Zwift will add disabled athlete representation to platform after completing large research study
The virtual cycling platform has partnered with the Challenged Athletes Foundation to launch Adaptive Athlete Representation
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Zwift has confirmed it will add Adaptive Athlete Representation to the platform in the future, after partnering with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to conduct research into disabled athlete accessibility, inclusion and representation, according to a report by Christopher Schwenker (opens in new tab)on Cyclingnews.
Despite not committing to a specific release date, Zwift's research has focussed on all types of disabilities alongside hand cyclists, such as visual impairment, to determine how all adaptive athletes would use the platform.
Zwift's research has shown true-to-life equipment and avatar integration is essential for representation, with hand cycles, trikes and amputee avatar customisation also all needed within the app to make the product a success. With increased numbers of adaptive athletes exclusively using virtual platforms like Zwift for reasons of safety and security, the giant is facing increased calls for inclusion.
In response, Zwift said to Cyclingnews: "Our DEIB [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging] approach is to focus on impact at scale – ensuring that we prioritise those things that will impact the most people.
"We recently completed a large research study looking at the needs of athletes with disabilities, particularly those already in the Zwift community. The research study focused not only on hand cyclists but all types of disability to give us a better understanding of how to best tackle this area in the most equitable way possible – for all types of disability.
"The CAF was an instrumental partner in this first phase of research, and are one of our major Social Impact partners. The results of this study will ultimately help us form the product solution which is currently being discussed."
Zwift also recognises that implementing this feature is taking time, especially when considering virtual bike training platform RGT Cycling has already included disabled athletes into its cycling world. However, Zwift also realises that understanding everyone's needs is essential in delivering the best product possible and representing adaptive athletes successfully.
"We know that progress on this area has been slower than many would like. There are many vocal supporters of this movement at Zwift HQ and we hope that the product solution, when ready, will help improve the accessibility and representation for many more people on Zwift.
"We aim to improve accessibility and inclusiveness for the most people with the biggest DEIB impact. This work is focused on many different areas, including localisation because we believe accessibility promotes inclusivity."
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Ryan is a staff writer for Cycling Weekly, having joined the team in September 2021. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before making his way to cycling. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer.
-
-
Remco Evenepoel ready for ‘perfect Giro simulation’ at Volta a Catalunya
World Champion gets set for showdown with Primož Roglič and Geraint Thomas in major Giro d’Italia test-run
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Analysis: How Mathieu van der Poel won Milan-San Remo
After another exhilarating finish to Milan-San Remo, it’s time to look back at the day and the key tactical moments that defined it
By CyclingMole aka David Hunter • Published
-
Motherhood or an athletic career? An impossible choice no more thanks, in part, due to the rise of esports
With the rise of virtual cycling esports, world-class female endurance athletes no longer have to compromise motherhood and a professional career.
By Christopher Schwenker • Published
-
55,500 Miles Going Nowhere: Confessions of an Unapologetic Zwift Indoor Specialist
An avid cyclist explains why, after years of logging thousand of miles cycling outside and even crossing the United States by bike, he's moved to the virtual world of Zwift.
By Christopher Schwenker • Published
-
Scott Catanzaro and Jacqueline Godbe win the virtual stars and stripes at the 2023 eSports US National Championships
A growing discipline, 23 national champions were crowned at the second annual eSports National Championship
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Team USA could bring home the rainbow jersey at the Esports World Championship this weekend
New Zwift courses, new race format, world-class competition with real-life outcomes: an Esports World Championship race preview
By Christopher Schwenker • Published
-
Could Zwift subscription prices be set to rise?
Co-founder and CEO Eric Min has said the company is not currently profitable
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Two epic Zwift records were set in three days
Records for most consecutive team time trails and a sub-three hour 150km ride were set in January
By Christopher Schwenker • Published
-
From straight-A student to Zwift Academy winner: Alex Morrice on her rise to the pro ranks
The 22-year-old rode her first road race in June, now she’s gearing up to join WorldTour team Canyon-Sram
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Zwift announces Academy winners who will join pro teams in 2023
Alex Morrice and Luca Vergallito have both won pro contracts for next season
By Tom Davidson • Published