Zwift Launches Herd Summer Racing League for Online Cyclists

Zwift is launching the Herd Summer Racing League (HSRL), an organized series of virtual points races for its global community. The league is structured to offer varied race formats each week, maintaining competitor interest and strategic depth over its duration Source.

Race Format and Scoring

HSRL races are primarily points-based. Participants score points based on their performance on specific segments within the race, often referred to as 'Fastest Time Segments' (FTS), compared to other competitors. Additionally, bonus points are awarded for finishing position relative to other riders within their assigned category. The specific race format, segments, and points allocation for each week are communicated through the Herd Racing League Facebook group and Discord channel.

General Classification and League Points

Individual race points contribute to a racer's overall ranking in the league's General Classification. The highest-ranked competitor in each race earns 50 league points, with subsequent finishers receiving points in a descending scale, down to 1 point for the 50th-place finisher. To accommodate different schedules, Zwift offers six distinct events each week, allowing participants flexibility in competing.

Schedule Breakdown

The league runs from late June through mid-August. Early races included a time trial (Bologna TT) and points races focused on FTS and finish positions (Peaky Pave, Toefield Tornado). The calendar progresses to include scratch races (Royal Pump Room 8) and continues with more FTS and finish points races like the 2018 Worlds Short Lap, Cobbled Crown, and The Bell Lap. The league culminates with a final event in mid-August (Paris finale).

Technical Requirements and Rules

Participation in the HSRL requires specific equipment and adherence to competition rules. All participants must use either a smart trainer or a power meter. A cadence sensor and a heart rate monitor are also mandatory for ensuring fair competition and data verification. Indoor bikes lacking controlled resistance (where cadence equals power) are not permitted. Steering functionality is disabled during races, standardizing the competitive environment.

To be included in the official results, participants must be registered on zwiftpower.com. For competitors achieving elite-level performance, race organizers reserve the right to request additional data for performance verification. Furthermore, podium finishers across all categories are required to save their Zwift activities as PUBLIC, allowing for verification of their results.

Business Implications for Cycling Platforms

Events like the Herd Summer Racing League are crucial for retaining subscribers and fostering a dynamic user community on virtual cycling platforms. By offering structured competitive play, Zwift enhances its value proposition beyond simple free-riding or training. The varied formats and rolling league structure encourage consistent participation and ongoing engagement, which can translate into sustained subscription revenue.

For other operators in the connected fitness space, this demonstrates how community-driven events, coupled with clear rules and data verification, can elevate a platform. The requirement for specific hardware (smart trainers, power meters, HRM) also indirectly supports the sales ecosystem around Zwift-compatible equipment, benefiting hardware partners and manufacturers.