Zwift's new FutureWorks steering product update has officially rolled out across the platform's eight worlds in a move that is sure to revolutionize the indoor cycling movement. The steering feature is currently only compatible with the Elite Sterzo Smart steering plate (pictured), which not only promotes a more immersive experience, but also allows for better control of your Zwift avatar.

We first caught a glimpse of the Elite Sterzo at Eurobike last year, but the version we tested was a non-Smart "mechanical" version; when we tried it out in person at the Zwift and Elite booths, it worked quite impressively, but the smartphone's accelerometer The complex nature of having to maneuver with a sensor as a reference sensor was quite gimmicky.

The Elite Sterzo Smart Steering Plate would sort things out and definitely take the interactive side of things (not to mention eRacing tactics) to the next level.

Visually, Sterzo fits well with Elite's current product portfolio and design blueprint. In fact, at first glance, the form is so sleek and minimalistic that one would think it was an ordinary riser block. It is only upon closer inspection of the unit that its sleek features come to the forefront. First, there is a small LED notification light in the upper left corner that flashes green or blue (ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart).

Stelzo's steering plate has a triangular footprint, a design feature that allows the riser block to swivel left or right with the steering wheel operation; three rubber grippers provide traction, but still require full weight to hold it firmly in place. is needed. We have no idea how well this will hold up in an out-and-out sprint, but will report back when we review it in more detail in the coming months.

In addition, the undercarriage has a battery compartment and a number of stickers indicating the serial number and date of manufacture.

The spring-operated riser blocks, which provide 34 degrees (left and right) of self-centering rotation, run across the triangular base by two roller wheels. On each side of the base are rubber bump stops to prevent the riser blocks from contacting and damaging the base. The Sterzo can use three 1.5V AAA batteries, which Elite claims will last up to 500 hours. As for bike compatibility, the riser blocks can be used on both road and mountain bikes, with a maximum tire width of 56 mm.

It is important to orient the steering plate correctly. Elite recommends using it in conjunction with a training mat for maximum traction; connecting the Sterzo is as easy as pairing it with a turbo trainer or heart rate monitor. The device's status is indicated by the aforementioned LED notification lights.

What about riders using rocker plates like the Sarris Nfinity trainer platform? Unfortunately not compatible at this time, and probably not a good idea since they cannot be securely fastened to the baseboard of the rocker plate.

Oh yes, the draft. This is a bugbear that has long plagued many Zwifters, especially race participants. In short, the new Elite Sterzo now allows riders to steer around slower riders in the pack rather than slip past them.

The most exciting feature, however, is the ability to choose one's own line in a corner. This feature can be especially tricky in a racing situation, where you need to be more careful and sensitive to the movement, follow the draft in front of you, and basically try not to get dropped.

Whether this will be a plus or a minus for racing remains to be seen, but it is likely that Zwift will eventually make steering mandatory in racing. As a result, tactics will definitely become more important, and those who understand the basics of racecraft will have an advantage, which should bring more balance to racing.

The Elite Sterzo Smart Steering Plate is a great addition to any serious Zwifter or e-racer's indoor setup. Not only does it improve the riding experience, but it also makes you focus more on strategy, or dare I say it, skill, rather than FTP in racing.

At £74.99, it's not cheap and some might see it as a luxury rather than a necessity, but it epitomizes the concept of Zwift and indoor cycling: total immersion and interactivity.

I look forward to testing the Elite Sterzo smart steering plate over the next few months and seeing how it holds up in Zwift's fast-paced 3R and WTRL TTT events. A full review will follow.