CHASE RACES
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Please note that ZRacing Chase Races are now accessible from the Zwift Companion App/Zwift website utilizing and testing Zwift's new Category Enforcement system only.
Please also note that Zwift's Category Enforcement system uses its own algorithms and not the traditional Zwift/ZwiftPower category system and does not use the same parameters that WTRL has been utilizing with our own AutoCat system for Chase Races.
What is WTRL's AutoCat System?
Over the last few years and using our extensive knowledge of Zwift Racing and racer performance, WTRL has developed a fully customizable system to aid with the fair categorization of racers. WTRL's AutoCat can work with multiple parameters including age, height, weight, results, ranking points, nationality, geolocation, power based measurements and a whole host of other options including our very own racer ranking/scoring system and the traditional Zwift/ZwiftPower categories. It is an advanced, fully customizeable system allowing for multiple variables and parameters to be taken into account depending on organizer preference for each individual race. AutoCat is also smart with integrated learning systems that can cater to any number of people taking part and historical information for any period of each racers 'Zwift lifetime' too.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What if I don’t have any Zwift Racing history?
A: It would be beneficial for Zwifters to have at least 1 race under their belt in the last 30 days, with the ideal being 2-3 for best category placement. Ideally, these would be races of a maximal effort for you and 30 minutes or more in duration. Provision may be able to be made for a Zwifter with no race history by using their power-based data. If using this data, the system will calculate roughly where you should be. Please note that the system will be focused on placing riders in this way in higher categories, otherwise known as “catting up.”
Q: Do I need any special type of account to get access to these races?
A: You will need three accounts total: Zwift, ZwiftPower and WTRL. This ensures all data is shared and accurate.
Q: How is my category determined?
A: Over the last 18 months WTRL has developed several categorization algorithms each able to work with multiple variables such as power, gender, age, previous results, ranking and many more. WTRL will use your existing race history to determine the best category to place you in. Initially these will be fixed categories but in the future all ZRacing races will become dynamic.
Q: Will there be separate Women-only races?
A: Initially no, BUT if the races have enough women signing up, this is definitely on the cards for the future.
Q: What are the categories or groups?
A: All riders will start from the same pen. We will be using all 5 available categories/groups who will start in this order:
- Group D
- Group C
- Group B
- Group A
- Group E (Elite)
Q: What happens to my category if I have a great race? What if I have a bad race?
A: If you are performing outside your assigned class, you will be automatically moved up or down for the next race depending on your performance.
Q: Do I need to be registered on ZwiftPower?
A: Yes! If you do not have a ZwiftPower account, click here to find out how to set one up.
Q: Where do I see my results?
A: Category/Group placings will be available right here but ZwiftPower.com will carry individuals results
Q: How do you select the course data you will use if I haven’t been on the course I am signing up to race?
A: The system does not use course specific data - all courses are ranked 1-5 currently in terms of difficulty. Performance is compared based on course rank.
Q: What if someone hasn’t raced a course in the past, but has completed a social ride? Is that data used to determine their category? How is that fair?
A: Rides like fondos, group rides, or social rides are NEVER used to determine race categories. Rides are usually speed/power controlled in order for all riders to remain part of the group. While this will likely push a few people, it is not generally a competitive experience for the majority, and as such does not give a fair indication of efforts that might be seen in racing.