when they’re led by pro riders . . . .for whom 3w/kg is barely breaking a sweat!
A new pro for ne...2017-12-2353 minZwiftcastEpisode 39 - Rocker plates, virtual Everesting and all the latest Zwift newsSimon, Shane and Nathan are back with another episode packed with Zwift news and gossip.
Are we expecting to see new features, especially the London extension, pre-Christmas? The Zwiftcasters read the runes, before revealing what their ideal Christmas present from the Zwift developers would be.
Do you sing while you’re Zwifting, or do you only have enough breath to lip-sync? The Zwiftcast launches a fun contest to find the best lip-sync Zwifters.
No sooner had the price rise fuss died down than another storm rolled in across Ocean Boulevard, with ZHQ’s deci...2017-12-131h 02ZwiftcastEpisode 38: The price rise and much moreAfter a tumultuous week or so in Zwift-world, the podcasters are back to discuss the price rise and its aftermath.
Simon, Shane and Nathan first of all lay their cards on the table and then analyse a detailed interview with ZHQ’s marketing chief, Steve Beckett, which reveals the fine detail of Zwift’s thinking on subjects that arose in the extended and passionate debate after the announcement.
A consumer psychologist, from outside the Zwift bubble, gives his verdict on the handling of the announcement.
There’s plenty of coverage of the whole subjec...2017-11-281h 13ZwiftcastEpisode 37 Zwift CEO Eric Min SpecialThis episode is devoted to a conversation with Zwift chief executive Eric Min.
It’s a wide-ranging look at where the platform is in terms of fulfilled potential and how Zwift is preparing for growth this winter.
Eric updates Zwiftcast listeners and viewers about the number of customers and how the business is coping with churn. There’s also an illuminating discussion on what’s planned for course updates. Simon and Eric go on to chat about the Draft (nailing a few myths along the way) Racing, the Academies and Voice. In the Quickfire Questions sectio...2017-11-0940 minZwiftcastEpisode 36 AUDIOIt's out! The long awaited and eagerly expected extension to Watopia has just been released and Simon, Shane and Nathan are on hand to give their verdicts and discuss the community reaction. There's lots more as well in this edition of the Zwiftcast, with quick catch ups on ex-Academy winner Leah Thorvilson, Zwift HQ's own world champion Mike McCarthy, the launch of a huge new race series from Zwift and this year's Academy contest reaching its next stage. Once they've dispensed with the Jungle Run - and that's no small task - the Zwiftcasters move on to discuss the...2017-10-271h 03
ZwiftcastAUDIO - Episode 34Simon, Shane and Nathan discuss the ever-changing and vibrant happenings in Zwift. It’s trainer season so the manufacturers are busy with new launches, upgrades – and keeping up with demand. The Zwiftcast trio assess the “world’s first Smart Bike” from Wattbike, in the shape of the Atom. Verdict: looks pretty tasty but with availability limited to the UK initially, Zwifters in other parts of the world are going to have to be patient.
There’s news on the action Elite is taking to stem the shortage of their popular and highly-rated new trainer, the Direto and some interes...2017-09-1555 minZwiftcastEpisode 32 AUDIOSimon, Shane and Nathan are back to discuss a very busy period for Zwift news and chat. This episode is available in both audio and video versions.
The chaps start off discussing customisation, outlining their avatar policies and deciding that the new customisation features are much more fun than they ought to be. . . . . for grown men and women. Was “Ponytailgate” a thing? Listen to find out what the trio think.
There’s a quick rattle through all the other Zwift news, including the billionaire on the super yacht in a Zwift T shirt; the emergence of Run...2017-08-151h 04ZwiftcastEpisode 31Simon, Shane and Nathan talk about the post-Tour blues, how they’re coping and how Zwift has leapt into the vacuum with a big announcement.
But before they get to the launch of the Zwift Men’s Academy, the chaps discuss the arrival of Mark Cavendish on the platform. . . with a little help from Cav’s team-mate, Steve Cummings and his Directeur Sportif, Roger Hammond.
The big news, though, is the Men’s Academy in partnership with Cav’s team, Dimension Data.
Team owner Doug Ryder tells Simon why the decision to get involved w...2017-08-0152 minZwiftcastEpisode 30Simon, Shane and Nathan are in Grand Tour mode for the latest episode of the Zwiftcast.
They trio discuss the latest trainer from Elite, the Direto (or Dorrito as it has instantly been christened) which was launched by the Italian company at the TdF.
