Official Zwift fondo events are always a blast, with thousands of riders taking part. Like an outdoor fondo, they feature challenging routes with varying length options. Riders can race the event, or just push to do their best and finish a challenging effort.
The second fondo of Zwift’s 5-month northern hemisphere 20/21 series has just been posted for this weekend!
Zwift Fondo events have three categories (A, B, and C) which are open to all riders. These categories don’t refer to rider strength or speed–they refer to route length.
For December the routes are (click for details):
A: Gran Fondo - 97.2km (60.4 miles), 1148m (3766′)
The Gran Fondo is the longest of the three fondo routes Zwift unveiled in January 2019 for its Zwift fondo series. These are event-only routes, meaning they are only available for use in events and cannot be ridden on a freeride or individual workout.
Related Posts
The Gran Fondo is the longest of the three fondo routes Zwift unveiled in January 2019 for its Zwift fondo series. These are event-only routes, meaning they are only available for use in events and cannot be ridden on a freeride or individual workout.
Related Posts
Route Basics
Length: 97.2 km (60.4 miles) Elevation: 1148 m (3,766‘) Lead-In: 0.5 km (0.3 miles) Map: Watopia
The Gran Fondo is very similar to the Medio Fondo in terms of key climbs and overall elevation, but ~25km (15.5 miles) longer due to some meandering around Watopia proper between the “Road to Ruins” section and the “Mountain Route” ending.
This route is essentially these routes strung together:
The Medio Fondo is one of three fondo routes Zwift unveiled in January 2019 for its Zwift fondo series. Currently these are event-only routes, meaning they are only available for use in events and cannot be ridden on a freeride or individual workout.
Related Posts
The Medio Fondo is one of three fondo routes Zwift unveiled in January 2019 for its Zwift fondo series. Currently these are event-only routes, meaning they are only available for use in events and cannot be ridden on a freeride or individual workout.
Related Posts
Route Basics
Length: 72.6 km (45.1 miles) Elevation: 981 m (3,219‘) Lead-In: 0.5 km (0.3 miles) Map: Watopia
The route initially heads out Ocean Boulevard for a nice, flat warmup. Then it’s over the Hilly KOM reverse, through downtown Watopia, and over to the Volcano for a climb to its magma-studded peak.
Descend the Volcano and head out to the Mayan Jungle for a lap in the reverse (clockwise) direction, then return to downtown Watopia by a circuitous route which includes The Esses and the Volcano Circuit.
Lastly, it’s time to head out Ocean Boulevard once more for the big finish: a climb up the Epic KOM! The route ends at the KOM banner.
Related Posts
Related Posts
Related Posts
C: Bambino Fondo - 52.1km (32.4 miles), 553m (1814′)
“Bambino Fondo” Route Details (Watopia)
The Bambino Fondo is one of three fondo routes Zwift unveiled in January 2019 for its Zwift fondo series. Currently these are event-only routes, meaning they are only available for use in events and cannot be ridden on a freeride or individual workout.
Related Posts
The Bambino Fondo is one of three fondo routes Zwift unveiled in January 2019 for its Zwift fondo series. Currently these are event-only routes, meaning they are only available for use in events and cannot be ridden on a freeride or individual workout.
Related Posts
Route Basics
Length: 52.1 km (32.4 miles) Elevation: 581 m (1,906‘) Lead-In: 0.5 km (0.3 miles) Map: Watopia
We begin with a forward lap of the Flat Route, followed by a forward lap of the Hilly Route. Then we take Ocean Boulevard again, hanging a left at the windmills and climbing then descending into the Mayan Jungle. Once around the jungle loop, then we climb back out, descend to sea level, and hang a left at the Italian Villas fountain to make our way toward the Volcano. Then it’s up to the top of the volcano, with our route ending at the KOM banner.
Related Posts
Related Posts
Related Posts
On a related note, we would really like to see Zwift expand the fondo routes to something that hasn’t been used for all past fondos. Maybe it’s time for an Uber Pretzel fondo option? Or better yet, a brand-new fondo route that includes the newer roads not covered in the three fondo routes? Perhaps the KOMonster…
(Even the promo image used for the fondos shows riders in an area of Watopia that has never been used for a fondo event.)
Kit Unlocks
This is a 5-month series, and each month’s fondo has its own unique kit unlock. These kits are exclusive, meaning they will never be available anywhere else in game. A true badge of honor! Here’s a shot of December’s kit:
Upcoming Dates
This monthly series runs through March. Here are the upcoming fondo dates:
December 13
January 3
February 7
March 7
Is this a Race?
Yes. But a fondo is a “fun race”, meaning it’s more about the personal challenge of finishing a tough course and doing your best. For some riders, the goal is simply to finish the ride. If that’s you, there’s good news: with so many Zwifters taking part in these events, you’ll always have company regardless of your abilities!
That said, thousands of riders turn out for these popular events, and the front of each category is always filled with superfit riders going all out. If you’re feeling strong and looking for an extended race challenge, find a fondo.
Note: efondo events don’t give out ZwiftPower ranking points, so in that sense, this event is not a race.
Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. He lives in Northern California with his beautiful wife, two kids and dog. Follow on Strava