Official Zwift fondo events are always a blast, with thousands of riders taking part. Like an outdoor fondo, they feature challenging (read: hilly) routes with multiple length options. Riders can race the event, or just push to do their best and finish a challenging effort.
The fifth and final fondo of Zwift’s 5-month northern hemisphere 20/21 series has just been posted for next weekend (March 20-21). Like last month, Zwift has included two welcome changes:
An extra-tough “bonus route” option has been added – this month it’s the Mega Pretzel, like last month.
Schedule has been expanded to 6 different event times on Saturday plus another 6 on Sunday
March’s Fondo events have four categories (A, B, C, and E) which are open to all riders. These categories don’t refer to rider strength or speed – they refer to route length.
March routes (click for details):
E: Mega Pretzel - 110.7 km (68.8 miles), 1642m (5387')
Watopia’s “Mega Pretzel” was released with Zwift’s February 1, 2018 update as the longest available route for Zwift’s iconic course. At the time of its release it covered every segment of the course except the radio tower climb, and in fact covered nearly all segments in both directions. The Alpe du Zwift climb is notably absent from this route since the Alpe was released after the route was created.
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Watopia’s “Mega Pretzel” was released with Zwift’s February 1, 2018 update as the longest available route for Zwift’s iconic course. At the time of its release it covered every segment of the course except the radio tower climb, and in fact covered nearly all segments in both directions. The Alpe du Zwift climb is notably absent from this route since the Alpe was released after the route was created.
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Route Basics
Length: 107 km (66.5 miles) Elevation: 1642 m (5,387‘) Lead-In: 3.7 km (2.3 miles) Map: Watopia
Start & Finish
This route is a bit weird. When free riding, you'll start on the Volcano land bridge road. Events start in the downtown start pen. The route ends on the Volcano land bridge road, as you ride through the crumbling concrete arches heading toward the Italian Villas.
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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UPDATE: ZHQ has informed us that the Mega Pretzel will be used for this Fondo, not the Uber. So we’ve updated the list above.
Kit Unlock
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 is March’s kit:
Event Specifics
There are 6 events scheduled each day (Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21) to accommodate all timezones
You will unlock the route badge if you ride the Mega Pretzel event. The other routes are event-only routes and therefore do not have route badges.
Is this a Race?
Yes. Sort of.
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