Zwift Academy returns in 2017

Zwift Academy will be back in 2017! We’re excited to partner with CANYON//SRAM Racing again to launch year 2 of the groundbreaking talent ID program. Zwift aims to triple registrations in 2017 and create the world’s largest community of female cyclists.

We’re pleased to announce this from Adelaide, Australia, where 2016 Zwift Academy winner, Leah Thorvilson, has joined her new CANYON//SRAM teammates at the Tour Down Under to kick off the 2017 UCI World Tour season.

“Zwift has showed itself as a credible talent identification platform and the 2016 Zwift Academy proved that CANYON//SRAM Racing were committed to adding a new dimension to women’s cycling in their very first season”, says Ronny Lauke, CANYON//SRAM Racing Team Manager. “Our Year 2 program will build on what we achieved in 2016 by delivering new angles to boost registrations and benefits for all participants.”

Registrations for year 2 of Zwift Academy are expected to open in June, with the qualification phase starting in September. In keeping with the 2016 program, participants will be tasked to complete a series group rides and structured workouts during qualification. New for 2017, we’ll be introducing an evolved racing component for the Semi-Finals. Once again, 3 top performers will be selected for the Finals to join CANYON//SRAM Racing at their team camp in Mallorca, Spain, in December.

While Zwift Academy has proven to be a successful platform for discovering talent, the strength of the program lies in it’s ability to support and connect female cyclists of all backgrounds and skill levels. It’s not just for aspiring pros. Zwift Academy offers structured training and an encouraging community for anyone that wants to challenge themselves and improve their fitness.

“Zwift Academy became famous when Leah Thorvilson earned a UCI World Tour contract, but the very notion of an academy meant everyone should benefit” offers CANYON//SRAM rider Tiffany Cromwell. “In 2016, the Zwift Academy brought together a global community of female cyclists who supported and encouraged each other, regardless of ability level or experience on the bike. The best thing was that any female cyclist could take part and benefit, whether they were a newbie, an enthusiast or a racer. I’m looking forward to seeing the program’s inclusive vibe flourish in 2017”.

“The inaugural Zwift Academy was a success on so many levels, I’m excited to build off of the momentum we created,” adds Kate Veronneau, who will be taking the reigns of Zwift Academy in 2017. “Zwift is uniting women cyclists from all over the world under one goal: be the best rider you can be. This community supports and challenges each other like nothing I’ve seen. With Leah and her CANYON//SRAM teammates as our inspiration, the sky is the limit for 2017 Zwift Academy!”