A compatriot of Shane’s in Melbourne, Mike Boudrie, has compiled a “taxonomy of Zwifters”. He’s come up with four categories ranging from the die-hard to the denier . . . Simon talks to Mike about his fun list.
The chaps move on to a light-hearted compare-and-contrast exercise on Tour TV coverage...2017-07-071h 04ZwiftcastEpisode 29Simon, Shane and Nathan return for a truly global episode of the podcast for Zwifters.
We kick off with Simon and Shane in London for the launch of the Zwift Women’s Academy , the scheme which has already produced one pro rider, and is now looking to find a second.
At the launch, Zwift CEO Eric Min caused Simon’s eyebrows to rise with a revelation that the company is working on a men’s version of the academy which should be launched within a year. Simon and Shane discuss . . . .
We have the first...2017-06-2356 minZwiftcastEpisode 28Simon, Shane and Nathan are together again – in the flesh and in person – as they catch up on all the latest news, events and gossip in Zwift.
All three of the Zwiftcasters sat down shortly after the latest CVR virtual racing event, in which all were involved - with Shane racing, Nathan commentating and Simon working behind the scenes.
The boys start the podcast with a quick assessment of the event and what it all may mean for the development of competitive indoor cycling.
There was an historic moment in Zwiftland when a Germ...2017-06-081h 04ZwiftcastEpisode 27 ZC FeminineThis episode of the Zwiftcast takes a long hard look at female Zwifters and Zwifting as Simon is joined by Lindsay Guerra and Veronica Micich in the role of guest co-hosts.
The trio kick off with a look at the everyday experience of Zwifting for women and whether the platform is a more egalitarian space for women than some encounter IRL.
It's followed up with the first in a series of interview excerpts with Kate Veronneau, head of Women's Strategy at ZHQ, as she sets out the best ways to counter the gender imbalance in t...2017-05-221h 06ZwiftcastEpisode 26Simon, Shane and Nathan are back together, albeit on three different continents, to discuss all matters Zwift.
The chaps spend a good deal of this episode applying their Zwiftcastian analysis to the many talking points stemming from the long interview with Zwift creator Jon Mayfield on the previous episode.
But there's room for lots more and the podcasters range over ways to mitigate the effects of long haul travel for bike riders; the joys of procrastination and who's hidden all Nathan's cycling gear!
Plus there's an illuminating interview with Zwift troubleshooter-in-chief, Lindsey Ruppert...2017-05-041h 06ZwiftcastEpisode 25 - Jon Mayfield SpecialThis episode is devoted entirely to a conversation with Zwift creator and co-founder of the company, Jon Mayfield.
Patient listeners will be rewarded with some nuggets of news towards the end of the interview. But the real meat of the conversation is about Jon the man, the programmer and the visionary. There's also plenty of insight into how he and his team work, with some questions which the community repeatedly asks tackled and answered by Jon.
The conversation is very wide ranging, looking at potential futures for Zwift as well as Jon's thoughts on racing; o...2017-04-261h 02ZwiftcastEpisode 24Simon, Shane and Nathan are together - in the same place, and that place is Las Vegas! The Zwiftcasters are in the Nevada desert for the very first CVR World Champs, which is virtual bike racing as never before. Whilst the event takes top billing in this podcast, it's not the only things the boys find time to talk about.
In a more chatty than usual podcast, the trio discuss Frank Garcia's ambitious staging of Zwift racing as an ESport. If you don't know what this is, after listening to this 'cast, you'll be much wiser. But...2017-04-131h 10ZwiftcastEpisode 23Simon, Shane and Nathan are back together to discuss all the latest happenings in Zwift. The trio kick off with a discussion about Nathan’s recent visit to Zwift HQ. Whilst he can’t be specific, Nathan reveals his excitement at upcoming developments by responding to Simon’s quiz questions.
Next is a feature with Frank Garcia, the veteran Zwifter and architect of the Cycligent ranking system, who talks candidly about his bid to “own” e-sports on Zwift. Fresh from a test event in the USA, where top Zwifters raced each other in front of a live audience...2017-03-271h 01ZwiftcastEpisode 22 - Pro Rider SpecialAn episode which focuses on the pro riders using Zwift, taking in current pro riders, a new pro rider in the form of Leah Thorvilson, the winner of the Zwift Academy scheme which used the platform as a talent trawl and a former pro rider who’s discovering a new lease of racing life virtually.
