For many avid indoor cyclists, one of the main questions that comes up when they’re considering whether or not to make the switch to ROUVY is whether they can race against other riders on the platform. Because while solo workouts and even social group rides can be fun. There’s something next level about virtual racing that gets you truly pushing your limits.
The good news is there’s a solid racing scene on ROUVY. And given that the platform is continually adding new features, routes and other cool bits and bobs. It’s more than likely the racing element of the platform will continue to grow. We dive into how to get involved with racing on ROUVY, and share some tips on maximising drafting (something we triathletes are not that familiar with in the real world!) as part of your race strategy.
What is e-Racing?
If you’re new to indoor cycling, you might be wondering how you’d even go about racing other people when you’re at home, on your own, on a turbo trainer. The beauty of virtual training apps like ROUVY is that they connect you to riders from all around the world – a bit like an online video game. You can ride ‘with’ other riders within the virtual realms of ROUVY.
e-Racing is essentially like taking part in a cycling road race/crit race – just without the hassle of travelling to a real life race venue. Virtual racing boomed in popularity during the Covid pandemic, and now there’s even official cycling e-racing world championships and events like the supertri E which blends real and virtual racing.
Racing online is fast, fun and you can really push your limits – knowing that if you overcook it, you’re never going to have the dreaded long drag home with empty legs. You can just get off the turbo!
Racing on ROUVY
There are two ways to get involved with racing on ROUVY. You can either participate in official ROUVY racing events, which are open to anyone and everyone. Or you can create your own race events and invite your friends/team mates for a spot of friendly competition.
race in real-time with other athletes
How to find and join official ROUVY racing events
ROUVY partners with race organisers to put on official racing events. You can find these by logging into your ROUVY account (or opening the app) and heading to the Events tab.
Next you’ll need to filter the events by selecting ‘races’. Or just look out for the ‘race’ icon in the top right corner of each event tile.
Click on a race event tile to see more information, including how long the route is, how hilly it is and how many other riders have already signed up to the start sheet. Once you’ve found a race you like the look of, simply click the ‘join event’ button and the race will appear in your ‘joined events’ tab.
TIPS FOR RACING ON ROUVY
Log on early, make sure your ROUVY app is up to date and download the race route to avoid any lag during the race. You’ll want to be able to react quickly if someone puts in an attack!
Make sure you warm up properly before the race starts – ideally at least 20 minutes of easy riding with a few efforts to get the blood pumping and your muscles firing.
Hydrate well before the race and don’t forget to switch your fan on. You’re going to work up quite the sweat.
Have fun! Racing in the virtual world is all about pushing your limits and enjoying a bit of ‘type A’ fun.
How to create your own races on ROUVY
A cool feature from ROUVY is the ability to create your own racing events. This means if the weather rains off your weekend club ride, or you and some friends want to keep each other motivated with some friendly competition over the off season. You can set up races at a time that suits you.
To create your own race events on ROUVY, go to the Events tab and select ‘create event’. Toggle the event type to ‘race’, give it a name and set a date and time. Then it’s time to choose which route you want to race on. If you’re looking for inspiration – check out our pick of the best ROUVY routes for triathletes.
Next you’ll need to invite your ROUVY friends to join your race. You can find out more about how to follow people/add them as friends in our guide to group rides on the platform.
Once your invites are sent, you’re all set. You’ll find your race event in your upcoming events section in the ROUVY app.
race in real-time with other athletes
Race tactics and drafting on ROUVY
Unlike non-draft legal triathlons, where it’s all about a solo effort and being able to push as much power as possible (without wrecking your legs for the run). Racing on platforms like ROUVY is way more tactical. It’s much more akin to road racing or crit racing in the cycling world, where you’ll want to be strategic and make use of the pack of riders to conserve energy while still staying in contact with the bunch. You’ll find that riders who can draft effectively, will be able to blast to the front of the race in the closing sprint because they’ve conserved energy.
What is drafting and how do I do it in e-races?
In March 2024, ROUVY launched an update which brought ultra-realistic drafting to the platform. Drafting is essentially sitting behind another rider on the bike, so that you benefit from the reduced drag by riding in their ‘draft’. They are cutting through the air for you, so you don’t have as much resistance to overcome. Drafting means you’ll ride faster for less effort. You’ll see the PROs doing it in short course triathlon, but for most age-group races and in long distance triathlon drafting isn’t allowed, precisely because it makes the bike easier for those sitting on someone’s wheel. You’ll get a bigger drafting effect sitting behind a group of riders, than you would sitting behind a single rider.
ROUVY’s update to drafting on the platform now means you get the full benefit of drafting behind a group – making races even more realistic.
How to use drafting on ROUVY
To draft effectively in a ROUVY race, you’ll want to stay within 1-3 metres of the rider/group in front. There’s an on-screen drafting indicator which will show you if you’re in the optimal drafting position. Look at the watts of the rider in front, and try to keep that 1-3 metre distance. If you find the pack getting away from you slightly, resist the temptation to suddenly put in a huge surge of power. You’ll slingshot yourself to the front of the pack and end up doing more work. Instead do a few hard pedal strokes, then ride steady and see if that’s enough to get you back to the pack. If not, repeat a couple more times and then hold steady once you’ve got back on.
Keep your wits about your during your ROUVY races and be prepared to respond if someone puts in an attack. This will usually happen if there’s a short, sharp climb, or in the final sprint towards the finish. The more you race, the better you’ll get at refining your race craft and being strategic. It’s great fun!
Head over to our comprehensive ROUVY section for more tips and advice for getting the most out of the indoor cycling platform. From set-up and the best bikes, to the ultimate workouts to level up your cycling.
race in real-time with other athletes
