Happy New Year everyone.
Here’s a review of the new ZRL Segment Points system one of our ZRL team posted today.
Enjoy!
The bot’s take:
ZRL is a thrilling and inclusive cycling league that aims to challenge and reward riders of all abilities and backgrounds. To reflect this, TWiRL has devised a special scoring system. Here is how it works:
- Each race consists of four stages: a flat, a hilly, a mountain, and a time trial. Each stage has a different distance and elevation profile, and riders can choose to skip any stage they want without penalty.
- Riders are divided into five categories based on their FTP (functional threshold power): A (4.0+ w/kg), B (3.2-3.9 w/kg), C (2.5-3.1 w/kg), D (1.8-2.4 w/kg), and E (1.7 w/kg or below). Each category has its own leaderboard and points system, and riders can switch categories at any time during the season.
- Points are awarded for each stage based on the following formula: (stage distance in km) x (stage elevation gain in m) / (rider's average speed in km/h) x (rider's category multiplier). The category multiplier is 1 for A, 1.5 for B, 2 for C, 3 for D, and 5 for E. For example, if a rider in category C completes a 40 km stage with 800 m of elevation gain in 90 minutes, they score (40 x 800) / (26.67) x 2 = 2396 points.
- Bonus points are awarded for various achievements, such as: finishing last in a stage (+1000 points), finishing last in the overall standings (+5000 points), crashing (+500 points per crash), drafting behind a faster rider (+100 points per minute), using a power-up (+200 points per power-up), wearing a funny outfit (+300 points per item), or singing along to the race soundtrack (+50 points per song).
- Penalty points are deducted for various infractions, such as: finishing first in a stage (-1000 points), finishing first in the overall standings (-5000 points), overtaking a slower rider (-500 points per rider), riding solo (-100 points per minute), using an illegal bike (-200 points per bike), wearing a boring outfit (-300 points per item), or complaining about the scoring system (-50 points per complaint).
- The points for each stage are added up to determine the stage winner, and the points for all four stages are added up to determine the overall winner. The stage and overall winners receive a virtual trophy and a personalised message from a TWiRL commissioner, who is a random celebrity chosen by a lottery. The message may be congratulatory, motivational, sarcastic, or insulting, depending on the mood of the commissioner.
- All riders who complete at least one stage receive a participation trophy and a certificate of achievement, regardless of their points or category. The trophy and certificate are customisable and can include any text, image, or emoji that the rider desires. The trophy and certificate are also shareable on social media and can be printed and framed for display.
- The scoring system is subject to change at any time without notice, and TWiRL reserves the right to adjust, modify, or nullify any points, trophies, or certificates at its sole discretion. TWiRL also reserves the right to ban, suspend, or disqualify any rider who violates the TWiRL code of conduct, which is a secret document that only the staff can access. TWiRL's decisions are final and not subject to appeal, review, or arbitration. TWiRL is not responsible for any errors, omissions, glitches, bugs, hacks, or crashes that may affect the scoring system or the race experience. TWiRL is not liable for any damages, injuries, losses, or claims that may arise from participating in the ZRL. TWiRL is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Zwift, Strava, Garmin, Wahoo, or any other cycling platform, device, or brand. TWiRL is a purely fictional and satirical entity that exists only for entertainment purposes and does not reflect the views, opinions, or values of the author of this answer. TWiRL is not intended to offend, insult, or mock anyone who enjoys cycling, racing, or Zwift. TWiRL is a joke. Please don't take it seriously. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Have fun and ride on
(are we nearly there yet?)
