All online cycling enthusiasts should mark their calendars for Thursday at 18:45*. Because that is when the starting signal will be given for the races of the series, which is actually not a series.

The organisers of these events have thought long and hard about how to structure the format and the conditions for these races. Timing was not perfect, as Zwift had only recently announced its intention to significantly slim down the race calendar on ZwiftPower and to move races with few participants to club events. However, the test period was very successful and the races were well attended, also due to the participation of WattFabrik's own riders. Now the organisers want to transfer the races to "regular operation" and organise them every week.

In order to allow flexible participation for all, it was decided not to organise a real series. Instead,  races are independent of each other every week, so that participants do not suffer any disadvantages if they miss a race.

The "No Series Racing" series was created, a series that is not a series. The aim is to offer different race formats every week so that there is something for everyone's taste. The races are intended for individual riders (no team classification) who want to compete in a strong field of participants.

Chase Race

In chase races, riders of the different Zwift categories are sent out on the track with delays but visible for all. The strongest riders start at the end. Time gaps are calculated in advance depending on the course. The goal for all riders is now to work together with riders of the same category and close the gap to riders of the category ahead. At the same time, danger is threatening from behind.

So it is important to work well together with riders in the same category. Strong riders do the leading work at the front and keep a close eye on gaps. In order to be able to visually distinguish between individual categories, the riders are automatically equipped with corresponding jerseys. It is not necessary to search in the riders' Zwift garage.

Ideally, all riders merge only shortly before the finish, but this can only be done if they work well together. There is no scoring (primes) during the race.

The live tab on ZwiftPower is interesting. Zwift has a special graphic that visually shows the progress of the race:

In the final results, all participants are shown in the same way as they crossed the finish line. Respective delays of the categories are not calculated out of the results. In addition, results are available separately for each category.

Sprint Race

Sprinters have their fun in these races. Usually, several laps with a sprint classification are completed on relatively short courses. Alternatively, a long course with different sprint segments is raced. It is worth taking a look at the description of the race on ZwiftPower. In contrast to the Zwift Racing League, significantly more riders are rewarded with segment points. In addition, final ranking always has a great value and is crucial for  podium placement of the riders. FTS (Fastest-Through-Segment) points are not available.

Hilly Race

In hilly races, mountain specialists have their fun. Here, riders race on courses with several hill segments. A look at the event description is also recommended. More prime points are awarded to participants and primes do not end at 10th place. Sometimes segments are rated differently, so longer climbs are also rated with more points. In hilly races, too, focus is on the final placement and a lot of finish points are given out again at the very end. Again, no FTS (Fastest-Through-Segment) points are available.

Crit race

In the criterium, a relatively short course is raced several times with frequent segment scores. So there are plenty of primes and these races always promise excitement right to the end. Here too, very WattFabrik-like, considerably more points are awarded at the end, so in the vast majority of cases the overall winner will also be found in the leading group at the finish. Again, no FTS (Fastest-Through-Segment) points will be available.

Classification and race duration

Basically, all races are scheduled to last approx. 40 to 50 minutes. Final results of the individual races will be posted on ZwiftPower within 60 minutes of the end of the race. The classification of categories is currently done according to Zwift's Cat Enforcement (CE).

The WattFabrik organisers are looking forward to many exciting races. Entire teams are also welcome to challenge WattFabrik riders.

* 06:45 MEZ = UTC +1 (winter) and UTC +2 (summer)