Dear TrainingPeaks Virtual Team,

I would like to share some feedback and propose an improvement regarding the import and simulation of custom GPX routes in TrainingPeaks Virtual.

I am an endurance sports coach, and I regularly use TrainingPeaks Virtual to prepare for real-world cycling events, mountain climbs, and long-distance rides.

While I really appreciate the possibility of uploading my own GPX files, I have noticed several issues that significantly affect both the riding experience and the accuracy of route simulation.

1. Road overlapping and incorrect 3D representation

When importing GPX routes that pass through the same roads more than once, particularly out-and-back routes or routes with overlapping sections, the 3D road generation sometimes seems to overlap or duplicate parts of the road.

As a result, the rider's avatar occasionally appears partially underneath the road surface, inside the asphalt, or incorrectly positioned relative to the road.

This significantly reduces immersion and the overall user experience.

1. Inaccurate elevation and gradient representation

Another issue concerns the interpretation of elevation data, especially on long mountain climbs.

In certain sections, the simulated gradients do not seem to accurately reflect the original GPX elevation profile. It sometimes feels as though the software modifies or misinterprets the terrain data when generating the virtual roads.

For riders preparing for real mountain passes, accurately reproducing sustained gradients is much more important than having visually elaborate 3D surroundings.

1. Incorrect route distance and duplicated sections

I have also experienced situations where uploading a GPX route of approximately 105 km results in a simulated route of around 210 km, as though the platform had automatically created an additional return journey.

Ideally, users should be able to ride exactly the distance defined in their original GPX file without unwanted route duplication.

My suggestion: An alternative GPX riding mode using satellite maps

Would it be possible to introduce an alternative mode where users could ride their imported GPX routes directly on a satellite or standard map, similar to the functionality offered by Tacx Training?

Instead of automatically generating a complete 3D road environment, the platform could simply display the rider's position along the original GPS track on a map, while the smart trainer reproduces the elevation profile and gradients.

Ideally, users could choose between:

3D Virtual Road Mode: The current TrainingPeaks Virtual experience with generated roads and scenery.

GPS / Satellite Map Mode: A simpler simulation that follows the original GPX track, distance, elevation profile, and gradients without generating 3D roads.

I believe this would offer several advantages:

More accurate reproduction of real-world cycling routes.

No overlapping or duplicated 3D roads.

Better handling of out-and-back routes and repeated road sections.

Greater fidelity to the original GPX elevation and gradient data.

Improved preparation for mountain climbs, gran fondos, and endurance events.

A valuable alternative for athletes who prioritize training specificity over graphical realism.

As a coach, I believe the ability to accurately reproduce real-world gradients and route profiles is essential when preparing athletes for specific competitions.

I genuinely enjoy TrainingPeaks Virtual and believe this feature could make it an even more powerful training platform.

Could you please let me know whether your development team is aware of these GPX-related issues and whether improvements to route interpretation or a satellite-map riding mode are being considered?

Thank you very much for your time and for continuously improving the platform.

Best regards,