Do you think you would have what it takes to win the Zwift Academy?? Let us know 👇
@vancelray
Жыл бұрын
Not if you account for age rather than talent...
@moosesbackyard7587
Жыл бұрын
No, because for that I would have to turn a blind eye to unethical behavior. And I wouldn't.
@mlyfall
Жыл бұрын
What about Alex being responsible for the first crash @gcn? Didn’t quite understand how this could be handled like a ‘normal’ accident. Alex didn’t even stop even tho she clearly must have heard what has happened behind her back.
@oliver.abroad
Жыл бұрын
What a fake show this is. Being the best every day and setting the record (!) for a brutal climb = the winner? Nope. Too old. Why the invitation then?
@cwmoo
Жыл бұрын
no
@Lockeness86
Жыл бұрын
Chiara's 14:05 time was 46 seconds faster than former XC world champ Maja Włoszczowska (2nd fastest), and she was 1:03 faster than current EF pro riders Emily Newsom (3rd fastest) and Abi Smith (4th fastest). And yet the judges asked whether she was fast enough? Give me a break!
@vancelray
Жыл бұрын
The entire show was a joke. I really hope Chiara signs with a pro team and ends up shaming the Canyon-SRAM team in races.
@highhope8200
Жыл бұрын
What a disappointing finale. For me Chiara is the true winner.
@cesarpava3201
Жыл бұрын
@@highhope8200 could not agree more!!!
@Xune2000
Жыл бұрын
"Although Chiara managed to reach the summit before the outriders on motorbikes, but we're not sure if she's fast enough. Oh really, what makes you say that? Well, the helicopter that was filming the event got there before she did." 🤡
@yenithalexandracuellarsaen5420
Жыл бұрын
And in the team tests she was always the best strategist, this decision was so unfair. I really hope she gets a contract, she is a really talented rider.
@doomguy8884
Жыл бұрын
Hopefully another team picks up Chiara. She looked to be the strongest all round rider.
@bleckb
Жыл бұрын
My thought as well. I can only surmise that her age worked against her in terms of development not providing long term return, but that’s basically how it also played out with last year’s winner who is gone after one season. I’d have chosen Alex as well .
@alexdmh01
Жыл бұрын
@@bleckb that's because last year's winner has gone to Jumbo Visma next year
@bleckb
Жыл бұрын
@@alexdmh01 I heard she was not offered a Canyon SRAM contract but I don't know the sequence of events. Seems if Canyon SRAM wanted her, they could have kept her.
@PtWhiteBelt
Жыл бұрын
She put 1:13 on the next pro (Emily Newsom of EF Education) taking the QOM for this climb the day after messing up her knee. She's nothing short of a BEAST.
@gabrielfernandeztattoos
Жыл бұрын
The age
@vincentmartel2179
Жыл бұрын
Just put an age limit if they don't have a chance to win the competition. Chiara was BY FAR the best rider!
@littlemrdrummer
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!!!!
@sebastiaansiemensma
Жыл бұрын
Chiara was the strongest, but not the smartest racer. She doesn't have much racing experience, which will take another year of two to master. So Canyon Sram needs to invest a lot of time to make Chiara ready for world tour results. By the time she will be mastering the tactics and peloton skills, she will be probably like 40 years old. So there will be not much time to profit from her as a 'Profesional' team. Business wise, she is not the best investment. However, when she really was ready to bring in world tour results (good power, smart tactics and good cycling skills) within a short period of training. Then Chiara would definitely get the contract, despite her age. But apparently she was not in possession of the complete skillset right now. She was extremely powerful but you don't win races with just power.
@littlemrdrummer
Жыл бұрын
@@sebastiaansiemensma Sure. We all get that, but with that possiblity out of many, why even have her go: No other contenders? Knowing that it'll take the time to develop her and a limited time due to age, what's the point.
@unashamedly1776
Жыл бұрын
@@sebastiaansiemensma So the one without as much experience wiped the floor with the ones who had experience; sounds like they could train her and have an even better rider.
@sebastiaansiemensma
Жыл бұрын
@@littlemrdrummer By inviting her she got the opportunity to show her race skills, which apparently she have not. And she has not much time left to learn and to be honest, not everyone is capable to learn strong peloton riding. Everyone knew her powerprofile was better than the others based on zwiftpower, so if it was only based on power then why did they invite the others? Hint, because power is not the key in bike racing. Even in a mountain stage, if you can't position well, you will lose so much energy out of the corners before even the inclination of the col starts. That said, I am not sure if her power profile is good enough to ride top 10 on a WT mountainstage. While Alex can definitely develop her sprint at her age and win the easier sprint stages.
@JFomo
Жыл бұрын
Chiara should get a GCN contract. Chiara Vs Ollie!! How awesome would that be.
@stephenboshears4832
Жыл бұрын
Bridgewood is the faster climber, 4.7 is certainly impressive but he’s around 5-5.1 for that duration
@Samu_3.8
Жыл бұрын
#gcnitalia che facciamo? ci vuole un esperta di ciclismo femminile!
@oettam20
Жыл бұрын
Yes good one! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
@irvhh143
Жыл бұрын
I don't think Chiara wants to be friends with gcn anymore.
@bleckb
Жыл бұрын
@@irvhh143 It wasn't GCN who didn't offer her a contract. In fact, they gave her exposure that could, I hope, get her signed to another team.
@BikePappy
Жыл бұрын
Chiara would make a fine addition to GCN Italia. It would be great to see her involved in the women’s tour in some way.
@manuel7102
Жыл бұрын
In a couple of years tho, first I want to see her racing for a pro team!
@xMDNA
Жыл бұрын
That's a brilliant idea!!! As Italian I'm proud to see Chiara doing sooo well, don't stop keep going! 🇮🇹🇮🇹
@saltycycling
Жыл бұрын
IMHO Chiara got absolutely robbed. Best on the climb by a long shot, best talent despite the short racing experience. We keep hearing Alex is a great sprinter - yeah, you mean like that time she lost a pure sprinter's Zwift race to Chiara by 5 points? Sad fact to the matter is when you ask 'What rider is Canyon Sram looking for?', the answer is: 'Definitely not a 37 year old'. I feel she didn't get the win purely and exclusively because of it. Gutted for her, absolutely unfair.