Shane and Nathan get the day off as Simon travels to Girona to spend some time with the Cannondale Drapac team. Whilst there, he caught up with Andrew Talansky and Taylor Phinney, huge stars on the World Tour circuit and enthusiastic Zwifters....2017-03-0855 minZwiftcastEpisode 21Simon, Shane and Nathan are back together for more Zwiftchat and gossip. The trio kick off discussing a heart-warming story about a Zwifter in rehab who was helped out by a younger rider.
It leads on to a bit of a grumpfest about the slow pace of development in the game. The chaps wonder why voice in-game – which would no doubt lead to more social interaction – seems to be taking so long. Simon reveals that a chat with pro rider Taylor Phinney reveals him to be a big Zwifter – and a huge gamer, and that prompts a though...2017-02-261h 05ZwiftcastEpisode 20Thanks for making the last two episodes the most downloaded ever! And we’re back with more Zwiftchat and features.
Simon, Shane and Nathan kick off with a short discussion on whether too much Zwifting makes you rusty once you get back outside. Then it’s onto dissect the implications of the rider who slipped through a glitch in the matrix and made it onto the obviously unfinished London course extension.
The chaps briefly chat through the merits of the Volcano extension then move on to analyse an intriguing statement from the boss of Tacx, Simo...2017-02-031h 07ZwiftcastEpisode 18The Zwiftcast has a new theme tune! Simon, Shane and Nathan hope you like it.
The Zwiftcast trio kick off by rattling through a whole series of info-bombs related to the Zwift platform, including the news that a Virtual Bike Shop will soon be open, allowing users to spend XP points; the decision to include ANT+ on the iOS platform after all and the impact of the big new January influx of users on the platform – could Zwift now be feeling a bit crowded at times?
The main feature is a substantial interview with Ed Bak...2017-01-091h 07ZwiftcastEpisode 17Simon, Shane and Nathan wrap up the year with a look at the new stuff on Zwift.
Before the boys get going there’s an interview with Leah Thorvilson, done just a few hours after she learned she was the winner of the Zwift Academy scheme. It’s a revealing and candid reaction.
With iOS finally out, and the expected influx of new users to the platform, the trio debate the one big surprise – the inclusion of running as a secret, and unsupported, feature on the app.
While we welcome runners, the tri...2016-12-191h 01ZwiftcastEpisode 16Simon, Shane and Nathan get together to discuss the latest in the land of Zwift . . . .
A matter which caused no little controversy on Zwift was Christopher O Hearn's idea for a Trip Advisor-style ratings site to assess the quality of group rides. The notion has not gone down well with ride leaders and Christopher appears on the podcast to make his case. Simon, Shane and Nathan assess its merits, or otherwise.
The Zwift Academy scheme, whereby one female rider will be recruited to pro team Canyon SRAM after a months-long talent trawl on the platform, r...2016-12-091h 06ZwiftcastEpisode 15Simon and Nathan are together, and Shane’s calling in from Long Beach, California, the home of ZHQ, for the latest edition of the podcast for Zwifters.
It’s another busy episode with lots to talk about – as always seems to be the case in Zwift.
This edition starts with a good look at World Bicycle Relief day, arguably the biggest event in the Zwift calendar. Thousands of Zwifters will ride to help get people on bikes in Africa. Katie Bolling, the development director of WBR, is on the line to explain exactly what WBR does (i...2016-11-271h 00ZwiftcastEpisode 14Simon, Shane and Nathan are back – and the first few minutes of this edition are devoted to picking over some of the bones of the last episode’s interview with Eric Min, the CEO of Zwift. We talk about how soon Zwifters might feel the benefit of the huge new investment in Zwift from outside funders; and what Eric might have meant by a Smart Bike.
The first interview on this episode is with celebrity Zwifter, the Paralympian Jody Cundy, who talks about Rio, Gold Medals, how much the kilo hurts – and getting famous from a hissy fit. Y...2016-11-1158 minZwiftcastEpisode TwelveSimon, Shane and Nathan are back to discuss the increasingly lively – and populous – Zwift platform.
We start this episode with a big discussion on the major success, and minor failings, of the Tacx World Champs series of races. Zwift VP of Marketing Steve Beckett answers questions on why around 10% of users had problems during the race – with Shane, Nathan and Simon, along with KISS race organisers, seeking some perspective on the event.
