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Has it been 10 years already? Seems like just yesterday we were learning about smart trainers and this new video-game-like training program called Zwift.
In those 10 years, there have been a LOT of users logging a LOT of miles on Zwift – more than 8 billion kilometers ridden or run, with over 81 billion meters of climbing. Over that time 15 future pro cyclists have been discovered, with more to come.
Watopia Expansion!
If you love Zwift, you probably love Watopia. Zwift’s beloved world was its first, and the home of the most popular route of all time: Tempus Fugit. Now, it’s about to get even bigger.
From now until Stage 5 of the Tour of Watopia on November 24th, you might notice something rising from the ocean, just off the coast of Watopia. The teaser makes them look like some kind of ancient Stonehenge-like structure, but only time will tell!
Updated Heads Up Display
Following community feedback, the updated Heads Up Display (HUD) now will allow for customizable metrics including cadence, heart rate, average watts, and w/kg. Runners get an update as well, with a fixed display of a heart rate zone distribution bar, heart rate, and steps per minute. Wahoo KICKR Run owners will also see the new Dynamic Elevation display when utilizing Incline Control.
New Challenges and Rewards
Starting September 9th, riders will have some optional new challenges including the Cardio Crusher and Route Chaser. These can be accessed via the Challenges section on the Home Screen and can be completed alongside one additional ‘main’ challenge – Everest, Italy, or California.
Cardio Crusher – Sept 9
Catering to a wide range of fitness goals and for time-crunched athletes, the Cardio Crusher Challenge offers five new workouts, all under an hour. Zwifters who complete all five workouts will unlock 250 XP.
Route Chaser: The Grade – Oct 3
Ideal for users looking for a Challenge to earn new badges. Zwifters must complete five routes to complete the challenge, three of which are new – Mayan 8 (23.1km with 241m elevation gain), Radio Rendezvous (20.5km with 736m elevation gain), and Power to the Tower (44.7km with 1492m elevation gain).
Zwift Racing Score
Zwift claims the new Zwift Racing Score (ZRS?) will revolutionize racing on Zwift making sure you’re in the right category from the start. The score dynamically adjusts based on your current fitness and also your performance in races. With improved matchmaking and rewards for strategic racecraft, Zwift Racing Score is designed to elevate the competitive experience.
That will come in handy with all the events on the Zwift Racing Calendar:
- zRacing Monthly – Year-round racing with new racing routes landing each month.
- Zwift Racing League – The largest team event in cycling with 2,610 teams participating in the 23/24 Season, the league brings Zwifters together offering 3 rounds consisting of 6 races each between Sept and Feb.
- Zwift World Series – Five races spanning from Sept to Jan, the tailor-made courses offer three tiers of monthly monument racing challenges.
- Zwift Games – Launching in March, the Zwift Championships will return for a second year, offering Zwifters the chance to race for Community and Elite levels with more to be revealed in the coming months.
Zwift Garage Updates & Halo Bikes
Soon, it will be easier than ever to customize your bike in Zwift by completing upgrade challenges to unlock future upgrade purchases with Drops. All bikes will have five stages of upgrades for enhancements in weight reduction, aerodynamics, and lower rolling resistance.
There will also be new Halo bikes like the Pinarello Espada with high performance and, thanks to the price, high street cred among the Zwift community. Apparently “Only the most brand-loyal Drop Shop customers will be invited to purchase Halo Bikes,” with more details to come.
Zwift Academy, Camp, and Birthday Celebration
To celebrate Zwift turning 10, there will be a season-long celebration from Sept. 4 to Dec. 3, including a Big Birthday Party Weekend Sept. 27-30. Additionally, the Zwift Academy started in August and runs until Nov. 3rd, while a new workout program called Zwift Camp: Baseline will run from Nov. 18 – Jan. 5th. This will include six workouts with short and long versions to suit all riders. When you complete it, you’ll get a report to help identify your strengths or weaknesses based on rider type with additional challenges to help you take the next step in your fitness goals.