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
Have to agree 100%. Chiara was clearly dominating from the get-go and you could see the negative comments get worse each day with the "she did great, but..." even though she was only getting better with results.
@assaultedpeanut9
Жыл бұрын
It sounds like Chiara got the fastest time ever on the climb but the judges are still unsure if it's enough 🤔 Gutted for her
@1269Dondude
Жыл бұрын
cycling is more than climbing
@aliancemd
Жыл бұрын
@@1269Dondude And what exactly Alex has that Chiara didn't, except for > age < and maybe the same nationality as the main coach? They said "she tried hard", every single one of them tried hard, they all, always had pain faces, without exceptions.
@badsamaritansofficial6704
Жыл бұрын
@@aliancemd it's probably too do with the fact that at 37 Chiara would need to be able to compete and hit top 10 in world tour level. Within the next 2 years. They will have longer to get somewhere with Alex.
@BixbyConsequence
Жыл бұрын
Then why the hell didn't they design a course that was more revealing of the best rider? Not only was Chiara cheated but I feel cheated as well for watching this farce.
@1269Dondude
Жыл бұрын
@@BixbyConsequence she was better than the others but not good enough to keep up w world tour pros and soon will decline in performance
@JLW3113
Жыл бұрын
Feels like Chiara didn’t get chosen strictly due to age. That’s a real shame. She was the strongest across the board. I’m disappointed by this.
@kubackjeee
Жыл бұрын
She is 37. Who on earth even chose her to the finals?
@daryl4841
Жыл бұрын
I think you're right. And if they were going to hold her back this much because of age then they shouldn't have brought her all the way to the finals.
@rikkiola
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely, it's a completely heartless decision, probably for added drama wth the illuision of 'open to all, never too late'
@jranaboy
Жыл бұрын
Unfortunately in professional sports, age is a factor. At 37, it’s hard to have a long career. Sad since I was all in for her
@federicosbetta1368
Жыл бұрын
I think they are betting on the fact women's races tend to have less climbs, so with proper coaching they can get Alex to be able to get in a small break away group and try the sprint for the win, while if Chiara is not at the level of winning a race as of now there is not that much to do about it.
@MrPotatoYouTuber
Жыл бұрын
Hoping other World Tour teams are watching and pick up Chiara. Amazing performance.
@lucageretto4450
Жыл бұрын
Chiara deserved it so much! I am gutted for her. I never leave comments but I can't believe that she didn't get the contract... I hope she gets another pro contract
@haddonhts
Жыл бұрын
Congratulations Luca!! Chiara was the strongest and most consistent of the women, I feel there was a bias due to her age
@baronealbert
Жыл бұрын
Well in this case age is not a bias unfortunately, it's a factor, and an important one...
@haddonhts
Жыл бұрын
@@baronealbert I would argue in this case it definitely is a bias because Chiara completely outperformed Alex.
@rossbroomfield453
Жыл бұрын
@@haddonhts not really, she was a better climber due the weight advantage sure but Alex was the superior race tactician, the superior sprinter and arguably the superior bike handler. If Chiara could perform top 5 in the world power / w/kg she may have been picked up but the issue is she likely didn’t and never will because she started so late so simply doesn’t have the miles in the legs.
@sepg5084
Жыл бұрын
@@baronealbert and they invited her to this competition just to slap that to her face and to the face of all 35+ cyclists. That it does not matter if they demolish the competition, they are too old for this anyway. Even if there are a number of 35+ cyclists in the pro peloton. They effectively just invited her to insult her effort. This is a farce of a "competition" lol
@haddonhts
Жыл бұрын
@@rossbroomfield453 Chiara was the superior climber (not just because of the weight advantage), she also beat Alex by a minute in the TT and was also the best rider in day 1. The only opportunity where Alex had to show her sprinting skills is when she caused the crash with Chiara. So I would also be cautious of Alex’s bike skills. The bottom line is the Chiara was far and away the best performer in this competition. I question the value in this competition if the best performer does not get the contract because of her age.
@StaenkerMonster
Жыл бұрын
This is a really big rip-off. If you never plan to offer a professional contract to someone at 37, don't let them participate in a competition like this. Chiara was by far the best every day - except the day she was pulled out by Alex. They could have put an age restriction in place, but inviting someone in first and then kicking her out so sneakily is not sportsmanlike at all. @Chiara: what a great performance, RESPECT!
@Yamanashi_kid
Жыл бұрын
I was so impressed by Chiara over the entire competition. Would love to see her on the World Tour with a team.
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
Yes, Chiara needs a team built around her. Have domestiques pace her up a climb then unleash her at the end to dominate for a devastating victory. That last hill climb record setting pace proved she has the talent to do exactly this.
@michaelstleger9888
Жыл бұрын
@@oldtwinsna8347 Dream on
@donnalimburg9435
Жыл бұрын
IF the selection was based on the best rider, Chiara was robbed!! She clearly out-rode her competitors … the fastest time EVER up the mountain?!?!😕
@philipb.1950
Жыл бұрын
But it isn’t based on who’s the best rider, if your 37 it’s hard to win this and that’s quite reasonable
@daryl4841
Жыл бұрын
Chiara was totally robbed. If they were going to hold her back this much because of her age then they should have had an age limit imposed up front and not even invited her.
@philipb.1950
Жыл бұрын
@@daryl4841 so you would rather see her get no chance to prove herself rather than getting the chance but the chances are low, makes sense xd
@daryl4841
Жыл бұрын
@@philipb.1950 I think its pretty clear that the judges already were giving her zero chance from day 1, a low chance would have been giving her the win after an over 2 minute domination up this climb. They weren't going to give Chiara the contract no matter what she did.
@PtWhiteBelt
Жыл бұрын
@@philipb.1950 She did prove herself. So why bother?
@magnusf04gmailcom
Жыл бұрын
Gutted for Chiara. What more could she do? Produced the best numbers, impressed during the skill drill, won the points race, taken out by a crash and then obliterated the rest to claim the QOM. Seeing her reaction when the winner was announced says it all: disappointed, and rightly so. Hope she gets a chance with another team.
