Zwift Insider

Zwift Racing League 2025/26 Round 3 Details: Routes, Rules, Registration + More

Eric Schlange

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December 15, 2025

Zwift Racing League 2025/26 Round 3 Details: Routes, Rules, Registration + More

Table of Contents

Now in its 18th round, Zwift Racing League continues to take racing to the next level on Zwift! Registration is now open for the third round of the 2025/26 season, which begins on January 6.

This page contains everything you need to know about the current ZRL round, and is updated as WTRL announces new details.

Intro to ZRL

Zwift Racing League (ZRL) is team-based racing for all abilities. It’s also the world’s largest virtual cycling competition, with over 30,000 riders of all abilities participating in each of the past two seasons!

Organized by WTRL, this is a team-based points competition spanning multiple weeks, with teams divided into divisions based on time zones and ability. Races take place every Tuesday, and the season is divided into distinct rounds with brief breaks in between.

ZRL is Zwift racing at its highest level. Its unique structure and varied race formats drive serious Zwift racers to show up week after week while providing a place for new racers who jump in and find their first team home.

Key Changes this Round

Zwift + WTRL continously collaborate to modify ZRL’s structure and rules with the aim of engaging as many racers as possible. Heading into this round, the rules have changed regarding team limits.

Riders were previously limited to membership on only two teams, but that limitation is now gone. The new rule says you may race for as many teams as you wish, but you are limited to a maximum of two teams per category within each league.

Examples:

✔️ A rider may race for Green B1, Lime B1, and Emerald B1
✔️ A rider may race for Green B Development, Green B1, and Green A1
✔️ A rider may race for Green B2 and Green B1
✔️ A rider may race for two teams in Green B2
❌ A rider may not race for two Green B2 teams plus a Green B1 team, as all three sit in the same league and category (Green B)

This gives teams and riders more flexibility while ensuring divisions remain fair and rankings remain transparent.

For more info, see ZRL Technical Guide & Rules, version 5.0.4 >

Routes and Dates

Each ZRL round comprises weekly races which are either scratch races, points races, or team time trials (TTT). Scratch Races and Points Races are both actually points-based in terms of final results, but Points races include intermediate segments while Scratch Race points are all earned at the finish line. TTT winners are the teams who complete the race course fastest, with team time taken from the fourth rider across the line.

Race #1: Neon Shore Loop
January 6, 2026 (TTT)

The round begins with a team time trial on a completely new route. This Makuri Islands route isn’t even in game yet, but we’ll be publishing details as soon as they’re available. Until then, please enjoy this press photo from Zwift, which shows how to ride as inefficiently as possible in a TTT:

1 Lap of Makuri Islands’ Neon Shore Loop (34.1km, 258m elevation)
PowerUps: none 🛈

Race #2: 2019 Worlds Harrogate Circuit
January 13, 2026 (Points Race)

The first points race of Round 3 is on the tough Yorkshire circuit, with a KOM and sprint segment on each lap.

A/B: 3 Laps of Yorkshire’s 2019 Worlds Harrogate Circuit (41.6km, 737m elevation)
C/D: 2 Laps of Yorkshire’s 2019 Worlds Harrogate Circuit (27.8km, 492m elevation)
Intermediate Segments (FAL+FTS):
- Yorkshire KOM
- Yorkshire Sprint
PowerUps 🛈:
- Feather at Lap banner
- Aero at KOM banner
- Feather at Sprint banner

Race #3: Countryside Tour
January 20, 2026 (Scratch Race)

The longest race of this round includes the challenging dirt Temple KOM on each lap. Will gravel bikes be in play?

A/B: 3 Laps of Makuri Islands’ Countryside Tour (47.8km, 556m elevation)
C/D: 2 Laps of Makuri Islands’ Countryside Tour (31.9km, 371m elevation)
PowerUps 🛈 (equal probability at each banner):
- Feather
- Draft
- Aero

Race #4: Roule Ma Poule
January 27, 2026 (TTT)

Our second TTT of Round 3 kicks off with a tough lead-in: the steady climb up the backside of the Petit KOM. Then it’s a flat, fast route until we encounter that climb once more for the finish!

1 Lap of France’s Roule Ma Poule (26.1km, 263m elevation)
PowerUps: none 🛈

Race #5: Cobbled Climbs
February 3, 2026 (Points Race)

Our second points race of Round 3 takes us to Richmond for multiple laps of a punchy course that includes three key climbs on every lap, although only two are points segments.

A/B: 4 Laps of Richmond’s Cobbled Climbs (37km, 537m elevation)
C/D: 3 Laps of Richmond’s Cobbled Climbs (27.8km, 403m elevation)
Intermediate Segments (FAL+FTS):
- Libby Hill KOM
- 23rd St. KOM
PowerUps 🛈 (equal probability at each banner):
- Ghost
- Burrito
- Draft
- Aero

Race #6: London Loop (A/B) + Greatest London Loop (C/D)
February 10, 2026 (Scratch Race)

Round 3 wraps up with scratch races in London. A/B teams are on a different route than C/D teams, but no matter who you are, the big selections will happen on the big climbs. Hup hup!

A/B: 2 Laps of London’s London Loop (30.4km, 466m elevation)
C/D: 1 Lap of London’s Greatest London Loop (26.2km, 360m elevation)
PowerUps 🛈:
- Feather at Lap Banner
- Anvil at KOM Banner

Race Timeslots

Some divisions and start times get tweaked between each round. Use the table below to find a time slot that works for your team, but note this table may be updated for Round 3.

Teams/Registration

Team registration opened December 10, 2025 (go to wtrl.racing/zwift-racing-league/participants/ and click “Register a Team”. Registration closes January 5, 2026 at 00:00 UTC.

ZRL is a team-based competition – you cannot sign up as an individual rider. Teams can have up to 12 racers rostered, but only 6 can race in each event. Teams must have at least 4 riders on their roster, and a rider into as many teams as they’d like, but only a maximum of two teams per league category (see “Key Changes this Round” above).

Want to race, but don’t have a team? Here are seven ways to find a team:

Recruit friends onto a new ZRL team, then sign up your team at wtrl.racing/zwift-racing-league/participants/.
If you’re already a member of a larger Zwift Club, contact a senior Club representative to see if you can join one of your Club’s ZRL teams.
Join an official team-lead ZRL Group Recon Ride (see below) where several teams can be found looking for more riders. These run several times a day, starting two weeks before the first race.
Join the ZRL Facebook Group and post preferred race times/league, Pace Group Category, and any other preferences under the #zrlteamhunt tag where many teams are eagerly waiting.
Reply to one of the #zrlrecruiting posts that teams make in the ZRL Facebook Group if you don’t want to post your own request.
Reach out directly to WTRL and they can match you to a team based on race times, category, and team preferences.
Use the new “WTRL Team Finder” tool once it becomes available at wtrl.racing/zwift-racing-league/teamhunt/.

First-Timer Tips

If this is your first time racing on Zwift, here are a few tips to get you started fast:

You must create a WTRL profile linked to your Zwift account – do so at wtrl.racing/registration
The minimum category you’ll race is determined by your power history on Zwift. See this post for details.
Riders must use a power sensor to transmit power to the game – this would be a smart trainer, smartbike, or power meter. (You’re allowed to race C and D categories with a “classic” trainer and virtual power, but your points are cut in half.)
Heart rate monitors are required. (You’re allowed to race without a HRM, but your points are cut in half.)
Cadence monitors are required.
You’ll want to have at least a few races under your belt before you try to join a team, so you are confident that you’re in the correct category. It causes a lot of hassle if you join a team and are forced to upgrade to a new category mid-round!

Race Recon Events

If you’re unfamiliar with a particular week’s race course, join a ZRL recon ride! These happen multiple times per day and are led by experienced racers who may share route info and racing tips as you ride.

Find a list of upcoming ZRL recon rides at zwift.com/events/tag/zrlrecon >

2025/26 ZRL Dates

Round 1: September 16-October 7, 2025
Round 2: November 4-December 9, 2025
Round 3: January 6-February 10, 2026
Round 4: April 7-28, 2026

Questions or Comments?

We recommend checking out WTRL’s Zwift Racing League page for rules, team registration, results, and more. They also have a Help Center with lots of useful info, and their Facebook page is the place to go for discussion of all things ZRL.

You may also share questions or comments below!

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Ryan Condon shares how he transformed his garage into a home gym.

Zwift 20 min FTP Test | Why I’m ditching ERG mode

As Max from The Watt Life starts training for the 2026 season, he tackles an FTP test and shares why everyone should do an FTP test before a training block.

Sitting in the pack is boring… so I attacked

After getting bored of sitting in the pack, Liam Shaw takes a risk and attacks in his latest Zwift race. Can he hold on for the win?

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I ‘Cheated’ at Zwift

With the recent launch of exoskeletons enhancing physical activity, many influencers have been putting them to the test in sports like running and cycling. In this video, Road.cc tries to set an Alpe du Zwift PR with the exoskeleton.

Got a Great Zwift Video?

Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!

Zwift Fondo Series 2025/26 Final Routes Released

Eric Schlange

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December 13, 2025

67

Zwift Fondo Series 2025/26 Final Routes Released

Zwift’s big fondo events are a popular tradition where thousands of riders push themselves to finish long weekend rides. And while the ZFondo Series took a year off last year, it’s back for the 2025/26 indoor season, with the longest fondo in the series taking place in December during the Rapha Festive 500!

