Birthday is from September to December
Zwift is celebrating its 10th birthday this season. 10 years in which the platform has encouraged more people to be more active more often. In these ten years, the Zwift community has come together:
- travelled 8.72 billion kilometres and
- 81.56 billion metres in altitude climbed.
- There were 4,034,556 events.
Many of these kilometres were covered together with other Zwifters from all over the world in group rides, races and other events. The backbone of Zwift events is formed by those who organise the community events. They have organised an impressive 4,034,556 events over the last ten years.
Zwift's declared goal
More people, more active, more often.
Zwift celebrates a decade of transforming indoor training and previews a series of software updates available from September 2024. They promise to improve the user experience and bring even more excitement to the virtual world of cycling. These updates are designed to make training more fun, accessible and personalised for Zwifters around the world.
Watopia expansion: New roads in Watopia in November
The most popular Zwift world is Watopia. Zwifters can currently observe something on Watopia's coasts: something is emerging from the ocean. What's it all about? We'll have to be patient and wait until November. The new territory can only be explored in the 5th stage of the Tour of Watopia.
But the 5th stage is not all that the Tour of Watopia has to offer this year. The birthday celebrations are also reflected in this year's Tour of Watopia. It starts with some of the first Zwift routes. There is a choice of three route lengths for each stage. If the routes are completed during the events, double experience points are awarded. There is also 1.5 times the XP if they are completed on demand.
Revised Head-Up Display (HUD) for a personalised experience when driving twice
Zwift is responding to feedback from the community and revising the Head-Up Display (HUB). The most important information is now displayed exactly where it is needed. And you can choose which information is important. Seven customisable metrics are available, including cadence, heart rate, average wattage and watts per kilo.
Zwift Ride Smart Frame Available Now
From today the Zwift Ride Smart Frame, its price: 799.99 euros. It is only compatible with Zwift Ready Smart Trainers.
- The Zwift Ready programme extends the Zwift virtual circuit and the compatibility of Zwift Cog & Click to other smart trainer manufacturers
- Zwift Ride Smart Frame can now be purchased separately - compatible with Zwift Ready trainers
- Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One is now available with or without a 1-year Zwift contract at zwift.com & wahoofitness.com
- Wahoo dealers to stock Zwift Cog and Click from September
In addition to a range of new Zwift Ready trainers that come with Zwift Cog & Click, a range of smart trainers can be upgraded to Zwift Ready. Upgradeable Zwift Ready trainers include:
- Zwift Hub - all versions including Hub One
- Wahoo KICKR CORE - all versions
- Wahoo KICKR V6 - all versions from v6
- Wahoo KICKR MOVE - all versions (only compatible with Zwift Ride Smart Frame in fixed position)
- JetBlack Victory - all versions
Unlock challenges, earn rewards
New challenges will soon be available in the "Challenges" section of the start screen, which can be completed alongside the "main" challenges - Everest, Italy or California.
Cardio Crusher
The five workouts of this new challenge are aimed at people with time pressure. The challenge will be available in Zwift from 9 September. If you're in a hurry, these workouts, which all take less than an hour, are perfect. Those who complete all five workouts in the challenge will receive 250 XP.
Route Chaser: The Grade
Less than a month later, on 3 October, there will be Route Chaser: The Grade Challenge. It is ideal for earning new badges, as five routes have to be completed in order to complete it. Of course, there are also three new sections:
- Mayan 8 (23.1 kilometres, 241 vertical metres)
- Radio Rendevous (20.5 kilometres, 736 vertical metres)
- Power to the Tower (44 kilometres, 1492 vertical metres)
In the coming months, further challenges will be added to the two presented.
From October, the Zwift Racing Score will provide an improved racing experience
The Zwift Racing Score is designed to categorise Zwifters who are classified in the right racing category straight away. This should make races more competitive and appealing. The score adapts dynamically to the current performance. In addition, the Zwift Racing Score is intended to improve the competitive experience through improved matchmaking and rewards for strategic skill.
Zwift Racing Calendar
In addition to community races, which are created by over 100 community event organisers, there is the Zwift Racing Calendar, which is divided into four pillars:
- zRacing Monthly: year-round racing series with new race tracks every month
- Zwift Racing League: the largest team event in cycling with 2610 participating teams (season 23/24). The league offers three rounds with 6 races each from September to February
- Zwift World Series: five races from September to January
- Zwift Games: Zwift Championships return for a second year, offering Zwifters the chance to qualify for community and elite events
Garage upgrades: lighter, more aerodynamic, less rolling resistance
The Zwift Garage will be revised in the fourth quarter of 2024. This means Zwifters will be able to upgrade their virtual bikes. There will be upgrade challenges, the completion of which will unlock the next upgrade level of the bike with well-earned drops. All bikes will have five such levels, offering improvements such as weight reduction, improved aerodynamics and lower rolling resistance.
Zwift will be introducing Halo bikes for Zwifters for whom drops burn a hole in their virtual jersey pocket. Halo bikes, like the Pinarello Espada, offer high performance and make a real impact on the road. Only the most loyal Drop Shop customers will be invited to purchase Halo bikes. More details will follow shortly.
Training content autumn 2024
Zwift Academy is back ...
... and has been since 5 August. It will run until 3 November. During this period, Zwift is once again offering all cyclists the opportunity to improve their fitness. At the same time, cyclists will be competing to join a professional cycling team. With this year's larger time window from the beginning of August to the beginning of November, participation should be made easier and reach people from the northern and southern hemispheres.
This year, Zwift has shifted the focus further towards talent identification, with training sessions centred on testing physiological skills.
All those who complete the programme can earn the virtual Zwift Academy kit, a virtual Canyon Aeroad paint job. The best male and female participants also have the chance to win a professional contract with Canyon // SRAM Generation or Alpecin-Deceininck Development.
Zwift Camp: Baseline
With six workouts, the new Basecamp training programme is designed to help Zwifters learn more about themselves. The training units are available in a short and a long version, so that there is something for all athletes. A report at the end of the programme provides information about the strengths and weaknesses of your rider type. New challenges are also available after completing the programme.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