With Zwift becoming ever busier, is it time for the opposition to walk in fear of the Zwift indoor riding bulldozer, or are they r...2016-10-191h 08ZwiftcastEpisode ElevenShane, Nathan and Simon are back together for the first time in a couple of episodes to discuss all matters Zwift. The boys kick off with a discussion on how “refuseniks” now seem to be flocking into Zwift; catch up on the latest Zwift on iOS chatter and summarise how things have been going in Australia as the end of the indoor season nears.
There’s a short feature comparing the noise emitted by the new Wahoo KICKR compared to the older version and a discussion on whether noise could be the new battleground in the fiercely-competitive Smart T...2016-10-051h 03ZwiftcastEpisode TenSimon and Nathan get their teeth into a possible future for Zwift – in the form of Virtual Reality. With the Oculus Rift headset becoming more available and with Zwift already VR-capable, could this deeply immersive technology catch on in the fitness arena?
Shane gives his first reactions to using the headset with Zwift and Simon and Nathan discuss some of the more obvious downsides as well as looking at the possibilities of this exciting technology.
Some think the superb Zwift Academy scheme – which aims to use the platform to identify a potential professional female rider – has been...2016-09-201h 05ZwiftcastEpisode EightSimon, Shane and Nathan discuss the incredibly active smart trainer market, with a raft of new models announced in the past couple of weeks, including an eye-catching offering from Tacx.
They go on to speculate on what might be the likely effect of an expected launch of Zwift on iPad.
There’s a feature on Married Zwifting, with a look at how couples balancing jobs and kids can use Zwift to maximise training, sometimes Zwifting together.
Nathan’s other half, Lindsay and Shane’s partner, Von, make guest appearances – and share some of the secr...2016-08-301h 04ZwiftcastEpisode TwoKarissa Minn joins the Zwiftcast to discuss what’s been happening on the FB groups – we cover: Explaining Zwift to a non-Zwifter; How Old Are Zwifters? and Inspirational Zwift users.
Pro rider and Zwift ambassador Ted King answers questions posed by the Zwift community. Ted’s site
Rider Rick Wood and coach David Lipscomb discuss their race-winning Virtual Coaching tactic. David’s coaching site
Ray Brown, fast becoming a Zwift legend for his huge rides, tells us how he does it.
Kevin Abt, big cheese at Wahoo, answers some questions about new traine...2016-08-151h 15ZwiftcastZwiftcast Episode SevenSimon, Shane and Nathan get together to discuss the latest Zwift news, plus a series of features on matters of interest to all Zwifters.
Nathan relates how he broke his collar bone racing and how Zwift is helping his rehab.
There’s a feature with Tim Searle, leader of the Australian HDR ride, which is drawing huge numbers and may now be the biggest group ride on Zwift.
Charlie Issendorf, VP of Events for Zwift, tells us how the new Event Module is bedding in and forecasts how it’s going to develop in c...2016-08-101h 04ZwiftcastZwiftcast Episode FiveIn this episode US Zwifter John Hampton joins me to discuss the latest talking points in Zwift. We cover his One True Scotsman theory; the Fort Bragg police and ask why cyclists are so fussy.
Rachael Elliott made Zwift history when she became the first woman to win a race in a male dominated field. Some questioned her performance – but they were wrong. Rachael reveals how it felt from her side.
Special Guest G Master is on the Zwiftcast – or at least someone who seems to know a bit about who the mysterious figure is and...2016-02-1856 minZwiftcastZwiftcast Episode ThreeI’m chatting with Chris Parker, the founder of the UK Zwifters group, about the latest on the FB groups, including the Watopia extension and swearing in-game. CEO Eric Min tells us what plans Zwift has to clean up profane text messages.
Zwift staffer Steve Beckett reveals – a little – about some Zwift news due to be revealed in full at the Tour Down Under.
New Zwifter Marcus Neal has a great story to tell – uplifting and positive – about how Zwift and cycling have changed his life.
In a two part interview with Steve Beckett, of...2016-01-141h 19ZwiftcastZwiftcast Episode OneEric Min, the CEO of Zwift, speaks at length and candidly on all things Zwifty. He’s got news on how many users he thinks we will see on the platform in January. He’s got news on when we might see new courses and how they might work. A velodrome? Listen and hear Eric’s thoughts. Is Zwift getting glitchy and is tech support able to do enough? Eric answers some tricky questions honestly and straight-forwardly.
Shane Miller, a prominent Zwifter in Australia talks to me about the Week on the FB groups – who’s saying what and w...2015-11-291h 14