Here are all the details for this year’s ZFondo Series…

Routes and Schedule

The last weekend of each month is designated as a Fondo Weekend, and each month features a different route.

Events are scheduled every three hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during Fondo Weekends.

September 26-28, 2025

Route: Bambino Fondo
Length: 52.6km (32.7 miles)
Elevation: 581m (1906’)

October 24-26, 2025

Route: Medio Fondo
Length: 73.4km (45.6 miles)
Elevation: 1010m (3314’)

November 28-30, 2025

Route: Gran Fondo
Length: 97.8km (60.8 miles)
Elevation: 1196m (3924’)

December 26-28, 2025

Route: France Classic Fondo
Length: 146.9km (91.3 miles)
Elevation: 1099m (3606’)

January 23-25, 2026

Route: Bambino Fondo 2022
Length: 53.3km (33.1 miles)
Elevation: 398m (1306’)

February 20-22, 2026

Route: Medio Fondo 2022
Length: 79.4km (49.3 miles)
Elevation: 922m (3025’)

March 27-29, 2026

Route: Gran Fondo 2022
Length: 92.7km (57.6 miles)
Elevation: 1116m (3661’)

See Upcoming Zwift Fondos and Sign Up

Categorization and RoboPacers

You must choose a category when you sign up, but the category you choose is entirely up to you, and all categories start together and are visible to each other.

The idea is that you’ll choose a category at the approximate pace you plan to ride, making it easy to see and group up with other riders targeting a similar pace. Each category will include a RoboPacer with a beacon, and you can choose to ride with that RoboPacer group or not.

Available categories:

A: 4.2 W/kg (RoboPacer: Constance @4.2 W/kg)
B: 3.2 W/kg (RoboPacer: Jacques @3.2 W/kg)
C: 2.6 W/kg (RoboPacer: Coco @2.6 W/kg)
D: 1.8 W/kg (RoboPacer: Miguel @1.8 W/kg)
E: 1.5 W/kg (RoboPacer: D Bernie @1.5 W/kg)

1000 XP Bonus + Kit Unlocks

Past fondos have typically featured jersey unlocks, but some of the designs weren’t always a hit. (Does anyone wear the salmon/chocolate 2023 kit?)

So Zwift is switching things up this year by giving a 1000 XP bonus the first time you complete each month’s fondo event.

Read All About Zwift XP, Levels, and Unlocks for Cyclists >

Of course, a fondo wouldn’t be a fondo without a kit unlock. But instead of releasing another set of fondo kits, Zwift is awarding different legacy Zwift Fondo kits each month:

September (ZFondo Medio 2023)

October (ZFondo February 2022)

November (ZFondo November 2020)

Kits for December, January, February, and March:

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 event will certainly be filled with strong riders going all out.

With so many riders participating, everyone should be able to find a group that suits their desired pace. You do you!

Questions or Comments?

Post below!

Upcoming Events from Flamme Rouge Racing

Richard Vale

-

December 12, 2025

4

Upcoming Events from Flamme Rouge Racing

Editor’s note: With the new year just around the corner, event organizers on Zwift are already deep into planning 2026 events. Richard from FRR is a key organizer in the Zwift racing space, so I asked him to provide an update on what’s coming next with FRR. See all the details below!

Tour Watopia

Tour Watopia will start our third Tour of the season on January 3rd with an epic first stage to welcome in the New Year. Once completed, you will probably want to ‘Fuhgeddaboutit’…

The Tour opens with three stages on fresh New York routes before heading over to Watopia to complete the remaining five, which also incorporate new routes to tick off some badges.

The event travels 340km, climbs 3,650m, has 6 points and 2 iTT stages and guarantees one epic week of racing. You can sign up as explained below.

To give a special New Year boost, everyone who completes the first 3 stages will enter our free prize draw! There’ll be at least 10 prizes like FRR Tour T-shirts, store discounts/vouchers, FRR Level Jerseys… just ride and earn your ticket!

Click here for information, and here is the Tour Roadbook

6IX Team Racing

6IX Team racing will start the final round for Series 1 on January 16th, a series of 5 races across three race times APAC (0830UTC) – EUROPE (1830UTC) – US EST (0030UTC). Teams of 5 riders compete weekly to be crowned best in class in the March Finals, with classes defined by vELO rating level.

The feedback and the racing have been great. Just click here to see race clips and what you could be part of in January.

New teams can join up to January 16th and have every chance to make the finals.

The racing is exciting, fast, and aims to keep the whole team engaged every race.

For more info on format, rules, and how to join, see the 6IX Rules

Tour Triquetra

Tour Triquetra will return on April 25th to deliver the Grandest of Grand Tours with 21 Stages over 3 weeks with just 2 rest days. The parcours will travel across many of our Zwifting worlds to elevate the experience, build the fatigue, test you like never before, and deliver the hardest but most rewarding event organised to date.

The question is, can you handle it…?

Not as though you need an incentive to join the best virtual Grand Tour of the year, but every rider who rides the Tour

will be eligible to purchase a Triquetra Rockstar Tour T-Shirt
- complete all 21 Stages and earn the option to buy it at cost
all Class Jersey podiums (top 5) will enter a prize draw for some great rewards, with a host of other prizes to be announced for competitors

Over December, we are releasing on the website a Stage each day up to the 24th.

For more info, check out the Tour Schedule

Club Series & Event Hosting

Team VirtuSlo have partnered with us to bring you their unique New Year Tour which starts December 20th, all on the back of the fabulous Team Fearless Women’s event.

Want us to host your Club series and have your own space? Contact Race Control and let’s start the simple process…

Event Schedule

Tour Watopia 3: 11th January
6IX Team Racing: 16th January (5 races each Friday)
World Tour: 14th-22nd February
6IX Playoffs: March 7th & Final March 14th
Tour Triquetra April 25th-May 17th

FRR partnered with Octaine Racing in the Summer to develop a new and exciting brand for the whole community – delivering free merchandise for riders who choose to Subscribe to FRR and support in moving us forward in all directions to improve and enhance what we do.

How To Sign Up

Riders can register throughout events, but the event race links are private, so registration is required at flammerougeracing.com.

To compete, you must meet these minimum requirements for accounts and equipment:

Riders must be OPTED IN to share their race data with ZwiftPower from their Zwift Profile Connections
Riders must have created and connected a ZwiftPower account – full instructions on this can be found here
Riders must have an FRR account to be able to register for an event, be included in results and to allow Team Managers to select them for a 6IX Club Team – to do this simply follow these instructions:
- Simply visit the FRR Home page and Login or Register a New account – once in, click on your name to open your Profile options
  - New accounts must first complete their basic Profile Information when they first log in – just select Profile and complete the fields presented not forgetting to SAVE at the end
- To register for the event click on Event Admin and then select Register from the 3 tabs shown
  - The page details the 3 simple steps to follow to complete event registration
  - Race BIO confirmation is important to us as we look to improve rider responsibility for their virtual profile, since these define how our virtual self competes
Riders are advised to have completed at least 3 Zwift race events prior to racing to ensure your vELO rating value is reflective of you as a rider

Once registration is completed you will appear on the Registered list of riders and you will receive a welcome email to confirm along with some helpful details about the event.

You can email FRR race control at [email protected], or join the FRR Discord server.

Eric Schlange

-

December 12, 2025

3

Notable Zwift Events for the Weekend of December 13-14

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This weekend, we’ve chosen three events to help you earn route badges (and XP bonuses) for tougher routes, plus two very different TT-related events. See our picks below!

🤝 THE COALITION PRL Full and PRL Half Badge Hunt

✅ Route Badge 　✅ Endurance Challenge 　✅ Unique Event

This event from popular Zwift team THE COALITION is essentially three events in one, designed to help riders of all types have a great day out while riding London’s PRL Full or Half routes. Choose your own adventure! Ride the PRL Full (A group), the PRL Half (B group), or a banded version of the PRL Half (C group).

A and B will start together, while C will start two minutes later. All riders will be able to see each other on course. Read the event description for more info.

Saturday, December 13 @ 1:30pm UTC/8:30am ET/5:30am PT
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/5214890

🥇USMeS Fuego TT Record Attempt

✅ Endurance Challenge 　✅ vEveresting 　✅ Crazy

The USMeS squad tells me their last attempt to break the Fuego Flats Reverse TT record was just 4s off the record of 7:34. This event begins with a warmup/lead-in, but once riders hit the segment, the front pack will feature A/A+ riders hitting the line at 55kph/34mph in TT style rotation ~8.5wkg for 1 min.

All riders will be placed on draftable Cadex Tri bikes with the fastest disc wheels. Riders of all abilities are invited to join in the lead-in, then attempt their own PRs.

Saturday, December 13 @ 6:30pm UTC/1:30pm ET/10:30am PT
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/5215965

🥇CTT Winter Series on Zwift

✅ Popular 　✅ Race of Truth

Cycling Time Trials (CTT) – the national governing body for time trials in England, Scotland, and Wales – continues to evolve their popular time trial series (read about the launch here).

Saturday is your last chance to complete week 5’s race on Tempus Fugit (12.1 miles, 16m), which is a repeat of the first week’s race. Set a course PB and you’ll earn series points to boost your overall ranking!

