CW'S GUIDE TO INDOOR TRAINING APPS

With our freedom to ride outside somewhat curtailed, we look at the best apps to help you get your cycling fix

Indoor training has come into sharp focus in recent weeks as fewer and fewer of us go out to ride. Though our permitted one form of daily exercise can be taken outside, those who want to stay in and train now have more options than ever before. Our endurance might take a bit of a hit over the coming months, but the apps and training sessions available online provide plenty of scope for staying at least pre-peaking fit. Here we run through the options open to you and what each one is best for.

Equipment-wise, the easiest option is to invest in a direct drive smart-trainer. Although these aren’t cheap, with prices ranging from £650 to £1,200, you will be up and running in seconds. Connectivity is easy, they give a realistic ride feel, accurate and consistent power readings, and most of the software programs adjust the resistance to suit the demands of any chosen session. You can upgrade an old-style turbo, or rollers (although neither will be able to automatically adjust the resistance to suit) with a speed sensor and a power meter.

ZWIFT

Undoubtedly the game-changing software in the world of cycling, Zwift already had thousands of users and has been hosting racing, both pro and amateur, on its platform for some time.

The interactive software allows you to choose a course – from its fantastical tropical world of Watopia to London, Yorkshire, New York and Innsbruck – and ride with anyone else from anywhere in the world. A simple ride can be enlivened by sprints and KOMs with live leaderboards or jumping on the wheel of a passerby and drafting. The graphics alone are enough to keep you entertained for a good while.

FUEL THE PASSION

5 ways to stay inspired

Aside from indoor training, there are myriad ways to keep alive your passion for cycling over the coming weeks and months. Try these: