Drafting and Power-Ups

There are two areas that you'll want to master when riding in Zwift. They are Drafting and Power-Ups.

### Drafting

Just like in real life cycling, when you tuck behind other cyclists, you gain the advantage of riding in their draft to conserve energy while maintaining speed. You can take advantage of the same technique in Zwift. Drafting is an essential skill for the cyclist–both indoors and out.

#### Why Draft?

The goal of drafting in Zwift is to *conserve energy*, just as it is outdoors. The amount of energy saved by drafting is no “marginal gain”. It is literally can be the difference between winning and losing in every bike race. Estimates vary, but the number most often thrown around outdoors is a 30% power savings when drafting behind just one other rider. Riding in a large pack will reduce wind resistance even more, resulting in greater power savings. Scientists studied the draft affect of a large peloton (121 riders) and found that wind resistance in the “sweet spot” of this large group was only 5-10% what a solo rider would experience. On Zwift, you’ll save even more energy when you’re in a group of four or more riders.

#### Mastering the Draft

When you approach another rider’s rear wheel, Zwift pops up a “Close the Gap!” message which helps you see how near you are to the rider ahead. You’ll know you’re in prime drafting position when the message changes to “OK” and disappears. Your avatar also will usually “sit up” when you’re in the draft. When you’re not drafting, it will lean forward if you’re over a speed of 33 kilometers per hour (20.5 miles per hour). The Zwift Concept (Tron) bike has no “sitting up” animation, so even though you are experiencing the draft effect, your avatar will never change position on the Tron.

If you fall too far behind the rider in front of you, the “Close the Gap” message will appear again. Don’t panic! You still have some help from the draft up to 5 meters away. React quickly but steadily, increasing your power until the gap starts to close again. Keep it even until you’re almost on the wheel. Then ease up.

Note: You cannot use the draft while riding a time trial (TT) bike in Zwift!

#### Drafting in Larger Groups

In a large group, focus on keeping your power as steady as you can. A quick burst of speed can help you move up in the pack, but it also can shoot you off the front and out of the draft! Be ready to close gaps in front of you. All of you can save energy by rotating the lead position. Stay close behind the rider in front of you and try to match their speed. When you notice their w/kg number drop and they slow down, start pedaling a little harder and faster to come around.

Once you’re in front, try to keep the same speed. It will take a bit more effort now. This is called “taking a pull” because you’re “pulling” the riders behind you. When you need a rest or you’ve been on the front for a while, ease off the power. You’ll start to drift back. Carefully slide behind the last rider and wait for your next turn.

#### Drafting Tips

Here are a few tips about drafting on Zwift:

* TT Bikes - Drafting is not in effect when riding a Time Trial (TT) bike.
* Drafting is in effect in workout mode, however, the 'close the gap' message will not be displayed.
* Double Draft Mode - Some events have enabled a feature called “double draft,” which doubles the normal draft effect in Zwift. It’s closer to the strong drafting benefit that riders experience in real life.
* The “elbow flick” tells other riders that you’re about to end your turn at the front. You don’t have to use it, but it’s a fun signal.
* Feel like you’re getting stuck behind another rider on Zwift? Try backing off your power for a moment, then quickly increasing your cadence and power. This should pop you off their wheel and let you pass.
* The draft truck Power-Up doubles the strength of the draft for 30 seconds. Use it to save some energy, get extra help in a sprint leadout, or hold the wheel of an attacking rider.

### Power-ups

Power-ups are performance boosters to add some variety and strategy to the game. When you pass through any course arch, you may see a random power-up icon appear in the circle at the top-left corner of your screen. This means you’ve earned a Power-Up. Power-ups give a small bonus to either your performance or Rider Score. As you’re Zwifting, you should get a new Power-up each time you pass through an arch—as long as you don't already have one. If you have a Power-up that you haven't used and would like a chance to get a different one as you approach an arch, you can discard the existing Power-up. Bring up the Action Bar on your screen and select the Dump Power-up icon. An explanation of each power-up and when to use it is shown below.

To use the Power-up while riding, use one of these options:

* Using your mouse, click on the Power-up icon in the circle on your screen
* Press the Spacebar button on your computer desktop keyboard
* Select the Power-up icon on your iOS or tvOS
* Tap the Power-up button on the ZC app