Multiple timeslots Saturday, December 13
Sign up at zwift.com/events/tag/cyclingtimetrials

🤝Feed Fondos

✅ Kit Unlock　✅ Prize Giveaways　

The Feed is holding three longer fondo-style group rides this Saturday on Navig8 (66.1km, 421m), Dust in the Wind (52.5km, 582m), and Sacre Bleu (73.8km, 410m).

Each fondo has a ride leader, with a pace of 2.2-2.8 W/kg. Finish the ride and unlock The Feed kit on Zwift. Each fondo ride also features two prize giveaways – the ride leader will explain how they work!

Three times on Saturday, December 13
Sign up at zwift.com/events/tag/thefeed

🤝Badge Hunters

✅ Route Badge　✅ Banded　✅ Beginner-Friendly

Join the Zwift Riders Scotland team and tackle some of Zwift’s more difficult routes to earn those route badges! These are banded rides, so you’ll stay with the pack as long as you keep pedaling.

This week they’re on New York’s Fuhgeddaboudit route (79km, 838m).

Saturday, December 13 @ 11am UTC/6am ET/3am PT
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/5228833

How We Make Our Picks

We choose each weekend’s Notable Events based on a variety of factors including:

Is the event unique/innovative in some way?
Are celebrities (pro riders, etc) attending/leading?
Are signup counts already high, meaning the event is extra-popular?
Does the ride include desirable unlocks or prizes?
Does the event appeal to ladies on Zwift? (We like to support this under-represented group!)
Is it for a good cause?
Is it just plain crazy (extra long races, world record attempts, etc)?
Is it a long-running, popular weekly event with a dedicated leader who deserves a shout out?

In the end, we want to call attention to events that are extra-special and therefore extra-appealing to Zwifters. If you think your event qualifies, comment below with a link/details and we may just include it in an upcoming post!

Tiny Race Series – December 13 Routes – Hitting the BRAEks

Eric Schlange

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December 11, 2025

0

Tiny Race Series – December 13 Routes – Hitting the BRAEks

See zwiftinsider.com/tiny for current Tiny Race details.

How the Race Was Lost: Maxing Out the VO2 Max (Empire Elevation)

Eric Schlange

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December 11, 2025

10

How the Race Was Lost: Maxing Out the VO2 Max (Empire Elevation)

This week, ZRL racers headed back to New York for the final race of round 2. It was a scratch hosted on the new Empire Elevation route, and my team (Coalition Delusion) was tied for 1st place in the B1 Development Lime division. It all came down to this!

Planning and Warmup

As usual, my team was chatting on Discord in the days leading up to the race, deciding how best to ride the course. We found ourselves in a difficult spot. Sure, we were tied for 1st. But we were up against team TSE, whose strength was climbing. (Ours is not.)

We searched high and low for a brilliant race strategy to secure the overall win, but found nothing. Our conclusion? Teamate David said it well: “I think there is only one tactic for this and it’s go into the KOM with as much energy as you can and try to empty yourself on that climb.”

I’d scouted the KOM to write the week’s race guide, but that wouldn’t make it any easier. I knew I was facing an all-out 5-minute effort on some steep slopes, so I pulled the Specialized Aethos out of the garage (level 3 upgraded, good enough), fitted with the fancy new ENVE 4.5 PRO wheels.

With a whiff of PR Lotion and mint MEG gum in my nostrils, I started my warmup, putting in a few good digs and chatting about Zwift with other riders as I woke up the heart and legs. Soon enough, it was time to sign into Discord and join the start pen. Let’s race!

The Easy Part

The Empire Elevation route was brand-new, created for this specific race, and I’d never ridden it. But that didn’t mean it was unfamiliar. I’d ridden all of its roads multiple times via other routes, so I had a pretty good idea how this would play out as a scratch race.

Simply put: it would be quite easy for the first 24km. Then the KOM finish would be an all-out ~5-minute effort.

It played out as expected. Sure, some digs were required whenever the road tilted upward, including those pesky escalators. But the pace was never truly “high.” My heart rate sat firmly in the tempo zone, and I sat firmly in the draft.

There was just one snafu: I somehow neglected to fasten the upper Boa on my left shoe, and didn’t notice it until the race was underway! So I pedaled with a loose shoe until the Manhattan Bridge descent 12km in, where I managed to stop pedaling and fix it while sliding backward through the pack:

Here’s something a bit crazy, which also speaks to how easy the first bit of this course was: we didn’t lose a single rider from the starting pack of 48 in the lead-in to the final climb. When was the last time you did a ZRL race where nobody was dropped in the first 24km?

The Hard Part

35 minutes into the race, we hung a right onto the glass road of the NY KOM, and the “fun” began.

Someone on Discord said, “Last 6 minutes of the round, so lay it on the road.” Exactly right (except it would be closer to 5 minutes). I steeled myself mentally and began to push. Time to empty the tank.

