Aero Recovery Protocol

The Super-Tuck is a hidden game mechanic that allows your avatar to sit on the top tube and become ultra-aerodynamic. In a race, a solo rider in a Super-Tuck is roughly as fast as a rider pedaling at 3.5 W/Kg. If you are not tucking on a steep descent, you are burning matches for no reason.

The Objective: Triggering the “Super-Tuck” to maintain race-pace speeds at 0 Watts, allowing for total cardiovascular recovery without losing position.

Physics & Dynamics

Race Tactics

Essential Tips

Power Up Efficiency

The Launch Protocol

The HUD

To perfect the tuck, you must satisfy these four variables simultaneously.

Variable	Requirement	The Solution
Speed	>58 km/h (36 mph)	You must “sprint into” the descent to hit the trigger speed.
Gradient	<-3%	The road must be steeply downhill.
Power	<11 Watts	Stop pedaling entirely.
Position	Out of Draft	You must be at the very front of your group to trigger the tuck.

Mastery Protocols

The “Sprint-to-Tuck” Transition

The most common mistake is “creeping” onto a descent. If you crest a hill at 20 km/h and stop pedaling, you won’t tuck until gravity eventually drags you to 58 km/h—by then, the pack has flown past you. Instead, sprint over the crest of the hill. Kick your power up to 5-7 W/Kg for 5 seconds until your speed hits 60 km/h, then instantly stop. Your avatar will drop into the tuck immediately, carrying that high momentum.

Breaking the “Draft Lock”

As of late 2025/2026 updates, Zwift makes it harder to tuck while drafting to prevent “infinite recovery” in a pack. To tuck while in a group, you must surge to the front of the “Blob.” Once you have clear air in front of your front wheel, the game will allow the tuck. Once tucked, you can often drift back into the group and stay tucked as long as the speed stays high.

The Weight Advantage (Anvil Synergy)

If you have an Anvil Power-Up, the Aero Recovery Protocol becomes a weapon. Trigger the Anvil just as you enter the Super-Tuck. The added virtual weight combined with the aero position will make you move 10-15% faster than a standard tucker, often creating a “gravity breakaway” that chasers can’t catch without a massive sprint.

Pro Tip

Beware of the “Kick-Out.” The moment the gradient hits -2% or your speed drops below 55 km/h, your avatar will sit up. In that second, your drag increases significantly (the “windshield effect”). Be ready to start pedaling before the road flattens to avoid a situation where you get snapped off the back of the pack.