Strava have just removed a whopping 2.3 million activities from the regular leaderboards, with their “AI” detecting the rides as being completed on an eBike but uploaded as a proper bike ride.

According to the PR team at Strava, they analysed the top 100 results on EVERY SINGLE SEGMENT! Their algorithm flagged or removed any results detected as being completed using an eBike. Personally, I’ve not seen any eBike activities challenging the top spots on Strava segments, but I’m sure it is a thing. A “legal” eBike is limited to only 25km/hr assist in Australia, not that it’s difficult to circumvent that lowly limit and be flying around at 40 plus.

I have a suspicion this recent clean-up has mostly targeted mountain biking activities where eBikes are gaining massive popularity. Those dirty stump jumpers just hate pedalling to the top of the hill. 😜

No motors here, pedal powered all the way to the top!

Strava does have a separate activity type for eBikes that comes with separate eBike leaderboards. My thoughts on that could fill a whole other article! I’m all for eBikes, cycling inclusivity, and getting more people on two wheels, but segments and leaderboards for motor-powered pedal bikes? Oh, you’re the fastest eBike rider? Give me a break. I’ll stop ranting on that topic before I get myself in trouble…

Back on topic, this Strava segment clean-up is definitely a step in the right direction. The cynic in me thinks it’s also a very well-timed PR boost so that people forget about the recent “Strava sues Garmin” debacle. A lot of people are cancelling their Premium subscriptions citing a lack of any recent innovation and a lack of value compared to Strava’s free offering. This year is a very important one for Strava to keep a positive public image.

It’s no secret that Strava are gearing up for a public IPO and have posted a valuation of USD $2.2 BILLION! That means they need to be staying relevant and to be seen improving the product, something that is somewhat lacking. Although there doesn’t seem to be any clear direct competition to Strava, it’s still important they they continue providing value for customers, previous venture capital investors, and of course soon-to-be shareholders.