A number of automated checks are in place to analyse rider performance and help ensure fair racing, we access our data directly from Zwift and may have access to additional information to what you might see in 3rd party tools such as Strava. The most current common checks are highlighted below, however these are not exhaustive and we simply ask that riders ride a bike “normally and like you would in real life” and always ride within the spirit of the rules, as well as within the rules. Race Control will always reserve the right to remove riders for performances or techniques that seem unusual.
The exact parameters of each check will not be published, and are constantly under review and adjustment as we gather more learnings from our events.
Riders power curves are regularly checked against commonly accepted power figures for professional or world class performance at their age grade. Any rider putting out such figures will be asked by race control to verify their ability in a number of ways including comparable real life performance or a verified performance test by ZADA or another similar body. Riders may continue to race while pending verification but will not be allowed to continue in ladder if verification is not provided in a timely manner.
The team captain of any rider receiving a World Class DQ will be contacted directly by race control within 24 hours for further information if required.
These are defined similar to other community run events. Our intention is to spot and outlaw techniques that are likely to create benefit from things such as “sticky watts” or “micro bursts”, typically these involve a highly variable or "staccato” cadence style. DQ for unusual technique is automatic, with a manual check from race control to validate so there may be some delay until the DQ is finalised. This DQ will be visible in the results so race control will not typically contact captains to discuss further.
This is very visible from a flat top on the power curve like shown. In most instances where such a flat top is visible it will be an automatic DQ, however other considerations such as cadence, period and frequency of flat tops may be taken into account.
DQ for sticky watts is automatic, and is for the most part an “open and shut case” as the system is accurate in spotting this. The main instances of false positives is where riders have significant device or equipment issues which cause the sticky watts. However as Sticky Watts and Equipment Issues both constitute a minor infringement, race control do not investigate these further as both are punished the same. As a captain you may well want to investigate the issue with your rider to help resolve future issues. Please see the guide here Sticky Watt/Equipment Analysis
A number of equipment requirements exist in Ladder.