@damiiantracey2459
Жыл бұрын
Ageism at its worst.. clearly Chiara was the most consistent rider. Gutted for her//put an age limit on the competition rather than making feeble excuses to justify not picking her...
@serenastrek3945
Жыл бұрын
Or maybe they didn't want two Italians in the team?
@dariohug6669
Жыл бұрын
I thought exactly the same! Why invite her if she has no chance to win because of her age! Must be so hard for her to smash all competitions and still not win..
@usmanghias3276
Жыл бұрын
I dont think it is fair to say it is ageism, but rather logical business choice of where to invest to reap maximum benefit on the investment. In reality the should have a age limit for riders to join Zwift academy the sad part was getting her on giving her chance and then saying no due to her age.
@johnandrews3568
Жыл бұрын
@@usmanghias3276 I disagree.Alex was in two hard crashes inside two days. I would argue she's a risk to the women's pro peloton without much race experience and who can say that she won't get spit out of pro racing? Any number of things could happen including the team dumping her next year. Unless the winner gets a long-term, multi-year contract, that's not a solid argument to make. In theory yes, but practically, imo, no.
@usmanghias3276
Жыл бұрын
@@johnandrews3568 any of this can happen with anyone and it was clarified that crashes were not fault of Alex so please don't pin it on her. Alex got age on her side which gives her more time to learn and improve, she also showed a lot of potential. I agree with the point who was stronger of them two at this point, but Alex is a more reliable investment for Canyon SRAM I have no doubt in that.
@petesharp3640
Жыл бұрын
Luca for sure. As for the women, I think that this contest needs to set an age limit of, say, 30 (and for the men though it hasn't been an issue yet that I've seen). Otherwise it reeks of ageism when the best doesn't win and it generally shows diminished integrity on the part of the contest's organizers. Chiara of course has fewer years left but if they are going to invite her, witness her strength and then look for excuses why she's not right it's hard to take this contest seriously. Don't get me wrong, I want to see all qualified riders invited but if it's going to come down to a strong, young brunette and a fierce, slightly older woman each year (Caitlyn Conyers last year though Maud was the clear right choice)) and they keep choosing the younger person it's just too hard and maddening to watch.
@leeoien3645
Жыл бұрын
Hmmm... but an age limit up front does not? No, it's fine the way it is. Let anyone participate. However, an 'older' rider that is new to professional cycling (or any sport) needs to come in with the understanding that this is a big black mark against her/him. That rider would need to show some exceptional, exceptional talent for a team to bring them on board. It takes years of experience to fine-tune that raw talent. A younger rider with perhaps slightly less talent is a safer bet for a pro team.
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
My suggestion is to have put an age ceiling on and have two race to finishes: the under 30 (or whatever age you want this to be) as it rewards with a contract and the 30+ masters type race where there's no contract but you win a top shelf bike and bragging rights. This knocks out the concern of age and yet still gets GCN more viewers with the two race setup.
@BixbyConsequence
Жыл бұрын
@@leeoien3645 Out of 160,000 in the academy, she bested her nearest competitor by over 2 minutes in the final race. And it wasn't even that close because Alex was practically crippled at the finish. Sorry, but how much more "exceptional" would Chiara have had to be to win?
@petesharp3640
Жыл бұрын
@@oldtwinsna8347 quite the problem solver you are. great idea
@petesharp3640
Жыл бұрын
@@leeoien3645 no it does not. Everyone knows that pro cyclists are usually done mid 30s with a few exceptions. Age isn't a black mark by the way but when you're included in a group like this you should safely assume you're equal and will win if you show the best. Chiara should have won. But for this contest to accept her, watch her dominate then choose someone else. That cheapens the whole thing. And if you were Chiara how would you feel? If I'm the best they better take me, right? They are a private company and can sponsor who they wish. Just be upfront. But nothing says self righteous like 'hmmm' preceding a response.
@Ventoux10
Жыл бұрын
Well done, Luca and Alex but very sorry for Chiara. As someone said before, faster on the climb than any woman before but still the C-S managers ask was she fast enough? Of course she was! Hope this performance finds you contract elsewhere, Chiara!👏👏👏💪💪💪
@Bozza36
Жыл бұрын
At her age, I think they were comparing her numbers to the top 5 climbers in women's cycling, and she mustn't have been close. It is a shame, because she was easily the strongest rider.
@aliancemd
Жыл бұрын
To be so much better, performance-wise and skills-wise... If age is an issue, they should not torture these people
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Just put an age limit to get into this competition. Stop fooling the riders and the viewers with this nonsense.
@Helcc
Жыл бұрын
100%
@blabluppo9044
Жыл бұрын
Have to agree with that
@19890503
Жыл бұрын
As the days passed it felt increasingly that Alpecin didn't want any of the guys. The judges looked to me simply in agony that they have to give out a contract. With each interview they seemed more and more stressed and grumpy. Their attitude was in fact in such a stark contrast to the Canyon judges who were excited, positive, and caring. It was bizzare to see.
@daryl4841
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. The Alpecin guys seem pretty cold, and almost impossible to please.
@notreally2406
Жыл бұрын
True. They seemed weird, and left me unsettled, well into the evening.
@DanTuber
Жыл бұрын
@@daryl4841 They gave me the same feeling last season.
@andrewmorris9013
Жыл бұрын
They're a classics team - they don't want steady climbers. Unfortunately, having a competition on indoor trainers followed by five days in the south of Spain isn't the best way to select riders who will excel in cobbled one-day races in cold and rainy Belgium.
@badsamaritansofficial6704
Жыл бұрын
If you can show a video where the Kristoffs seem happy and jolly whilst talking about cycling that would be rare so to be honest this is just their personality, I think they're happy with Luca this year. Jay Vine did really well for them as well as a pure climber, Luca could do the same
@aares2027
Жыл бұрын
I am a 37 year old cyclist. My next bike will not be a Canyon and will not have Sram components. It is a shame Chiara didn't win.
