It’s been a few years since points races got introduced and it seems they have become the standard format in most leagues now.
While one of the valid arguments was that it attempted to add a layer of achievement for the lesser Gods, I think it’s clear this isn’t really the case. At least not in the way that was imagined.
So here’s my request for race organizers:
Please move away from points races as the dominant format.
It takes strategy away from racing and makes it extremely predictable. Whatsmore is that the actual point of racing, and maybe I’m being a purist here, finishing first, becomes secondary.
It’s been a cool experiment. Some aspects work, some really don’t. So let’s get back to where more abilities really matter in races:
The scratch format.
Timing break aways, attacking on hills, catching the next group with temporary allies or bringing back a teammate for the sprint.
Personally I do not care for points races (unless you count club ladder as a points race which is all FAL at the finish - that’s OK). So my approach is never do ZRL, and in other open series I occasionally pick a scratch race and ignore the rest. I have enjoyed the Zwifty Fifty races which have time bonuses in some segments, but it’s kind of hilarious because most participants don’t know about the bonuses and just let me gently tow them through the banners.
Those are one off and individualbased. Im discussing team based series.
You can dismiss it because you apparently know better what most people like and what most series are like and that’s more important to you. Or you know, use it as feedback from a customer to work on more variety in team based racing series where racing tactics actually matter.
Most ice-cream places have 35 flavors even though vanilla and chocolate are most popular. They don’t just dismiss the three people that want gumball flavour.
Organizers of team based events can choose whatever format they want, and Zwift respects their choices. If there’s a series you wish had less points races, the only thing you can do is talk to them directly about the decision. When it’s ZRL you probably have no influence but if it’s anything else you might get somewhere, especially if you have a team that agrees. Or if you’re active in a club that does events, put on a series and do it the way you want. Unfortunately for people who prefer all scratch races, a lot of the series with points races are very popular.
Zwift HQ does not manage points races - they’re all done by community organizers or WTRL. WTRL ignores the Zwift forum so you won’t reach them here but trying to influence them is likely to be pointless.
I haven’t dismissed it, nor have I said I know better. I’ve just stated that the Zwift Owned races don’t use points, because I thought you might want to take part in them.
By all means reach out to a Community group to let them know your feedback and they may be able to incorporate it in one of their series, however, points races do feel more popular than plain scratch ones.
Zwift races are rarely longer than an hour, so these types of tactics are also rare. I guess look for the epic races that are run once in a while, maybe those will offer some better experiences for you?
They’re not that rare in my experience, at least not when your good (I’m not atm ). Im not so sure about how cooperative the pack dynamics function at the moment (because I’m behind not in front) but in sub hour races a lot of people can attack multiple times.
I won various races from attacks, even in ZRL, breaking away from the break away after a teammate bridged me. That was so glorious. (That was a points race ironically).
The epic format is really cool but contrary to what the length might suggest they’re not super action packed. Since it’s mass start and so long you see packs very far apart and people holding on for dear life. The infighting in groups is fun though.
). Im not so sure about how cooperative the pack dynamics function at the moment (because I’m behind not in front) but in sub hour races a lot of people can attack multiple times.
