Zwift’s annual fondo series is a popular tradition where thousands of riders push themselves to finish long rides. The series kicks off this weekend, and Zwift has made some fun changes this year:
- A new schedule
- Kit unlocks based on which route distance you complete
- Bi-weekly “Fondo Friday” workouts tailored toward fondo training
- A rotating route schedule
Here are all the details about this year’s fondo series…
Zwift Fondo Schedule
Fondo weekends are the first weekend of each month, starting December 2, 2022 (UTC) and ending in April 2023:
- December 2, 2022 – December 4, 2022
- December 30, 2022 – January 1, 2023
- February 3, 2023 – February 5, 2023
- March 3, 2023 – March 5, 2023
- March 31, 2023 – April 2, 2023
Fondo Routes
Zwift has two “sets” of fondo routes. First, their original three routes:
Then another set of three, rolled out in 2022:
Each month of this year’s series rotates between these two sets of routes. December will use the original routes, while January will use the 2022 routes, and so on.
December Fondo Schedule
The first series kicks off at midnight December 1 GMT, which is 7pm EST/4pm PST.
Events repeat every 3 hours until midnight December 4 GMT.
Kit Unlocks
New this year, each fondo length has its own unique kit unlock. Here’s a shot of all three kits:
These kits are exclusive, meaning they will never be available anywhere else. A true badge of honor!
You have five months to unlock all three, but if you are up for the challenge, see if you can ride all three distances in one weekend.
Is this a race?
Officially, no. But hundreds (possibly thousands) of riders will turn out for each of these popular “fun race” events, and the front of each category will certainly be filled with strong riders going all out.
How the Categories Work
Unlike other Zwift events, the A, B, and C groups don’t refer to rider strength or fitness. Instead, they correspond to route and distance options:
- A Group (~90 km Gran Fondo)
- B Group (~70 km Medio fondo)
- C Group (~50 km Bambino fondo)
Fondo Fridays
Zwift says “Fondo Friday” workouts will begin December 9 and run through March 24 (presumably not on fondo weekends).
“Fondo Fridays include a selection of workouts from the Gran Fondo Training Plan, designed to take you from couch to gran fondo distance before the series ends. Fondo Friday weekly workouts are around one hour and occur every three hours, beginning December 9 and concluding on March 24. Workouts are also available on-demand in the workouts training plan folder.”
Questions or Comments?
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