The start discussion is nothing to do with my personal performance.
I was merely pointing out that it’s kinda annoying. I have no issues staying with race start pace. I was actually thinking of the dynamics of C and D races. The spin up to mega watts and launch ruins races for many new D racers. Yes, once you’re aware of it, you do the same.
Still, it seems very poorly executed. If the intention is have a fun race, why not try some rolling starts to test if it keeps the group together a little longer?
In lower category races the sandbaggers obviously know how to start. So they launch, then hold 5w/kg for a minute or two. There’s immediately a long line, and the race is over for a bunch of riders in manner of seconds.
Obviously, stopping the sandbaggers from entering the lower cats will greatly reduce this. I just thought a rolling neutral start would further help the issue.
Additionally, it would offer some variation, which the racing on Zwift definitely needs. As a bonus, if a slow ramping neutral start was able to be implemented successfully, it may mean that riders could join a race without the world changing pre warm-up. Essentially, no warm-up required, as it’s built into the start.
Just an idea.
I maintain, to understand this whole dilemma. Actually experience what is happening. Increase your weight, so you are exactly 2.5w/kg at full FTP pace. Not 2.8, 2.5 or lower. Then enter 10 D races. You’ll rapidly understand the scale of the issue first hand.
If you’re racing A or B, it’s likely far less of an issue for you. You’re a stronger rider to begin with, likely understand the race start dynamics and sandbagging in B is far less extreme.
Lower categories are where everyone starts. It’s where the protection tools need to be most effective.