What if the conventional wisdom about pacing and energy conservation in Zwift races is actually hindering our chances of finishing strong, rather than helping them. Weve all been told to start conservatively, build up our effort over time, and avoid burning out early. But is this approach really the best way to win, or is it just a recipe for mediocrity.
Think about it: if everyone is following the same pacing strategy, then doesnt that just lead to a bunch of riders arriving at the final sprint together, with the winner being determined by who has the best legs on the day. Wheres the strategy in that. Shouldnt we be looking for ways to shake things up, to gain an advantage over our competitors, rather than just following the same tired playbook.
One possible approach could be to flip the script and start aggressively, trying to build up a gap over the competition early on. This would require a high level of fitness and endurance, of course, but it could also pay off big time if youre able to maintain your lead all the way to the finish. Another approach might be to focus on building up your anaerobic endurance, so that you can push yourself to the limit over and over again without burning out. This would require a different type of training, of course, but it could also give you a big advantage in the final sprint.
So, what do you think: are there any alternative pacing strategies that could help you finish strong in Zwift races, or are we stuck with the same old conventional wisdom. Are there any riders out there who have tried something different and seen success. Lets hear your thoughts and ideas.