@ff2e
Жыл бұрын
That's another good point.. Who do they think are buying these 10k dollar bikes?
@mahanmoshir
Жыл бұрын
I hope we get some reaction from women's pro cycling teams and riders toward this age discrimination from Canyon Sram!
@aares2027
Жыл бұрын
@@mahanmoshir I actually don't care. I've seen enough to know that I don't like this team. Which is okay in sports.
@thebogcyclist5005
Жыл бұрын
BANDITO IS a BEAST!!!! YES! Feel sorry for Chiara, I was really hoping she'd come in. Really felt like she was robbed.
@vancelray
Жыл бұрын
she was robbed.
@godspeed2218
Жыл бұрын
yeah Chiara was definitely the best all around but she also 37/38, which leaves her 2-3 years in pro racing. The team looks for a rider with the most potential and profit-margin, of course the youngest one will win (even if she has awful bike handling skills lmao)
@vancelray
Жыл бұрын
@@godspeed2218 Then why even allow 'older' riders into the competition if that's the case?
@rikkiola
Жыл бұрын
She was definitely robbed, best all round I think and fantastic personal qualities. She was probably never in the running given her age, in which case, I don't know why they bother bringing older contenders and raising their hopes. You could almost see Beth and Maggie struggling to come up with ways to boost Alex and downplay Chiara to justify the obvious decision approaching
@godspeed2218
Жыл бұрын
@@vancelray That's what I'm wondering as well. I'm guessing for entertainment purposes to keep the viewers guessing and building suspense, but it's very disappointing for Chiara of course.
@kingpinuk880
Жыл бұрын
Everyone can see Chiara's age is the reason she didn't win. Which is a perfectly legitimate reason for Canyon, but why invite her to the show in the first place? These teams are never going to give a contract to anyone over 30, not happening
@mahanmoshir
Жыл бұрын
Maybe Annemiek van vleuten sees theses videos and helps her with a contract. That would be cool and send a strong message to the teams!
@masterblade8176
Жыл бұрын
Il Bandito ha planato ancora e li ha messi tutti in riga! Grandissimo!
@raffaelemelidone3365
Жыл бұрын
Chiara deserved to take the contract! How can they sign an athlete for a pro contract in an endurance sport that literally needed oxygen after a climb, she was in physical mental and pulmonary distress, not to mention she could not even talk! I understand it was a really tough clim but maybe she not fit for pro cycling, while Chiara showed to be way better for the job. In a real race if there was a downhill after the climb she will put herself and other cyclist in danger as she did already twice during these final days!
@fabriziomonti1426
Жыл бұрын
Chiara was the strongest rider of the group and nobody can deny it. She lost because of her Age, nothing else. If she was 20-26yo, they would have chose her from day one. At 37yo, Pro teams do not invest money on you in the modern cycling. Lets be realistic, Pro cycling is business. You were amazing Chiara!!!
@denthap313
Жыл бұрын
They should just give a separate prize for best rider of the week. They were never going to give the contract to Chiarra no matter how well she did.
@philhayes2487
Жыл бұрын
Defo right there 👌
@kevinmoorejr.9418
Жыл бұрын
@@denthap313 I hope she at least got to keep the bike.
@trplay1
Жыл бұрын
Alpecin should give Chiara a contract. Yes, I got that right. She did beat two of the guys up the mountain!
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
Hopefully Luca can provide some support to fellow citizen Chiara with his newly found cycling connections.
@embuscadochifreinexplicaca5960
Жыл бұрын
@@oldtwinsna8347 doubt it...
@totaltrials
Жыл бұрын
Luca was always the outright favorite from the start. That final climb I think he knew he was well ahead and maybe eased off. If you put him in a race scenario there he'll push them numbers more to what they expect. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do in big races. But looking at him at the end, he's certainly the fittest guy there. I knew Alex would win for the women too. Chiara was always the best climber, no doubt, but Maybe the team don't want/need a climber and straight from the start I knew they weren't picking a 37 year old. There's a lot of potential for Alex as an all round rider and she can certainly improve her w/kg by the sounds of it at such a young age. Chiara was superb though, and it's just unlucky she is late to the game. I hope another team can look at her and pick her up as she can certainly cause some damage to the pros uphill, I'd guess she went up faster than Jasper and Lucas, and only about 2:38 mins behind Luca, quite amazing. The current QOM on strava is 14:51, Chiara done 14:05. 😐
@aliancemd
Жыл бұрын
They tortured them before the climb. If I would of been Luca, I would also try to pace it safely after the sprint they had before that.
@martinh2783
Жыл бұрын
I think Chiara could havet won IF she was dominating every challange and was ready to go for world tour wins in a few months. But if she would need a year to get in gear it's to long time for the team considering her potential career if maybe five years. But for Alex it's very likely the team would set a timeline where the invest of one or even two years för purely development with the expectation that she will perform for the team for up to a decade or more after that. And with that in mind I belive the bar for Chiara was significantly higher but not impossible.
@julen2380
Жыл бұрын
@@martinh2783 I think you hit the nail on the head. The time lines for development would look very different from a team's perspective and understandably so.
@indorock
Жыл бұрын
Yeah I was laughing at the Alepcin guys who claimed that Luca's performance up the climb was so-so. He was a minute off Pogacar's time ffs.And like you said he didn't need to push it that hard (as was evidenced by him looking relatively fresh at the top). But at least they weren't crazy enough to not see he was the best.
@stephanemartin4733
Жыл бұрын
Even when Chiara was the fastest ever to climb it, they found excuses to say that was maybe not fast enough.
@erosforenzi1330
Жыл бұрын
not *young* enough (shame about 'em)
@federiconecchi2277
Жыл бұрын
SO NOW ANDREW FEATHER IS AGAIN THE FASTEST AMATEUR !!!!
@isabeksu
Жыл бұрын
Top comment 👏🏼
@musclelessfitness2045
Жыл бұрын
lol good one It's unfortunate he's old and has a professional job. He did really good against Luca's light ass lol
@rsab8227
Жыл бұрын
The organization of this competition needs to be reviewed, putting Chiara aside due to the age factor is a shame. Please review the rules of participation otherwise Zwift Academy becomes a joke!
