Question for All Riders

General Discussion
1

Dear All Zwift Riders,

My name is Mama from China, and I have been using Zwift for almost 2 years. I really enjoy this software and riding with people from different countries. I have a quick question for you guys:

  • Age: 33
  • Weight: 100KG/220 Lbs :hot_face:
  • FTP (Last Year): 280
  • FTP (This Year): 230

Last year, I was doing great. I rode a total distance of around 9000KM. However, this year, I have been occupied with work and could only ride 1000 KM. I haven’t participated in any real-world races.

Now, I am thinking about getting back into the Zwift world and want to choose a plan that is most suitable for me.

I am considering either the FTP Builder or the TT Tune Up plan. Which one would you recommend?

My goal for next year is to achieve a better race position in local races.

Thanks all

2

Since you are yet to receive an answer I just thought I would try to help somewhat by asking which trainer/bike you are using to allow zwift to control its resistance?

The reason I ask this is because most of the workout plans within zwift work best in ERG mode. This requires zwift to accurately control the resistance of your trainer/bike and measure your power output. Without these abilities none of the plans are going to give you much in the way of meaningful results. I hope by requesting this information others might be willing to give you more informed advice.

If you’ve not yet fully decided on Zwift as a training platform there are other more training focused platforms which allow you to work up to a particular event date or personal aim in a much more structured, easy to use and reliable way.

Best of luck in any future races.

3

That’s not true at all. As long you have the ability to broadcast accurate power data to Zwift the training plans will all work well whether in ERG mode, slope mode or even on a classic trainer with no electronic resistance.

4

We don’t yet know that the OP does have the ability to broadcast accurate power data, hence my first question.
You seem to have experience of zwifts training plans, perhaps you might be able to point him in the direction of some best suited to his needs and aims, perhaps giving some tips on how to navigate the confusing new training plan interface?

5

When you’re trying to choose a training plan, my suggestions are based on these questions:

  • How much have you been riding in the last few months? Do you have baseline fitness?
  • How much time do you have for each ride?
  • How many days per week do you have to train?
  • How many weeks or months do you have before you need to be ready for your planned events?
  • What are the events you are training for - how long are they and what’s the terrain?
6

Most any workout will help.
The most important issue is accuracy and consistency.
When your FTP dropped 30 points, how do you know which was accurate?
Maybe both, maybe neither.
Paul’s advice was very good but, for the best advice, we need to know what kind of trainer and how is the power measured.
With a consistent trainer, you can measure improvements.
If it is also accurate, then you can do some comparison to others.

7

How much time you have available is one considering.

Next thing is what kind of training plan you want to do, but from that, what you are capable of. Some people may not be capable to manage something like those “Time Crunched Cyclist” training plans because they are so physically demanding.

Paul S’ other points above are very good.