Strava launches ‘athlete posts’ aiming to become even more of an online hub for cyclists

Strava has launched ‘athlete posts’, a new feature that the firm says will allow users to “share stories, photos, questions, gear tips, race reports, recommendations, and workouts with other Strava users.”

Strava has long permitted users to post photos and comments to rides, but it sounds like the new functionality will provide much greater scope.

Set alongside the recently-announced Club Events feature, it’s clear that the network is keen to become a real hub for athletes.

In a statement, the firm said it was planning to build “a place where you can find everything you love about your sport,” and cited homemade energy bar recipes and “tips for fixing a busted IT band” as being possible subjects for posts.

“Strava is a place where athletes come to connect with each other, share their experiences and learn from one another,” said Aaron Forth, the firm’s chief product officer. “Until now, those connections have been based entirely on athletic activities. Our opportunity is to help athletes have conversations beyond their daily activities, sharing everything from favourite gear to injury recovery tips to travel recommendations.

“To open up those conversations, we are introducing the ability for members to post new types of content. Ultimately, when you want to engage with friends who share your passion for all things running, cycling, swimming, hiking, or any other sport, Strava is the place to do it.”

Athlete posts will be made available to the entire Strava community later this summer, but for now they’re being trialled by 36 athletes.

These include Phil Gaimon, who seems to be becoming something of a Strava professional. The ex-pro is also midway through a light-hearted video series in which he attempts to bag Strava KOMs.