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?
This story is from the February 24, 2022 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
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This story is from the February 24, 2022 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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