Official Zwift fondo events are always a blast, with hundreds 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 first events of a Zwift’s new monthly series have just been posted, and it all kicks off next weekend, November 8th!
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 November 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Side note: we would really like to see Zwift expand the fondo routes to something that hasn’t been used in past fondos. Maybe it’s time for an Uber Pretzel fondo option?
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 November’s kit:
Upcoming Dates
This monthly series runs through March. Here are the upcoming fondo dates:
8 Nov
13 Dec
3 Jan
7 Feb
7 Mar
Is this a Race?
Officially, no. But thousands of riders will turn out for these popular “fun race” events, and the front of each category will certainly be filled with strong riders going all out. And that’s perfectly fine!
As Zwift says, in the end “It’s all about doing your best and trying to finish the toughest routes in Watopia.”
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