I stayed close to the front on the first and second of the four ramps, and still had a feather in my pocket with 1km to go. Then we hit the “main” ramp, and the pack began to stretch out ahead. I triggered the feather and kept hammering, riding on that razor’s edge between easing and losing places or pushing harder and blowing up in spectacular fashion.

With 600 meters to go, I realized I was just behind a TSE rider named Grosso. I lacked the glycogenic bandwidth to execute complex strategies, but I knew one thing: we had to beat TSE to win 1st overall! So I dug deeper, passing him and teammate Andrew with 500 meters to go:

One ramp to go. I eased a bit on the flat road leading to the final ramp, but then Grosso flew past with 180m to go! It was now or never. I went all in to catch him, channeling my inner Pogi with a seated sprint. Glancing up from my sweaty top tube, I saw I was getting closer to Grosso. But where was the finish arch?

Another glance up and it appeared Grosso had sat up early. With 20m left, I flew past as he dropped his power to 2 W/kg. I beat him to the line! For… 15th place.

See my ride on Strava >

Watch the Video:

Results and Takeaways

Coming across the line, I saw that teammate David had taken 1st overall. Well done, sir!

Unfortunately, our overall team performance didn’t place us on the top step this week. We tied for 3rd, and team TSE took first:

That dropped us from a tie for 1st to a firm 2nd overall. Ladies and gentlemen, the final standings for the Lime B1 Open Development Division, Round 2:

Well done, TSE!

As for my personal performance? Once again, I think I played this as well as I could. Heck, I was even doing some VO2 max training in the weeks leading up to this race!

In the end, I used all my W’ weebles, according to intervals.icu:

That final climb was almost exactly 5 minutes long, which let me (almost) set a new 5-minute power PR for 2025. (I did 379W to finish this race, but did 387W in an FTP ramp test in September.) So I feel I gave it all I had. Which is all anyone can ever do.

Good work, Coalition Delusion. And chapeau to all our competitors as well. See you next round! (Watch for details of ZRL 2025/26 Round 3 to be shared here on Zwift Insider next Tuesday.)

What about you?

How did your final race of round 2 go? Share below!

Missing Rewards? Update Zwift! Here’s How…

Getting Started

Eric Schlange

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December 10, 2025

13

Missing Rewards? Update Zwift! Here’s How…

We occasionally hear from Zwifters complaining that new features or achievements on Zwift aren’t working as advertised. The main reason this happens? Running an outdated version of the game.

Here’s how to check your installed Zwift version and update to the latest available version.

What Is the Latest Zwift Version?

Zwift maintains a page showing current versions for each platform.

Checking Your Version

The simple way to check your currently-running Zwift version on any device is to visit My Settings>About:

On PC, you can also right-click the Zwift icon in your taskbar to learn which version of the game and launcher you are running. This can be done even if Zwift isn’t actively running:

How to Update Zwift

Keeping Zwift up to date is quite simple, and usually automatic, depending on how your device is configured. Settings vary by device, so here are some specific tips…

Windows PC

Any new updates will be installed when you next launch Zwift.
Recommended: right-click the Zwift launcher which appears in your system tray (usually at the bottom right of your screen, near the clock) and make sure “Auto Startup” and “Background Updating” are both checked. This will download updates automatically without your intervention, so they can be quickly installed the next time you start up Zwift.
If you want to manually check for an update, right-click the Zwift launcher and click “Check for Update Now.”

On a Mac

Just launch Zwift and it will update for you!

On AppleTV

Open the App Store and go to your “Purchased Apps” list. Select Zwift. If the app needs an update, there will be a button you can select to update it.
Recommended: enable automatic updates by going to the Settings menu, selecting “Apps,” and making sure that “Automatically Update Apps” is turned on.
Also Recommended: shut down the Zwift app or your entire AppleTV when you’re done with your day’s session. This unloads it from memory and ensures that when you start your next Zwift session, you’re using the newest version installed on your AppleTV.

On iOS Devices (iPhone or iPad)

Go to the App Store, tap your profile icon at the top-right, and you should see a list of available updates. If Zwift appears in the list, tap the “Update” button beside the Zwift icon to download and install the most recent update.
If you aren’t seeing the latest Zwift update, or want to make sure you haven’t missed an update, pull down on the screen which shows all available updates. This will force your device to look for all available updates, which will often bring up recently-added app updates that weren’t already listed.
If you want your apps to update automatically, go to Settings>Apps>App Store and enable “App Updates” under “Automatic Downloads”.

