Strava recently launched a new batch of updates meant to get your summer training smarter, more precise, and a heck of a lot more fun. No matter if you’re running, cycling, or discovering new routes, these features are meant to enable you to train like a local, race more equally, and squeeze the most out of every effort.
Here’s a closer look at what’s new—and why it matters.
Smarter Routes, Powered by AI and Real Athlete Data
Strava’s new artificial intelligence-driven route suggestions are a major leap forward. Rather than falling back on map data, the app now combines artificial intelligence with its Global Heatmap—gleaned from actual users—to suggest routes that feel more intuitive and pertinent. As T3 described it, the suggestions are “less like guesswork and more like local wisdom.
You can start a route from your current location or drop a pin anywhere on the map to generate activity-specific paths, making it easier than ever to discover scenic runs or rides, whether you’re at home or traveling.
Even better, enhanced Points of Interest (POIs) are on the way. Soon you’ll be able to tap on spots like cafés, restrooms, viewpoints, and more to see detailed info like elevation, distance, estimated arrival time, and even community-submitted photos. As Gear & Grit reports, this makes planning breaks or sightseeing detours a lot simpler.
And for those who prefer more guidance, Strava is also introducing point-to-point routing. Simply drop two pins, and the app will create the most direct and picturesque route between them, utilizing crowd-sourced data and AI to personalize it to your activity.
A Fairer Playing Field: Leaderboard Cleanup in Action
Strava’s leaderboards have been a source of encouragement—and sometimes frustration. To address dubious entries, Strava has increased its Leaderboard Integrity system, which uses artificial intelligence to now flag and automatically remove suspicious activity logs.
The outcome is impressive. Based on Endurance.biz, Strava has deleted more than 4.45 million erroneous activities, such as misnamed workouts and GPS reads taken in cars. The aim? To ensure that all KOM/QOM crowns and leaderboard rankings represent genuine athletic accomplishment.
Strava’s machine learning algorithm is also getting better by the day. According to TechRadar, the system has redeployed top leaderboard segments to make them more accurate, equitable, and reliable.
More Live Segments, More Data, More Motivation
If you live for competition or are addicted to pursuing personal bests, you’re going to love the upgrade to Live Segments. Strava has doubled the number of segments displayed in real time while you’re exercising.
Subscribers receive even more: extra comparison screens, side-by-side statistics, and live statistics that aid in tracking performance and pace in real time. It’s all about providing athletes with the information they require to get better, right when they need it.
What’s Included for Subscribers?
Although some of the updates can be accessed by everyone, the complete experience is offered to Strava subscribers (from $11.99/month). Subscribers receive:
- AI-driven route suggestions
- Improved Points of Interest
- Point-to-point routing
- Expanded Live Segments with additional in-workout information
These features are aimed at making training more tailored, route planning simpler, and each workout more rewarding.
Strava’s Bigger Vision: Not Just a Tracker Anymore, But a Training Buddy
Strava’s recent improvements are just a part of a larger movement. The site is transforming from a basic workout tracker to a full-fledged training, discovery, and competition platform.
With its Athlete Intelligence feature for individualized insights, Quick Edit functionality for cleaning up workouts, and the acquisition of training app Runna, it’s obvious Strava is doubling down on empowering athletes at every level to train smarter and explore with confidence.
As T3 put it, these features are “designed to help users train better, explore more, and compete fairly.
And whether you’re searching for a new course, pursuing your next personal record, or coordinating the ideal mid-ride coffee break, Strava’s newest features are designed to make your summer training sessions smarter, more enjoyable, and more rewarding.
