If you ever dreamt about becoming a pro cyclist, Zwift provides an avenue for women and under-23 men to potentially reach this goal. Their Zwift Academy allows riders to compete for the coveted spot in the finals to go for a final contract with CANYON//SRAM Racing, and Team Dimension Data, who will become NTT Pro Cycling in 2020.
Below is their press release on the final three women and final three under-23 men who will compete for a one-year pro contract with the respective teams.
And if triathlons are your thing, the 2020 Zwift Academy Tri is now open as well. They will be providing workouts, races, and group rides and runs allowing you to unlock items on the platform, along with competing for your spot in the academy. Click here to learn more and sign up.
Zwift, the global online fitness platform for cyclists, has now selected the final six riders who will progress to the Zwift Academy finals, moving a step closer to a professional cycling contract with top-ranked women’s and men’s teams.
From a competition that drew over 68,000 riders, the field narrows to six promising cyclists, 3 women, and 3 under-23 men. Over the course of the recently-completed semi-finals, these finalists completed a series of workouts, both at home on Zwift, using the new Tacx Neo II, and out on the road. All finalists have displayed the natural ability that is required to make it as a professional rider. Now all eyes are on that very prize – a professional cycling contract for the 2020 season.
The finalists will now head to Southern Spain in early December for the team camps of CANYON//SRAM Racing, and Team Dimension Data, who will rebrand to NTT Pro Cycling in 2020. The riders will be required to perform a series of tests on Zwift, and out on the road with the respective World Tour teams. Riders will be assessed not only on their raw cycling talent, but also their race craft, communication skills, and ability to fit in well with a team. The two winners will be selected by team coaches, staff, and also the riders.
The 3 CANYON//SRAM Racing | Zwift Academy Finalists are:
Catherine Colyn, South Africa
Jessica Pratt, Australia
Samara Sheppard, New Zealand
Catherine is proficient on both the road and MTB, and has had a lifelong dream of going pro. In 2018, she captured the U23 National Road Race Championship and is looking forward to riding with the team in Spain and fighting hard for a pro contract. Jessica is an all-rounder on the bike with accomplishments including a U19 Austrialian National Championships title and a 9th place finish at the U19 World Championship Road Race in 2015 held in Virginia, USA. Samara converted to cycling after a running injury forced her to choose a new sport. Samara is a multi-time National and Oceania Champion in MTB, who is excited to meet the CANYON//SRAM racing team and learn about their experiences in the pro peloton.
The 3 Team Dimension Data Zwift Academy Finalists are:
Drew Christensen, New Zealand
Mathijs Loman, The Netherlands
Campbell Pithie, New Zealand
Drew is a long-distance rider who knows how to climb. He has had an impact in junior races including finishing the World Championships Men’s junior race in Harrogate this year. He is now looking to take his riding to the next level with the possibility of a professional contract. Mathijs is a racer with grit, currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. He is looking forward to the chance to train full time and fight for the pro contract. Campbell Pithie has titles both in cyclocross and on the road and loves to ride aggressively and attack. While at the Finals camp, he is looking to work on race tactics, learn from the team, and compete for the professional contract.
At the end of the finals, the winner will be announced from each of the camps. The women’s winner will join 2018 Academy winner Ella Harris on the CANYON//SRAM World Tour team. The men’s winner will join the NTT Pro Cycling U23 Team alongside Martin Lavrič, the 2018 Zwift Academy winner.
To learn more about the contenders, head over to zwift.com/academy
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year