@mahanmoshir
Жыл бұрын
I canceled my Zwift account after this and took out my mountain bike! I am going to ride outside and be proud I am a 50 years old rider..... and last thing...Good Bye to GCN ! Get your company 'values' sorted out!
@cyclend3397
Жыл бұрын
So sad for Chiara, she was absolutely the strongest of the women, no doubt about that, she demolished everyone. At least, in the men competition the strongest has won. Now it's time to smash the WT for Luca.
@rikkiola
Жыл бұрын
Not sure why, can't put finger on it, didn't enjoy this ZA2022 finals as much as previous years. The racing was dicey, some of the judge/DS comments seemed a little perculiar and biased, not sure what else. Just a bit of a weird vibe and all a bit serious 🤷🏽♂ (plus, Chiara smashed Colle de Rates Extreme QOM by around 1 minute amongst prestigious company and pros on the leaderboard, and Maggie isn't sure if that's good enough!? It doesn't get much better than that)
@badsamaritansofficial6704
Жыл бұрын
I literally just posted the same sort of comment. Last year flowed a lot better. Maybe the editor of these videos changed? Just some strange blurring here and there really pulled me out of the content.
@daviddang82
Жыл бұрын
Last year was better production quality and editing. Made it seem more intense. This yr I felt was lacking something, and too much biased comments. For example Luca destroyed the others on the final climb and they ask if it’s enough?
@PtWhiteBelt
Жыл бұрын
Exactly. Literally no one in Canyon SRAM can beat her time up the hardest climb they threw at them and yet they don't know if it's enough 😂
@goonzjav
Жыл бұрын
Editing seemed very rushed. Episodes should be longer with more footage of cycling and more feedback from the riders. Should have replaced the riders that left the competition too just felt a bit disjointed all round.
@goonzjav
Жыл бұрын
@@daviddang82 he did beat everyone and was always going to be the winner but I agree he should have shown what he really is capable of and went hell for leather he always looked like he just did enough to win the races but not went all out which I suppose the judges want to see what threat limit is in a potential racer
@jamesmatthewson7440
Жыл бұрын
Absolute joke. Chiara was more dominant in the ladies group than Luca in the men's. This is such a ridiculously incorrect decision that I'm lost for words. It almost looks like the scene was set for Alex to win from the very beginning and the remaining competitors were just there there for background - but no one expected a 37 year old to absolutely demolish a teenager. Yet, she did. And she deserved to win while Alex did not.
@clairesgl8119
Жыл бұрын
Why choose Chiara in the 5 finalists if she didn't have a chance because of her age ?
@johnandrews3568
Жыл бұрын
The fact that Chiara wasn't awarded a contract she CLEARLY earned is bullshit agism at it's worst. SHAME on CanyonSRAM for shitting on women's cycling, a sport they are obligated, financially, ethically and morally to promote. Chiara was BY FAR the best overall in the competition. She's an absolute beast and tough as nails. Not to say that Alex isn't a tough rider either, but this decision was flat out age DISCRIMINATION. So shame on CanyonSRAM, shame on Zwift and shame on GCN.
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Striking off SRAM components and going with Shimano for me. Also, seriously looking into going to the Rouvey platform instead of Zwift simply because of this.
@dangerfulmind
Жыл бұрын
Alex did really well, but Chiara was an absolute beast at everything. Best all rounder without age on her side. What a shame these pro teams don't invest in older riders. Really feel for her.
@mick6ful
Жыл бұрын
I believe Chiara looked the strongest, mentally toughest and most consistent woman., I feel if there was a bias due to her age Zwift should put in an age limit. Chiara you killed it. I do hope you can get on another pro team. Best of luck
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
So true. An idea is have two separate race qualifications with different outcomes. An under 30 limit where they continue to have the pro contract, and a 30+ master's type race session where they fight for prizes, such as money or cycling equipment. GCN then gets two shows for more ratings/viewers, and this stops the nonsense with the age issue for pro team recruitment.
@rodcosta2345
Жыл бұрын
Bullshit... Chiara killed it.
@marcmommaas5397
Жыл бұрын
Chiara No1. She was the highlight of this show, what an amazing talent. Give her a contract and yes, GCN Italia should open the door for her. I a a fan:)
@sineadannoconnor4886
Жыл бұрын
Chiara was robbed/mistreated. She was clearly the strongest, and earned her place in the academy based on her performance. If her age was the only determining factor, which it looks like from the videos, there should have been an age limit on entrants. Disappointed.
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
Put an age limit for the competition to stop fooling the riders AND viewers. Instead, set up a separate masters type race for those over the hill in age and still have them compete against one another but not a pro contract, just a prize like top shelf cycling equipment and bragging rights.
@ericwais119
Жыл бұрын
GCN / Zwift -- please heed this advice. It would increase GCN viewership and Zwift Academy participation.
@caseyhall5125
Жыл бұрын
Chiara you were fantastic, you deserved it, broke my heart.
@highhope8200
Жыл бұрын
Justice for Chiara. If age was the main factor behind the selection why invite her in the first place. I hope a pro team recruits her in their team.
@RustyRacer
Жыл бұрын
Chiara will be a great addition to their rivals!
@woollybut
Жыл бұрын
If age was a problem for them, why did they even invite Chiara to the competition, I am gutted for her, she was the best rider.
@Delismendana
Жыл бұрын
If Chiara was 22 she would for sure get the contract. This shows that the judges were way too far away from being fair but rather looking for a project rider to invest on. Poor Ciara, you were definitely the real champion of this year’s Zwift academy finals. Keep pedaling girl, you have a great heart! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@wolfazoo
Жыл бұрын
Shame on you Zwift, Canyon Sram and GCN, make a real contest, where you put all girls on equal chances to win...
@accrualworld4488
Жыл бұрын
I’m done watching these. The age bias is unfair and it’s not a meaningful competition.
@1973kaplan
Жыл бұрын
Dear GCN Promoters, you are the voice of the public, you have the chance to address and judge something unfair. Please appeal to the World Tour teams to give Chiara a chance. Maybe just a gesture, but a moral one - I think... Note: Alex certenly will become a world class and she also deserves our respect, but not even for her race away from the crash!
