Virtual Crits, Course Recon, and Live Coaching: Redefining Indoor Training - Season 7 Ep 11

Sep 11, 2025

Tim Cusick, founder of Basecamp Coaching and WKO product lead, brings holistic, community-driven training and coaching systems. Dr. George Gilbert, VP of Virtual Platforms at TrainingPeaks and original Virtual developer, explains realistic virtual cycling tech. They discuss immersive course recon, cornering physics and GPX route uploads. They cover structured, focus-friendly indoor workouts, heart-rate ERG, and live coach-led group sessions.

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INSIGHT

Virtual Training Built For Credibility

TrainingPeaks Virtual prioritizes credibility and real-world specificity over being the biggest platform.
George Gilbert built it to emulate real cycling tactics, physiology, and seamless integration with TrainingPeaks so indoor and outdoor data sync automatically.

ADVICE

Match Virtual Modes To Your Training Needs

Use TrainingPeaks Virtual modes to match how you prefer to train: Zen for solitude, Focus to remove distractions, Cruise Control for free-ride power maintenance.
George suggests switching modes (Zen/Focus/Cruise) to tailor sessions like structured warm-ups or long zone‑2 rides.

INSIGHT

Cornering Physics Replicate Real Crit Demands

New cornering physics enforce proper technique: back off power entering a corner and reaccelerate on exit for faster overall speed.
George explains avatars take a racing line and pedaling through corners makes you slower, replicating real crit physiology.

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Hear how structured workouts, virtual communities, and game-changing tech combine for authentic, effective winter training — or cycling in general.

George Gilbert and Tim Cusick join host Dirk Friel for a look into the shift of virtual training and how purposeful, science-backed structure can help both athletes and coaches make the most of winter (or year-round) workouts.

George, TrainingPeaks’ VP of Virtual Platforms and the mind behind TrainingPeaks Virtual, pulls back the curtain on the fast pace of innovation in the virtual cycling world. From supporting completely custom GPX route uploads, called GPXplore, to immersive, realistic physics for cornering and drafting, the focus is on making indoor training both motivating and specific to real-world cycling. George emphasizes the value of credibility and seamless integration — your outdoor and indoor data, preferences, and progress are all in sync for an experience that works as hard as you do.

Tim, founder of Basecamp Coaching and TrainingPeaks WKO product lead, shares how his holistic approach unites expert coaching, nutrition, strength, and mental skills. By leveraging technology and community-driven group workouts, Basecamp delivers individualized plans that encourage consistency and bring the camaraderie of a training camp right to your room or pain cave. Tim urges coaches to lean into building engaging communities, use technology to scale their expertise, and focus on process-oriented growth rather than endless racing or chasing every metric.

Key takeaways: Successful indoor training isn’t about generic "spin classes" or chasing the latest trend — it’s about purposeful structure, real-world specificity, and the power of community. Learn about features like Zen mode for focused training, heart rate-based ERG workouts, and dynamic challenge events. Listen in for a fresh look at how tech, expert guidance, and meaningful connection can help you nail your goals — whether you’re prepping for your first century, a bucket-list crit, or want to start your season stronger than ever.