Last week, the athlete training platform TrainingPeaks launched GPXplore, a new feature that lets you import any GPX route and ride it virtually. If you can pull a GPX from Strava, Garmin Connect, Komoot, or anywhere else that exports standard GPS files, then you could be pedaling through its real elevation profile in your TrainingPeaks Virtual account. Whether you’re a triathlete scouting race courses, a cyclist chasing that Strava segment you’ve been dreaming of, or a coach building specific workouts tied to real terrain, this is a nifty feature to have.
How GPXplore works
This feature takes GPS coordinate data to give you real-world elevation and curvature, while also attempting to blend satellite imagery as your basemap. TrainingPeaks Virtual then layers 3D graphics on top to simulate the surrounding landscape, so that you can experience the gist of that route’s real-world scenery. And hey, I’d imagine seeing a 3D-rendered approximation of Tuscany while you grind through a 12% ramp is more motivating than staring at a power graph.
GPXplore offers two modes, each aimed at a different kind of athlete motivation.
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World Routes: These are pre-loaded rides from around the globe, allegedly with accurate topography so you can experience legendary climbs and famous races from your living room.
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My Routes: Your own GPX files, on demand. Import from Strava, Garmin, Komoot, or any platform that exports GPX.
In short, whether you’ve already ridden a road and saved it on Strava, or you’re eyeing a race course halfway around the world on Komoot, you can now pull it straight into TrainingPeaks Virtual, clip in, and go. For triathletes and cyclists prepping for a specific event, this is a great way to train with the actual elevation profile and sequence of climbs on the real course. Want to know exactly how punishing the bike leg of Ironman Arizona feels at kilometer 140? Load the course GPX and find out before race day.
How to use the GPXplore feature
It looks like GPXplore’s real value is functional, not aesthetic: Your smart trainer responds to the route’s actual grade changes in real time, simulating resistance on every climb and letting you spin out on the descents.
Download the TrainingPeaks Virtual app to your desktop or mobile device, then log in with your existing TrainingPeaks credentials. If you’re new to TrainingPeaks entirely, you can create an account directly inside the Virtual app and access a free trial of TrainingPeaks Premium features. Check out this video from TrainingPeaks for a step-by-step guide.
