Thanks to Zwift for the products used in this video, all views are the presenters own.

Zwift is an online virtual cycling world that allows you to ride, train or race with other cyclists from around the globe!
Si and Matt are here to let you know the basics for being able to use the increasingly popular platform.

Subscribe to GCN: http://gcn.eu/SubscribeToGCN

Are you a Zwift user? Let us know how you are finding it in the comments below 👇

Ex-professional cyclists Simon Richardson and Matt Stephens are here with all you need to know about starting up with Zwift.

You will need an account, head over to http://gcn.eu/ZwiftBeginner and sign-up, you can start with a free trial.

You will need an indoor trainer, and something that tells Zwift how fast you are riding.
For a basic setup this can be a speed sensor that communicates with Zwift.
A more advanced setup is using a powermeter which transmits all metrics to the software.
The most accurate setup though, is to use a smart trainer. This will also increase/decrease pedalling resistance dependant on terrain and if you are slipstreaming for instance.

You will also need a towel, drink, and we advise using a fan to help keep you cool.
Something also worth considering is the Zwift app, this is used as a remote control for the features available.

There are three different worlds that you can ride in, these are:
Watopia - South Pacific Paradise, 8 routes and 42km of roads
Richmond - 4 routes and 18.9km of roads
London - 8 routes and 27.5km of roads

Zwift has a calendar to show when the different courses/routes are available to ride on as well as group rides and races that are being hosted if you wish to join in the fun.

Choosing a route is simple and then you can go for a ride, you can even choose to turn onto a different route as well as doing a U-Turn and riding the other way if you see someone you would like to ride with for example.

The screen setup shows all the metrics you need, including gradient and where you are on a route/ride. You can also see where you in comparison to others riding, as well as the watts per kg that they are outputting!

You can even customise your clothing and bike appearance onscreen, including an unlockable GCN kit! Not forgetting being able to wave at others, flick the elbow and even give other users a 'Ride-on'

There are plenty of training sessions and workouts on Zwift, including 32 GCN workouts and you can even create your own.

After any activity the ride data is displayed and can be saved/uploaded to your profile on sites such as Strava, Training Peaks etc.

If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍 http://gcn.eu/nr

Watch more on GCN...
What Is Zwift Workout Mode? 📹 http://gcn.eu/zwift-workouts
GCN Vs. Zwift - Live! Si Richardson Takes On The Watopia Volcano And You 📹 http://gcn.eu/39

Photos: © Bettiniphoto / http://www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / http://www.tdwsport.com

About GCN:

The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on YouTube’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!

Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling

Thanks to our sponsors:

Alta Badia: http://gcn.eu/AltaBadia- // Maratona Dles Dolomites: http://gcn.eu/MaratonaDlesDolomites-
Assos of Switzerland: http://gcn.eu/Assos
KASK helmets: http://gcn.eu/KASK
fi’zi:k shoes and saddles: http://gcn.eu/fizikshoes and http://gcn.eu/fiziksaddles
Topeak tools: http://gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon bikes: http://gcn.eu/-Canyon
Quarq: http://gcn.eu/Quarq
DT Swiss: http://gcn.eu/DtSwiss
Science in Sport: http://gcn.eu/SiS
Orbea bikes: http://gcn.eu/Orbea
Trek Bicycles: http://gcn.eu/-Trek
Vision wheels: http://gcn.eu/Vision
Zipp wheels: http://gcn.eu/Zipp
power2max: http://gcn.eu/power2max
Wahoo Fitness: http://gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: http://gcn.eu/-parktool
Continental tyres: http://gcn.eu/continental-
Camelbak: http://gcn.eu/camelbak-

The GCN Club - http://gcn.eu/club
YouTube Channel - http://gcn.eu/gcnYT
Facebook - http://gcn.eu/gcnFb
Instagram - http://gcn.eu/GCNInsta
Google+ - http://gcn.eu/gcnGPlus
Twitter - http://gcn.eu/gcnTW

Leave us a comment below!