On Android Devices

Go to the Play Store, tap your profile icon (top right), and go to Manage apps & device>Updates available. If your version of Zwift is old, it will appear in this list. Tap the “Update” button beside the app to download and install the most recent update.
To enable automatic updates, open the Play Store and tap your profile icon (top right) then Settings>Network Preferences>Auto-update apps. From there, you can choose to auto-update apps over any network, over Wi-Fi only, or never.

Forcing a Zwift Update

Zwift has maintained a biweekly release schedule for the past few years, with updates typically released on Tuesday mornings around 8:30am Pacific Time.

These rollouts are phased, so the update isn’t available to everyone immediately. Zwifters have asked if there’s a way to force a Zwift update, but unfortunately, there is no approved method for doing so. The timing of phased releases is tied to individual Zwift accounts, so chances are you’ll receive each update at approximately the same day and time every other week.

Using Zwift as a Lifeline: My Rehabilitation Journey After a Cycling Accident

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December 10, 2025

44

Using Zwift as a Lifeline: My Rehabilitation Journey After a Cycling Accident

On September 14th, everything changed.

One moment I was out on the road doing something I loved; the next, I was dealing with injuries, restrictions, fear, and the uncertainty that comes with recovering from a cycling accident. Like many riders, I had relied on outdoor miles for stress relief, fitness, and a sense of identity. Losing that – even temporarily – felt overwhelming.

What surprised me most, though, was the role Zwift would play in helping me rebuild my strength, confidence, and routine.

Returning to the Bike — Carefully

Riding in ERG mode to manage intensity

In the early weeks after the accident, I wasn’t sure when I’d be allowed to ride again. Once my physician and physical therapist gave the green light to begin low-intensity training, I knew the safest place to start wasn’t on the roads – it was inside, with Zwift.

For my rehab team, the controlled environment was a major advantage. No balance hazards. No traffic. No sudden braking. No risk of hitting a pothole (unless you count the ones on Cobbled Climbs). It gave me a platform where the only variable was my own power output.

Zwift allowed me to:

Keep a strictly aerobic, low-wattage range when required
Incrementally build time in the saddle
Track changes in power and endurance with precision
Manage intensity using ERG mode and structured workouts
Ride consistently without worrying about weather or terrain

That stability gave me the reassurance I needed to focus on healing instead of what-ifs.

From Short Spins to Stronger Efforts

At first, my rides were short – 20 to 30 minutes – focused entirely on light spinning (well, I’m still a masher) and loosening up. Riding every day was actually encouraged because the intensity was so low. Zwift became part of my daily rehab routine: part workout, part meditation, part rebuilding.

As I progressed, my physio gradually expanded the plan:

Longer rides: first 45 minutes, eventually pushing toward an hour
Higher-intensity short rides: allowing me to test cadence, control, and targeted power
Reintroducing efforts: like a 30-minute ride averaging 2.7 w/kg, which felt like a breakthrough. I chose Scotland After Party for this as it allowed me to do efforts.

Seeing those numbers come back on the screen helped me trust my body again. Zwift’s data gave me objective proof that I wasn’t as limited as I feared.

No Restrictions — and What That Meant Mentally

At my follow-up appointment, my ortho told me something I had been hoping for: no restrictions. The words sat with me. They felt liberating, exciting, and – if I’m honest – a little intimidating. I was a little nervous about trusting my body after multiple injuries, but I was also ready to put in the work and regain my fitness.

Zwift made the transition manageable. Instead of jumping into long outdoor rides, which were off limits, I used the platform to:

Test my endurance safely
Slowly increase total weekly volume by 10-15%
Rebuild my muscular resilience
Reintroduce climbs, sprints, and threshold intervals
Regain confidence before facing real-world variables

Zwift gave me a structured, safe progression that matched exactly where my recovery was.

The Emotional Side of Virtual Riding During Rehab

The physical side of recovery is one thing. But the emotional storm after a crash is its own challenge. Fear. Frustration. Loss of routine. Losing fitness. Even questioning whether you’ll ever feel like “you” on the bike again.

Zwift helped bridge that gap, and with each ride, I felt more confident in my abilities.

There’s something uniquely healing about moving your legs in a familiar cadence, even if the scenery is virtual. The digital rides, the community chat, the route badges, the gamified accomplishments – they gave me small wins every day. And small wins are exactly what you need when the big picture feels uncertain.

Looking Ahead — Stronger Than Before

Before the accident, my FTP was 254. Watching myself gradually push pace and duration on Zwift has helped me feel not only like I’m returning to that level, but that I might come back even stronger. I’m back to leading my rides with Team Giant, and I led my first post-accident 100k!

I’ve learned that rehabilitation isn’t just about regaining fitness; it’s about rebuilding confidence and reconnecting with the joy of movement. Zwift gave me a way to stay consistent, stay safe, and stay motivated when I needed it most.

