TrainingPeaks has acquired indieVelo and rebranded itself as TrainingPeaks Virtual. The coaching software company sees this as a way to give coaches and athletes a fully integrated training ecosystem. The real question is whether TrainingPeaks Virtual can stay in the pack with names like Zwift and MyWhoosh or will they be dropped on the first climb?
What Makes TrainingPeaks Virtual Different?
To understand the whole picture of TrainingPeaks Virtual, you must know TrainingPeaks. For those unfamiliar with TrainingPeaks (TP), it is training software that coaches employ to program workouts, see athletes’ training results, and analyze power data. The software was similar to Today’s Plan (RIP) and Golden Cheetah but now takes on another identity as a place to train and upload your workouts. This acquisition comes as no surprise, as TP recently acquired Train Heroic (a strength training software), adding another dimension to athlete programming.
Better Than Zwift?
I’m not touching that one, but it does offer some unique features that only TrainingPeaks (or a similar coaching software) could offer. TrainingPeaks Virtual claims it sets itself apart with a custom physics engine designed for more realistic and accurate virtual riding. TP claims the platform better represents real-world dynamics like drafting, cornering, braking, and line choice, to better reflect the demands of outdoor riding.
Now, we can’t attest fully to those claims without trying it. However, integrating training accurate zones and syncing structured workouts from their coach to the TrainingPeaks Virtual will be a welcome addition. In the future, TrainingPeaks plans to introduce other integrations, including workout compliance and syncing of TrainingPeaks zones and FTP.
Keeping the Athlete-Coach Connection
This acquisition follows the launch of the TrainingPeaks Strength Workout Builder, which is helping coaches streamline training insights and track how athletes incorporate all workouts into their routines.
“We want to ensure coaches have a seamless onboarding experience for their athletes. A lot of friction creates challenges for coaches, and this acquisition helps introduce athletes to that world more easily.”
TrainingPeaks President Lee Gerakos.
Features – TrainingPeaks Virtual
- Realistic Riding: In TrainingPeaks Virtual, tactics matter. With proprietary real-world physics, including drafting, cornering, braking, and line choice, you get a more realistic indoor experience.
- Seamless Integration: All your workouts where and when you want them. With TrainingPeaks Virtual as part of the TrainingPeaks ecosystem, you’ll never waste time finding or transferring your data.
- Credible Racing: TrainingPeaks Virtual offers various event types, including team racing, keirin, elimination, and more. DS Mode helps your team strategize, and unparalleled sub-millimeter accuracy guarantees results everyone can trust.
- Community Features: Join or create realistic group rides with dynamic features to keep your team riding together. Don’t have a crew to ride with? Choose your goal and join a group of Racebots to keep you motivated.
- Access: All new and existing TrainingPeaks athlete accounts will have free access to the beta version until March 2025. After March 2025, TrainingPeaks Virtual will be a Premium feature.
TrainingPeaks Virtual Beta Launches Free Through March 2025
The beta version of TrainingPeaks Virtual is now free, syncing with new and existing TrainingPeaks athlete accounts. Athletes and coaches can dive into the platform’s features without a cost barrier until March 2025, after which TrainingPeaks Virtual will be available through a $125.00/yr TrainingPeaks Premium membership, making it less expensive than Zwift ($200/yr).
