ZWIFT ACADEMY WINNERS AWARDED LIFE-CHANGING PROFESSIONAL CYCLING CONTRACTS FOR 2025

Returning for its ninth year, the Zwift Academy talent identification and training program - in partnership with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto and Alpecin-Deceuninck - has awarded professional contracts to two athletes who demonstrated talent above their competitors. 

Australia’s Emily Dixon will join CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation and Canada’s Noah Ramsay has earned a spot on the Alpecin-Deceuninck Development Team. 

The two accomplished riders are the latest names on an illustrious list of Zwift Academy alumni which includes Giro d'Italia Women’s stage winner Neve Bradbury, Luca Vergallito who was promoted from the Development team after just one year and has recent strong results in the Volta ao Algarve as well as two-time Vuelta a Espana stage victor Jay Vine.

Emily and Noah set themselves apart from more than 100,000 Zwifters who participated in the 2024 Zwift Academy competition. They were among the eight finalists invited to the respective team camps which hosted the finals — the four women joined CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto in the Algarve, Portugal and the four men linked up with  Alpecin-Deceuninck in Denia, Spain.

During the concluding round, each athlete participated in different challenges and races, both on the road and on Zwift, met with coaches and staff from both squads, as well as joining group rides with their potential future team-mates. The final challenge was to complete the same test they undertook four days earlier, with significant fatigue in their legs. 

Emily distinguished herself by combining strong and efficient power numbers, first-class riding technique, and experience beyond her age. Tackling every challenge with a calm and collected spirit, Emily’s focus was proving her talent and not letting her competitors' performances affect her which impressed the judges. The 18 year old was motivated to prove her talent and determined to mark herself out as the best. 

Noah meanwhile, impressed the Zwift Academy coaches and team staff with his stand-out bike handling skills, impressive power data, and the room left for him to improve with their input. The 22 year old approached the finals with determination and tactical thinking, sizing up his fellow competitors to set himself up well to secure the life-changing professional contract. 

Women’s winner, Emily Dixon said: “It’s been such an amazing week, I’ve loved every minute of it and am so grateful for everyone at Zwift and the CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto team — I’ve learnt so much and they have all been so kind and welcoming. I’m utterly speechless and did not expect to win the 2025 Zwift Academy at all. I’m really looking forward to getting started with the team.”

Men’s winner, Noah Ramsay said: “The Zwift Academy process was great; it was handled so smoothly and allowed me to perform at my best alongside the Alpecin-Deceuninck riders and the other finalists. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet as I didn’t think I stood out as the best among the other riders. There will be a different type of stress this year as I step into the Alpecin-Deceuninck Development Team but I’m excited for the challenge it will bring.”

Adam Szabó, Head of Sports at CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation said: "Emily is an excellent all-round cyclist with impressive power and speed, as demonstrated on the racing circuit and during other varied challenges. As a rider, she has the foundations that we will be able to build on in the long term. She is the type of rider we were looking for to fit into our team."

Kristof de Kegel, Performance Manager at Alpecin-Deceuninck said: “Noah excelled throughout the ZA finals and physically was the type of rider we were looking for. He clearly demonstrated how he will be able to fit in with the Alpecin-Deceuninck Development team during the sprint challenge where he held his own and outperformed the rest of the finalists.”

GCN captured the Zwift Academy finals unfold in a four-episode series which can be watched here.

To learn more about the finalists and to see how you can stay up to date with the latest Zwift Academy news, read more here.