TrainingPeaks Virtual uses intelligent positioning of bikes on the road, automatically doing the mundane actions that aren’t interesting, and we all take for granted when riding outdoors; such as taking racing lines around corners, or seeking out the draft behind others. There are some key decisions however that only you can make, that are crucial to the outcome of a race and make the difference between winning and losing – for example, when, where, and how to attack to maximize your chances of success.
TrainingPeaks Virtual will therefore automatically handle the routine positioning, but additionally, you have the opportunity to – if you want – override that with tactical choices. This is useful for situations that in the short term put you in a slightly worse position, but if deployed at the right time could create a longer-term advantage – moving off the racing line and out of the draft to prepare for an attack, or moving aside in a paceline to let the rider behind you through, etc.
For the avoidance of doubt, this is not full steering. To keep it accessible and without the need for additional hardware, you can simply choose (with a single press of the left/right arrow keys, or in-game action menu buttons) to temporarily override the automated intelligent positioning to bias your riders position to the left or right of a normally optimal position. In a pack, you won’t barge riders out of the way or be able to negatively affect others, but as gaps open, you will slowly move across to where you want to be. Doing so will take some effort, so isn’t something to be used continuously, but perfect for preparing for those one-off key moments when controlling your position really matters.
Initial testing has shown this opens up all sorts of interesting tactical opportunities and judgments to make when riding, and new race strategies can therefore be developed as a result.