@garrymannion6258
Жыл бұрын
Chiara was very poorly treated. Ye really have EMBARRASSED yourselves here GCN. I sat my 12 year old daughter down to watch the show selling it to her on the premise that it's a fair opportunity for anyone to obtain a contract you just need talent......instead the show went on to be a life lesson for her which demonstrated that even when you clearly are the better competitor sometimes in life...sport ...work.. the game is rigged and the best people dont always win.
@gcn
Жыл бұрын
Hi there. We're sorry you feel that way. We've had a lot of comments regarding the results but ultimately its down to the decision from the team of what they want from a rider
@garrymannion6258
Жыл бұрын
@@gcn Might be no harm to gave a good long talk with the teams before next years event (if there is one) to see what lessons need to be learned going forward and what the spirit of the competition should be. Thanks for taking the time to respond though its appreciated.
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
@@gcn People here acknowledge that, what they simply want is for the truth to be said , not made up on the whim explanations why she was eliminated. Surely you can see this, and by supporting this outrage you support the behavior. Do what is right here and separate yourselves from this farce into the future.
@vancelray
Жыл бұрын
@@gcn Why even have this competition if the strongest rider wasn't chosen? ??
@jonathancost4927
Жыл бұрын
An absolute disgraceful result on the Canyon SRAM side of things! Chaira was streets ahead but I’m afraid it came down to unadulterated ageism in the end. So as many have said, why invite Chiara to the final if she stood no chance? Many watchers commented at the start of the week that Chiara wouldn’t win because of her age and how right they were. On the Alpecin side those judges were terrible, I agree with another comment that they looked and sounded like they didn’t want to give any of the riders a contract! Sorry GCN but that wasn’t a fair outcome this year and we all know that you probably felt the same as we do.
@kevinmoorejr.9418
Жыл бұрын
The contact is for a year, after that they have no reason to keep them if they don't perform well enough.
@ZBicyclist
Жыл бұрын
GCN Italy should have Chiara try for QOM on a series of classic Italian climbs. (Subtitle in English, if necessary)
@douglaspate9314
Жыл бұрын
I do hope another team sees Chiara and offers her a contract. I would like to see if Luca really has a deep fighting spirit and can make with the pros. I hope so!
@groovers2
Жыл бұрын
Chiara was the best
@nijaveg
Жыл бұрын
What we learned: safety last, and winning every race isn't enough to win the competition
@vancelray
Жыл бұрын
Oh that was BS. Chiara was clearly the best cyclist. Shame on Zwift and GCN. SMH.
@ulrichz4099
Жыл бұрын
I don’t think neither Swift nor GCN had a say who got picked. You should blame the actual team, no?
@francescodeglinnocenti6230
Жыл бұрын
No Ulrich, they are all to blame: zwift doesn’t set up an age limit so that every episode can open with “moooore than 160k riders this year...” But the final selection is based on their power numbers, I suppose. Because that’s the point of zwift. So zwift doesn’t “curate” the final selection manually, and the team is left with a hot potato. Chiara was a monster compared to the other two, and the video editors didn’t even manage to cherrypick why Alex should have been a close competitor.
@brucehumphries6889
Жыл бұрын
They stated in the last part that, although she was a great climber, she’s not pro tour level. I do think they will let her (not) just slip away.
@JonReid
Жыл бұрын
She was clearly the best climber, but that doesn’t necessarily mean best cyclist. They assessed the riders over all the challenges and from their numbers leading in to this final. I personally thought Chiara was the best option, but I don’t have all the data and I have no idea how her numbers compare with pro level riders.
@bleckb
Жыл бұрын
If I were a DS making a commitment for the team, I’d have chosen Alex as well. I don’t know that the team needs a climber. Apparently the winner of Paris Roubaix thinks it’s Alex who best meets the needs of the team. Can’t say I’m qualified to argue with him on that. Chiara would have been a feel good winner and hopefully a team needing a climber will sign her though it’s a bit late in the day for that.
@paveltomsik2610
Жыл бұрын
Chiara was the best of the girls by far, she won both hill climb challenges and maybe she would have won even the sprint challenge as well, if Alex didn't knock her down. This is just unfair - when they didn't want her because of her age, they shouldn't bring her in at all. 👎
@Rideurbikenkma
Жыл бұрын
Spot on! They kept saying how great Alex was doing whilst being injured, yet she crashes Chiara out, then goes on and finishes the race, and nobody is talking about that. I feel like they picked their winner before they even started. Very disappointing.
@michaelstleger9888
Жыл бұрын
LOL, yeah climber beats sprinter in a sprint happens all the time
@angeliki_55
Жыл бұрын
It’s a shame for Chiara as she was the strongest from all the girls. Hope a team pick Chiara as she deserves to be a pro!
@mahanmoshir
Жыл бұрын
Very disappointed in Canyon Sram management. They forgot how women of all ages, worked very hard to get women's pro cycling at the level we see now and enjoy! This decision was disrespectful toward those hard-working riders and what they have achieved. I hope we get some reaction from the other teams and riders about this age discrimination from Canyon Sram!
@wdf697
Жыл бұрын
Really tough on Chiara. Consistently the best female rider of the week but clearly the judges felt she didn't have the same potential. I hope another pro team gives her a chance.
@gcn
Жыл бұрын
Ultimately the teams made their decision based on who they thought would be the best fit for the team. Chiara was clearly talented so I'm sure she'll find some success after this process!
@wdf697
Жыл бұрын
@@gcn Thanks for replying. There seems to be quite a lot of anger on social media about the decision. Lots of accusations about the competition being ageist - and how someone in their late 30s would never get picked. It strikes me that you really need to respond.
@fabriziapostiglione800
Жыл бұрын
@@gcn Well they picked Alex, who knocked out two fellow riders... Didn't seem worried at all about the damage she caused.... surerly they picked "best " option.... What a joke!
