Progression Riders (PR) Series – Official Rulebook

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1.1 Overview

The Progression Riders (PR) Series is a multi-stage community race series consisting of 8 stages. Each season rewards tactical riding, teamwork, and consistency across multiple terrain profiles.

1.2 Groups

• D Group — expect lead beacon at 2.5 W/kg
• C Group — expect lead beacon at 3.2 W/kg
• B Group — expect lead beacon at 4.0 W/kg
• The early phase includes the Chase Pot — a dynamic inter-group bonus (see Section 2).

1.3 Rider Categories & Adjustments

• Progression Riders uses points multipliers to balance mixed-ability riders in C and B Group.
• Multipliers are based on your Zwift Racing Score (ZRS), rider category and the group you choose.
• Points are always earned on the road first, then adjusted afterward.
• A mid level rider in the natural group results in a multiplier close to 1.0×.
• Strong categroy B riders racing in C Group typically score ~0.6–0.8× points.
• Category A riders in B Group typically score ~0.7–0.8× points.
• Riders stepping up a group typically receive a small boost (~1.05–1.10×).
• Multipliers never affect in ride drafting, speed, or race dynamics.
• Riders on Zero-Point Stages ignore all multipliers.
• Choosing the correct group ensures fair competition and meaningful progression.
• Riders may switch groups during season. Following part is pending scoring troubleshooting: Mid-ride re-join entails a B rider re-joining on the C group before the 30 min Late Join option expires. This is intended for riders starting with B Group, but finding the pace too hard. Chase Pot Points are then not eligible and scoring of points will be solely from C Group and subject to potential scoring issues. Any resulting scoring issues are at your own risk.
  • Points earned in one group apply only to that group’s leaderboard.
  • Points cannot be transferred between groups.
• If a rider does not finish a stage, any points already earned remain valid.
• Rider category is determined post ride for the individual stage.

1.4 Jersey Classifications (by Terrain / Segment Type)

Three jerseys are contested, each linked to the type of segment (terrain or profile):

1.5 Stage Profiles

• Puncheur — Hilly; mix of Red & Green segments.
• Grimpeur — Mountain; favors Red & Yellow segments.
• Rouleur — Long steady efforts; favors Yellow segments.
• Sprinteur — Flat; favors Green segments.

1.6 Zero-Point Stage Rule (ZPS) — Mandatory

• Each rider must designate two ZPS per season.
• Non-attendance: Automatically counts as a ZPS.
• Declared ZPS Participation: Ride as desired but all points are nullified post ride (e.g., steal points from opposition, to support others or form alliances).
• Automatic Zero-Point Stage (ZPS) Clause: If a rider finishes a stage with 0 points across all jersey classifications (Yellow, Red, and Green), that stage will automatically count as one of the rider's designated Zero-Point Stages (ZPS).
• Deadline: Declare latest within 5 minutes of stage start.
• Irrevocable: Declarations cannot be revoked.
• Compliance: If two ZPS are not used by season end, the final one or two stages automatically count as ZPS.
• Communication: ZPS may be submitted privately to the stage beacons (cross-group secrecy allowed). There’s no limit to how early a stage can be declared a ZPS. No obligation to announce to other riders.

1.7 Communication & Results

All stage plans, segment details, and results are published via the PR Series official channels (website, Discord, or designated social posts).

🎯 Purpose

The Development Team is an academy group designed to prepare interested D riders for C-group through structured riding, shared segments, and progression incentives.

🔹 Ride Structure

• ⚡ ~2.3–2.7 w/kg
• ⏱ Starts 5 min before C
• 🗺 Same segments as other groups
• 🟡 except ALL points are Yellow only

☕ Coffee Break use (only for D group)

🔁 D-Dev Sequence

1. 1️⃣ Use [Dev] in name on stage to OPT IN (voluntary, only Cat D, or equivalent)
2. 2️⃣ Win the stage overall and earn Stagiaire [STAG]
3. 3️⃣ Start with C group following stage with STAG in name
4. 4️⃣ Stay with C group until they catch D group to earn 🔵-tag in name for rest of the season
5. 5️⃣ If dropped exit and rejoin D group to continue ride (optional)
6. 6️⃣ If successful, points bonus earned for following season in C group [NEO] / [NEO+]. See below.

🎓 STAG (Stagiaire) Explained

• 🥇 Awarded to the stage top eligible Dev-D rider
• 🔒 Only Category D or ZRS ≤300 riders can earn STAG
• 🏷 Must include [DEV] in name on the ride to be eligible
• ➡️ If STAG is acquired ride with C group the following week and use STAG in name

🔵 Confirmed Stagiaire

• If the STAG rider stays with the C beacon until it reaches the D beacon, the STAG is Confirmed
• At that point, the rider may sit in with D or continue with C, at their own choice
• Rider earns a 🔵 prestige mark and Discord recognition. Use in name remainder of season.

🌟 Neo-Pro (NEO)

• 📆 FOLLOWING season, no matter rider category or ZRS, confirmed riders (🔵) use NEO in name in C group
• ➕ Each 🔵 = +10% points [NEO], max +20% [NEO+]
• 🟡🟢🔴 Bonus applies to all points (Yellow / Green / Red)
• ⏳ Bonus is season-limited

💡 Key idea

2.1 Group Start Order

• D Group starts 5 minutes ahead of C Group.
• C Group starts 2 minutes ahead of B Group.
• B Group starts 2 minutes behind and begins with a chase of C Group.
• Each group has its own Yellow Beacon responsible for pacing and coordination.
• Every stage begins with a mandatory 5-minute warm-up, ramping gradually each minute before the official start.