If there’s one thing I’d share with any athlete rehabbing after injury, it’s this: Zwift meets you exactly where you are—and helps you get where you want to go.

What About You?

Got a rehab story where Zwift played a role? Got questions? Share below!

The Best Trainers for Zwift in 2025: From Budget to High End

Tariq from Smart Bike Trainers provides a comprehensive overview of the top trainers for Zwift, covering everything from the best budget trainer to the best high-end smart bike.

How I Increased My FTP by 25% in Just 8 Months

Who doesn’t want a hefty FTP increase? Adam from Road to A shares how he increased his FTP by 25% in the last 8 months of training.

What We Actually Do On Zwift

GCN presenters Conor, Alex, Ollie, Si, and Dan share how they use Zwift to supplement their training during the long winter months.

Fastest Zwift Bikes in 2026, Including New Level 5 Upgrade Bike!

With bike upgrades recently changing how Zwifters choose their bikes on Zwift, Cranks and Sprints shares an updated list of the fastest bikes on Zwift.

Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 In-Depth Review // The Best Budget Bike Trainer?

Desfit shares an in-depth review of the Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 after riding over 2000 kilometres on the trainer. Does it continue to perform as expected?

Got a Great Zwift Video?

Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!

Zwift Racing League 2025/26 Round 3 Details: Routes, Rules, Registration + More

Intro to ZRL

Key Changes this Round

Routes and Dates

Race #1: Neon Shore LoopJanuary 6, 2026 (TTT)

Race #2: 2019 Worlds Harrogate CircuitJanuary 13, 2026 (Points Race)

Race #3: Countryside TourJanuary 20, 2026 (Scratch Race)

Race #4: Roule Ma PouleJanuary 27, 2026 (TTT)

Race #5: Cobbled ClimbsFebruary 3, 2026 (Points Race)

Race #6: London Loop (A/B) + Greatest London Loop (C/D)February 10, 2026 (Scratch Race)

Race Timeslots

Teams/Registration

First-Timer Tips

Race Recon Events

2025/26 ZRL Dates

Questions or Comments?

I Transformed My Garage Into My Dream Gym

Zwift 20 min FTP Test | Why I’m ditching ERG mode

Sitting in the pack is boring… so I attacked

First Time Up The Grade on Zwift

I ‘Cheated’ at Zwift

Got a Great Zwift Video?

Zwift Fondo Series 2025/26 Final Routes Released

Routes and Schedule

September 26-28, 2025

October 24-26, 2025

November 28-30, 2025

December 26-28, 2025

January 23-25, 2026

February 20-22, 2026

March 27-29, 2026

Categorization and RoboPacers

1000 XP Bonus + Kit Unlocks

September (ZFondo Medio 2023)

October (ZFondo February 2022)

November (ZFondo November 2020)

Kits for December, January, February, and March:

Is this a race?

Questions or Comments?

Upcoming Events from Flamme Rouge Racing

Tour Watopia

6IX Team Racing

Tour Triquetra

Club Series & Event Hosting

Event Schedule

How To Sign Up

Octaine – FRR Partnership

🤝 THE COALITION PRL Full and PRL Half Badge Hunt

🥇USMeS Fuego TT Record Attempt

🥇CTT Winter Series on Zwift

🤝Feed Fondos

🤝Badge Hunters

How We Make Our Picks

Tiny Race Series – December 13 Routes – Hitting the BRAEks

How the Race Was Lost: Maxing Out the VO2 Max (Empire Elevation)

Planning and Warmup

The Easy Part

The Hard Part

Watch the Video:

Results and Takeaways

What about you?

What Is the Latest Zwift Version?

Checking Your Version

How to Update Zwift

Windows PC

On a Mac

On AppleTV

On iOS Devices (iPhone or iPad)

On Android Devices

Forcing a Zwift Update

Using Zwift as a Lifeline: My Rehabilitation Journey After a Cycling Accident

Returning to the Bike — Carefully

From Short Spins to Stronger Efforts

No Restrictions — and What That Meant Mentally

The Emotional Side of Virtual Riding During Rehab

Looking Ahead — Stronger Than Before

What About You?

The Best Trainers for Zwift in 2025: From Budget to High End

How I Increased My FTP by 25% in Just 8 Months

What We Actually Do On Zwift

Race #1: Neon Shore Loop
January 6, 2026 (TTT)

Race #2: 2019 Worlds Harrogate Circuit
January 13, 2026 (Points Race)

Race #3: Countryside Tour
January 20, 2026 (Scratch Race)

Race #4: Roule Ma Poule
January 27, 2026 (TTT)

Race #5: Cobbled Climbs
February 3, 2026 (Points Race)

Race #6: London Loop (A/B) + Greatest London Loop (C/D)
February 10, 2026 (Scratch Race)