Earlier, we wrote that Strava has been making significant moves. Most of the new features were received quite positively. However, that is certainly not the case with Strava's latest decision. The American company is restricting the use of your personal training data by external parties. Users received an email about this yesterday.

What's changing?

In short, external apps such as Veloviewer, Intervals.ICU, and in some cases JOIN will no longer be able to pull data from Strava. This was previously done via the so-called API (an interface). Even if you grant explicit permission, it will no longer be allowed. The only remaining permissible use is for apps that simply display the data directly to the user without processing it in any way. Processing data, applying analyses, and similar activities are not allowed. The use of AI on data is also explicitly prohibited.

In theory, you could still create an app that shows a single Strava ride exclusively to yourself, but nothing more. More details can be found here on DC Rainmaker (English).

What's the alternative?

There are already many apps that do not rely on Strava for data but instead use APIs from Wahoo, Garmin, and similar sources. For example, TrainingPeaks already does this for several head unit brands. For these apps, not much will change, although they will need to ensure compatibility with all fitness computer brands. Apps that currently depend on Strava for data have 30 days to set up their own data-fetching process. Activities logged directly via the Strava app will, for the time being, need to be manually synchronized with external apps.

Going forward

Strava often faces criticism, but none as intense as this. Complaints are pouring in, especially since Strava has announced it will immediately delete any topics related to this issue from their revamped community platform. Time will tell whether the tech company sticks to its decision or eventually backtracks. Strava's decision might open the door for an alternative platform to emerge.