Zwift becomes official training partner of Prudential RideLondon

Online virtual cycling platform Zwift has been announced as the official training partner for this year’s Prudential RideLondon.

The partnership will see Kevin Poulton, leading coach at Zwift, provide structured training plans for riders participating in all mass participation events featuring over the weekend.

The plans, which can be followed via Zwift’s Workout feature or done outdoors, will be available to download from the Prudential RideLondon website and will also be published in the event magazine.

A London map based on part of the Prudential RideLondon route was added to Zwift in 2016 and the platform’s users have ridden a combined 34 million miles on it.

It has been credited with generating more overseas interest in the event, with ballot applications from outside the UK doubling to 3,000 this year.

After the results for the ballot for this year’s event are announced next month, Zwift will host virtual Group Workout events enabling riders to train at their own pace while remaining within the group.

Eric Min, Zwift CEO and Co-Founder, said: “Training is an essential part of preparing for, and getting the most out of Prudential RideLondon”

“Knowing how to train properly for an event is not always easy,” he continued.

“Kevin Poulton’s plan is designed to take the guessing out of the process and help get riders to that start line in the best possible shape. Training indoors using Zwift is a great way to efficiently fit training around a busy lifestyle.”  

The existing virtual Prudential RideLondon route has been expanded with three new sections which will include the climb of Leith Hill in Surrey and a section inspired by south west London’s Richmond Park.

The sections are: Surrey Hills (25.8 miles, 2,924ft), Greatest London Loop (16.1 miles, 1,172ft) and Triple Loops (25.5 miles, 1,854ft).  

Hugh Brasher, event director at Prudential RideLondon, said: “We are delighted to have Zwift as our official training partner.

“The virtual Prudential RideLondon route on Zwift has already been a huge success with hundreds of thousands of riders from all over the world able to enjoy this amazing route all year round.

“Adding the challenging Leith Hill will make it even better and with their superb training advice our riders will be ready to take on this challenge,” he added.  

This year's Prudential RiddeLondon taakes place on the weekend of 28 and 29 July.

> Zwift users rack up almost 200 million kilometres worldwide in 2017