2.2 The Chase Concept & Tactical Dynamics

The catch time determines a multiplier bonus to subsequent ride points based on how early/late they catch is completed.

• Break-even time for the multiplier is: B Group 17min. C Group 19min.
• C Group goal: cooperate to hold off the catch as long as possible, to maximise own multiplier and diminish B’s multiplier.
• B Group goal: cooperate to catch efficiently and maximize the multiplier to their favor.
• SEGMENTS CAN BE CONTESTED IN BOTH C AND B GROUP DURING THE CHASE IS IF SO ADVISED IN STAGE BRIEF OR BY BEACONS.

2.3 Stage Bonus Pot Value & Decay

• Initial Pot is stage dependent:
• Sprinteur stage: 🟩+🟩 = 13,2 pts / rider scoring green points.
• Puncheur stage: 🟩&🟥 = 6,6 pts respectively / rider scoring green and/or red points.
• Grimpeur stage: 🟥+🟥 = 13,2 pts / rider scoring red points.
• Rouleur stage: 🟨 = / rider according to the Rouleur Stage Table below.
• Riders points are multiplied according the table and graph shown below (There exists a specific table for Rouleur Stages).




• Rouleur Stage SPECIFIC Chase Pot:
• Rouleur stages primarily contribute to yellow points. The Rouleur Stage Bonus Pot is not tied to any specific segment; instead, it awards yellow points based on the distribution shown in the table and graph below. The Rouleur Stage Pot points are distributed directly to riders scoring points in subsequent YELLOW segments:

2.4 Catch Definition & Beacon Rules

• A catch is only valid once the two Yellow Beacons (B & C) are joined in the same visible group.
• Mixed riders alone do not constitute a catch.
• Beacons must stay with their own group and not ride off front or drop behind independently.
• Riders are encouraged to pull their respective group, keeping the Beacon protected in the draft.
• If a rider is dropped during the chase, that rider is still eligible for the Chase Pot, IF points are subsequently scored on Chase Pot relevant segments.
• Beacon WKG caps apply during the chase and are not to be intentionally exceeded.:
  • C Beacon WKG cap: 3.2 W/kg
  • B Beacon WKG cap: 4.0 W/kg

2.5 Stage Bonus Pot and multiplier Distribution

When the catch occurs (beacons joined), the multiplier is distributed to those C Group and B Group riders scoring points in the subsequent relevant segments. Riders on ZPS are excluded.

3.1 Segment Types & Allocation

• 🟥 Red Segments (KOM / Hilly) — award points to climbing or puncheur efforts.
• 🟩 Green Segments (Sprint / Flat) — award points to high-speed efforts.
• 🟨 Yellow Segments — typically finish, longer climbs or Rouleur segments.

Each segment is assigned either FAL or FTS scoring for the stage:

• FAL (First Across the Line) — points by order crossing the segment line.
• FTS (Fastest Through Segment) — points for the fastest recorded times.
• FINishing segments are always FAL.

3.2 Points Distribution (as in PDF)

3.3 Finishing Points

• If utilized, finish banners always use FAL/FIN.
• The final segment may award higher points (e.g., Double Points ×2) for stage impact.
• Both groups receive equal finishing tables; adjustments for A/B/C status apply as per 1.3.

3.4 Tiebreakers

Stage (individual) tiebreakers:

1. Most Yellow points on stage (total score)
2. Finishing position

Season tiebreakers:

• Yellow Jersey: Highest (Red + Green) points → then highest Green → then highest Red.
• Green Jersey: Highest Yellow → then highest Red.
• Red Jersey: Highest Yellow → then highest Green.
• If still tied after all criteria: alphabetical by rider name.

3.5 Penalties & Invalid Results

• Riders kicked by fence → no segment points awarded post separation from beacon group (even if FAL was passed prior).
• Late joins (after segment start line) → eligible for FTS only, no FAL.
• Coffee Break usage: voids all earned points for the ride but does not qualify as a Zero-Point Stage (ZPS).
• Equipment restrictions → To be eligable for scoring points, heart rate recording is mandatory and ZPower is not accepted as valid power source.

3.6 Season Standings

• Cumulative totals are tracked for each jersey (🟥 Red, 🟩 Green, 🟨 Yellow).
• End-of-season winners are the riders with the highest totals per jersey after ZPS, rider category and tiebreaker adjustments.

3.7 Bonuses & Special Events

• Special Stages may be announced in-season.
• Team Bonuses may apply on cooperative stages (chase coordination or joint finishes).
• Details always appear in the Stage Brief at least 24 hours before start.

• Respect and read beacon instructions at all times.
• Maintain steady power when pulling at the front; avoid surging.
• Communication via Discord is encouraged for team coordination.
• No “Sticky Watts” with excessive power spikes on segments or during Chase.
• Stage leadership may determine unfair behavior.
• ALL segments and jersey competitions are voluntary. Regroups are facilitated between segments within the scope of the overall ride pace. No dedicated sweepers.
• Rejoin is open and available up to the 30-minute mark for riders dropped but wishing to continue with the Beacon group.

The current PR Season Calendar and Stage Brief are shown below. Both will always reflect the latest published versions.

Open PR Stage Brief (PDF)  •  Download PDF

FAL – First Across the Line (order of crossing).
FTS – Fastest Through Segment (time based).
FIN – Finishing banner; scored as FAL.