WEEK IN TRAINING : Joe Rees

He may not be a pro cyclist, but Joe Rees is a world-class Zwift racer, and this Saturday he will be competing – from home – in the UCI eSports World Championships. Rees, who at 21 is the youngest member of the GB team, will be competing alongside fellow Zwift specialists Gavin Dempster, Ed Laverack, Mark Bruce and Andy Nichols. The Welshman is currently studying to become a teacher, and during the week described in detail below, he was squeezing in training around hectic days on placement in a primary school.

Joe Rees

The week: 17-23 January, 2022

Location: Cardiff

Training for: UCI eSports World Championships

How long have you been riding competitively?

I’ve been cycling casually since 2008 when I was in the Maindy Flyers, and more seriously since I became a junior in 2017. I joined Embark-Bikestrong when I reached U23 level.

When did you get into Zwift racing?

I started during lockdown – like a lot of people, I saw it as an alternative way of training. Here in Wales the weather is always horrible anyway! Initially I did a few community races and was doing quite well, so I started doing the weekly WTRL team time trials with the Rowe and King team, which led to my doing some invitational races. After looking around for a Zwift team, I ended up with Wahoo Le Col, racing in the Zwift Racing League.

How did you get selected for the eSports World Championships?

I did the Worlds qualifier [on 28 November; Rees finished 27th] and I think British Cycling ended up basing their decisions mainly on that race.

Does eRacing benefit your road racing?

It’s hugely beneficial, I think. Though it’s different, in terms of being able to generate raw, punchy power, it translates over nicely – especially relevant for British road racing.

What’s the best way to get better at Zwift racing?