@satori4183
Жыл бұрын
@@fabriziapostiglione800 I think they're counting on her taking out some of the competition with riding too close + some oil spills 😆
@trevorgorham7290
Жыл бұрын
"I'm really happy for Luca, he deserves it." -Chiara
@soundyoucantouch
Жыл бұрын
As someone around Chiara's age, the final verdict sent chills down my spine. If hard result doesn't matter at the end, why bother to set up such age discriminating competition?
@mahanmoshir
Жыл бұрын
well said, a topic for the next GCN video: if you are 35+, stop dreaming about pro cycling no matter how talented and hard worker you are!
@robjervis3898
Жыл бұрын
Maybe they needed a sprinter more than a climber? I feel like she'd have a few extra years than other pros her age though, as she got into the sport much later in life.
@johnlygate4459
Жыл бұрын
As so many others have said I can’t believe Chiara didn’t get the contract. She was by far the strongest rider. Age doesn’t matter in the women’s pro peloton as they pointed out regarding Van Vleuten but obviously it does to Canyon SRAM. So why have someone of that age in the competition? Very unfair and to make up excuses she wasn’t fast enough after getting the QOM!! Come on!! Sad as it’s probably her last chance. I hope a pro team picks her up. She was by far the best and deserving rider. Very disappointing. Luca was obviously the strongest and so was she. She deserved it. Not happy with the end result. Just aged biased. I felt let down by this years competition!
@lucakluzer5565
Жыл бұрын
That's kind of a shame. Chiara should have win. She was by far the strongest #chiararobbed
@kjwalpole
Жыл бұрын
To avoid this unfair result in the future, the pro teams could declare, in advance, what type of rider they're looking for. The finalists could then be selected based on the appropriate criteria. They could change this from year-to-year and from team-to-team, to keep it interesting.
@1973kaplan
Жыл бұрын
Dear GCN CREW, we know that you are now a remarkable company with valuable brand sponsors. It is of course understandable that you do not want to upset them or even lose them. But: Your integrity, fairness and responsibility for all your "subscribers" is more important to us than morally shapeless and undefinite actors in this case who silently tolerate socially and ethically important aspects. Please be very sensitive to this serious topic such as age discrimination, instrumentalization of people for profit and exploitation, etc. There are more important things in entertainment than funny comments and mere consumption. Of course we love your show and the crew for it, but we also want to be able to love you for your courage in a humanistic sense. A bit pathetic, I know, but somehow necessary, I think... Wish the best for all of you guys!
@pantster9855
Жыл бұрын
How can they say Chiara’s effort was fast but was it fast enough? She took the QOM and pros use this section to test themselves (Pog & MvdP are in the men’s top 10 this year)
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
They were simply making up excuses to find a way to exclude her. They already picked a favorite from day one who to win for the women. Let's say Chiara knocked out another minute from the time, the judges would then make up an excuse like, "Her legs put out too much power, this will risk injury, so not good"
@pantster9855
Жыл бұрын
@@oldtwinsna8347 i think the mens was already decided. How much was Luca hyped up by GCN? But, what could either do and it comes down to what type of rider the teams need. It would have been interesting to have seen the riders explain their tactics after each race Mannon said last year the riders were given credit for conserving energy because it's a hard week, but then they said Luca didn't seem to try hard enough after the first test. Why should he? A pro rider in the TdF won't go hard on every stage if they're thinking about the GC they will do as much as they need to do each day As for Chiara she set the QOM (my time up there is twice as long!)
@ridewithgrace6414
Жыл бұрын
Very few women pros have been up there, and when they have, like Emily Newsom of EF, they have often been using it as just one climb on a training day with several climbs, so would not be giving it everything.
@AnvilAirsoftTV
Жыл бұрын
Because I’m assuming they can look at her numbers and see that she didn’t achieve one’s big enough to hang with the front runners in a WT race.
@lordad
Жыл бұрын
God i really hate these formats where the winner is choosen by the team before all the competitions even started.......... it did absolutely not matter that Chiara demolished the competition and showed performance far above the rest ....because she never had a chance due to her age. And its not the first time this happens in such shows T_T..... honestly a disgrace to the idea of fair sports
@davidkeddle4192
Жыл бұрын
I detected a bias towards Alex after a couple of days, even though Chiara was clearly the best overall. I hope she manages to get a contract with another pro team. Is this a case of ageism. Good riding by Luca, he deserved the win.
@shaunpratt5521
Жыл бұрын
Fastest time ever up the climb & injured as well and thats not good enough for canyon sram. I really hope another team see's this & picks Chiara up.
@theh2ohammer372
Жыл бұрын
im gutted for Chiara, i dont think its fair to theses older riders, because the teams are NEVER going to pick them when they have riders 10+ years younger in the lineup.
@oldtwinsna8347
Жыл бұрын
Chiara set the record and still lost. Nothing more she could do as the judges would just find some excuse.
@patrickwu3385
Жыл бұрын
please dont invite older riders in the future! what a phycological torture!
@channel8048
Жыл бұрын
@@patrickwu3385 I think they should continue to invite them. They just need to preface it with the fact that they are unlikely to get chosen. The more people see this injustice, the more likely something will be done about it. It's better than not showing it at all because this kind of stuff happens all the time. It's good that people are acknowledging it.
@patrickwu3385
Жыл бұрын
@@channel8048 you are right! It's good that the injustice is brought up and hopefully thing will be done on this event and also in work place too. Instead of everything just got being PCed these days!
@KFc-pm1rz
Жыл бұрын
WTF Chiara didn't win. She got best time and looked if she could have gone faster by her reaction at end of climb. Definitely age bias going on which doesn't make any sense since a lot of pros only get one or two year contracts. Agree with many comments here that there was age bias. Women were way more exciting to watch. Men were a bore.
@andreapaponi
Жыл бұрын
It’s a joke. Chiara was letterally the best. She destroyed the opponents. That’s ridicolus. She deserved to do at least 1 year contract. The manager of Alpecin day by day, were unappy to be there. They shown us a terrible message. I’m very disapponted. Good luck Luca and Chiara.
