“Radio Rendezvous” Route Details (Watopia)
Added in Zwift’s September 2024 update, this route features The Grade as its central climb. But it doesn’t stop there, as the route continues up the Epic KOM and finishes atop the dauntingly steep Radio Tower KOM!
This route is actually a solid option if you’re looking to complete The Grade as an FTP test, but want a route that offers a nice warmup prior to the max effort.
Added in Zwift’s September 2024 update, this route features The Grade as its central climb. But it doesn’t stop there, as the route continues up the Epic KOM and finishes atop the dauntingly steep Radio Tower KOM!
This route is actually a solid option if you’re looking to complete The Grade as an FTP test, but want a route that offers a nice warmup prior to the max effort.
Route Basics
Length: 20.4 km (12.7 miles)
Elevation: 728m (2,388‘)
+3.1km (1.9 miles) lead-in with 8m (26‘) elevation
Map: Watopia
ZIMetricsBETA
Rating: 21.2/100 🛈
Time Estimates 🛈
2 W/kg: 84 minutes
3 W/kg: 61 minutes
4 W/kg: 52 minutes
Start & Finish
Starts at Acropolis Sprint, ends on Radio Tower KOM.
Achievement Badge: 410 XP
Strava Segments
Bike Selection
In a race, you’ll want a lightweight climbing setup for this route due to all the steep and long climbs. See this post to determine the fastest climbing frame and wheels available at your level.
Route Description
Route profile by ZwiftHub – the place to plan and track your route achievements!
Radio Rendezvous begins from the Ciudad la Cumbre start pens if you’re in an event, or from the Acropolis Sprint banner when free riding. You’ll travel along the southern coast road toward the Jungle, then turn right to head up the back-to-back KOMs (Mayan Mountainside and Itza).
Neither of these climb segments are particularly steep or long, making them great warmup climbs if you’re loosening your legs for an attempt at The Grade as an FTP test.
Once you finish the Itza KOM the road turns right to head downhill to the Ciudad la Cumbre roundabout. Spin your legs and catch your breath because The Grade awaits!
Related Review: Zwift’s New “The Grade” FTP Test >
Go as hard as you’d like up The Grade. It serves as an FTP test if that’s what you’re looking for, but you can do it at an easier pace as well.
Once you reach the top, you’ll turn left to continue up the last ~3km of the Epic KOM. Wave hello to the Ibex who’s cheering you on as you ride through the Epic KOM arch, then get ready for one more effort! You’ll be turning left soon enough to begin the final climb of the day, up the icy road to the top of the Radio Tower KOM.
This is the steepest climb in all of Watopia, and it’s not short, either. Keep the watts up, see if you can catch a rider up the road, and know that a long descent awaits. Allez allez!