@stujm8376
Жыл бұрын
Maybe you should give Chiara a GCN Italia contract. I live in Italy and as much as it’s nice to see an english person win, chiara is a powerhouse who deserves her moment, she was amazing. I see Italians riding road and mtb all the time, it’s part of the culture, Chiara would have so much to offer as a presenter, she’s a role model for female cyclists. Give her a chance.
@cb6866
Жыл бұрын
Thanks to you all. Great job , again ! I also think Chiara was better !
@gmrtbwrmtbs
Жыл бұрын
Get Chiara back NOW
@pavelhornicek554
Жыл бұрын
feel bad for Chiara. She was the best. There should be age restriction to enter the competition. In my opinion, If Chiara were around 27 y.o., she would win. :(
@MrLuigi-oi7gm
Жыл бұрын
Profoundly disappointed in the decision to not select Chiara. However, it was clear to me after Day 1 she was not going to be selected. The Canyon SRAM men's coach early on decided Alex was his choice (no matter what he said) and then consistently looked for ways to spin each day's results to support his decision. GCN, perhaps because they knew who the women's choice was, consistently advocated for Alex by their comments in these discussion threads. I hope Alex thrives this coming year. But she was not the best performing women's rider in this competition. I am so sad for Chiara and dismayed that this series has only served to tell other cyclists of her age group that they should not dare to dream great dreams. Why? Because they are too old.
@vancelray
Жыл бұрын
plus Alex seems to have a problem with exercised induced asthma!
@denisoliver6083
Жыл бұрын
I agree with Luca, but, I think that Chiara topped the women.
@MrDado937
Жыл бұрын
#ChiaraRobbed
@justinschultz4325
Жыл бұрын
Chiara knew she should have won the contract. She said she was happy for Luca. No mention of Alex. Chiara said it without saying it.
@0912kai
Жыл бұрын
Just another tiny message to add to the blowing sentiment towards Chiara despite being the best performer but not getting a contract. I was using #ageisjustanumber when I saw Chiara entered the final, being the best rider and even out performed the others but I couldn’t help but think that I was cheated. Other than the unexpected pick from CS and the lack of justification, great effort everyone! I’ve enjoyed most part of the show.
@ESKILETO12
Жыл бұрын
For the next time it will be better to clear that the age will be a key factor and do not choose people that being better riders will not be choosen by their age. Be honest for the next
@iagrim39
Жыл бұрын
I thought Chiara was the strongest rider overall , but maybe her age and the type of rider the team were looking for counted against her. If they wanted a “young” “sprinter”, maybe they should have had4 of those in the final. Gutted for Chiara😢
@miniac60
Жыл бұрын
Such a travesty! If you didn't make Chiara win, why was the film cut together showing her dominating the competition? Hopefully another team can make this right!
@moritzpremium5462
Жыл бұрын
What should Chiara do more to get the contract? I mean, if she is to old, why got she invited? They gave her hope and at the end I have the feeling that she never had a real chance.
@Coconutien
Жыл бұрын
Chiara was clearly the best woman here…
@Pukeontheduke
Жыл бұрын
Don’t get it. Chiara is by far the best…
@dkkrisz671
Жыл бұрын
Why did not tell Chiara from the beginning that she's to old and is not gonna be picked regardless her results... what a stupid show.
@debbean6637
Жыл бұрын
I won’t be watching again if there is a competitor over 25. Building up hope when there is zero chance of winning is simply cruel. Set the age rules and stop pretending that anyone over 25 has a chance.
@dcb592
Жыл бұрын
Chiara deserved the contract. I’d imagine it was her age, but she has no wear & tear. Hopefully someone signs her.
@paulouscoquus4393
Жыл бұрын
What a great series! More of this! Obviously Luca was strongest. I can see how they think they can develop Alexs' massive talent going forward. But Chiara, her talent is extreme. She needs to be on a pro team as a specialist climber!! If there's any justice in this world, she is not finished and we will see her again!..
@philstannard5563
Жыл бұрын
That is embarrassing to watch. The blatant one-sidedness of the commentary and questions to Backstedt, the focus on the winner riding one-handed when the winner had also crashed headfirst into the roadside. Everything. Chairs seemed to be being judged on a completely different set of criteria to everyone else. Why is there an expectation for her to come in and rip it up at the front of the peloton (Richardson’s question), when the same expectation wasn’t being placed on the other competitors, or on previous winners of Zwift Academy both male and female. And she’s just set the fastest time up the climb and buried her opponents, one of whom stopped! Really, really disappointing.
@fxstsbfxdbs747
Жыл бұрын
Chiara had a banged up knee/leg. Alex had a banged up hand. Unless cyclists pedal with their hands I would say the knee/leg injury would be a bigger handicap. Yet, old Saggy Maggie downplays the knee/leg injury and gives kudos the rider with the hand injury. Canyon/SRAM = Lame. Glad to see last year's rightful Winner (Maud) has moved on to Jumbo Visma.
@francescopecorella8300
Жыл бұрын
Italy kicking asses once again
@Nyarlathoth
Жыл бұрын
Head down and sprint into the handlebar of the rider in front of you! Proven technique to win Zwift races and pro contracts...
@oohReco
Жыл бұрын
#chiararobbed hope to see another team take this star
@Columbia6
Жыл бұрын
Zwift academy is great. I hope next year the series can be extended by following 'hopefuls' or even just mortal humans during the academy itself. Well done to both winners, though I feel bad for Chiara. It's hard to get a pro sports contract at 37, but I think she deserves a shot.
@gcn
Жыл бұрын
Good idea! Glad you liked the series
@OVOCNYCHECK
Жыл бұрын
@@gcn It woud also be nice to overlay power metrics of riders on screen during the challanges especially this climb and chasing MVDP would be nice to see
@willmcgrane6359
Жыл бұрын
@@gcn Sorry, the fix was in.
@goonzjav
Жыл бұрын
Yup like those average riders like myself who have no hope in hell but still keep spinning those legs in hope might become Lance Armstrong
@fabriziapostiglione800
Жыл бұрын
@@OVOCNYCHECK there was a huge bias against Chiara... Shouldn't GCN do something about it? I'm a GCN fan since the beginning, but I think (as a woman and a human being) that the network should not show content and contests biased by blatant ageism.
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