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
Looking for Zwift fondo event times and signup? See the list of events in this series >
Routes
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):
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
- Double draft is enabled
- Steering is disabled
- Each category begins at a different time
- 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.
Ready to Sign Up?
See Zwift Fondo Series event times and signup >
Questions or Comments
Share below!
“We would have liked to see the Uber Pretzel chosen (…)” That paragraph is still in there from the last Fondo. I’ll probably be doing the Bambino again, my first and only completion of the Über Pretzel was over half a year ago, I still don’t feel the need to repeat it 😁
Whoops, fixed!
I’m glad I’m not the only one that makes mistakes 😂
I’ve signed up for the Uber 😵
Now! Now they do the Uber… I did it with you Eric, and I’ll not do it again. I’ll be on the standard Gran Fondo route this time.
Eric, Eric, Eric…. look at what you’ve done! I missed your version (not ready for the 6 am start) but now I have no excuse.
Hammer time!
Zwift lists the “E” route as: NEW! Ultima Fondo ( 107km / 66.5mi) // E Group = The longest route featuring the original Watopia KOM, Volcano KOM and Epic KOM.Which is correct?
That’s old info from last month’s description. Info above (in my post) is correct.
Awesome. Thank you sir!
The email I just got from Zwift keeps mentioning the Mega Pretzel as Ultima Fondo route.
ZHQ just informed me today that it is indeed the Mega Pretzel. The official events still show Uber, but I’ve updated the post above.
Hey Eric – I see that Zwift Companion is showing the Uber Pretzel as the Ultima route, but their reminder email that went round today is saying Mega Pretzel. Any insider views on which one is actually correct? Hoping it’s the Uber as I missed yours and looking forward to smashing up the Alpe!!
ZHQ just informed me today that it is indeed the Mega Pretzel. The official events still show Uber, but I’ve updated the post above.
Does that mean the “You will unlock the route badge if you ride the Über Pretzel event.” part should read Mega Pretzel?
Yep. Fixed!
Doing the Ulitima route this time. Need the the vertical for the tron and have not done mega preztel route badge before. Did not like the grand route as that flat extra distance instead of just gong into epic climb was mind numbing. The medio route was better. Bambino route would make a good race for ZRL or other events if it was available to so.
Do you get bonus XP for completing each course?
You get bonus XP when you earn a route badge. But you don’t earn route badges for the three fondo routes, since they are event only.
Curious if there were any results from the 8:30a (American/Dawson time) Fondo on March 20th. I remember staring at the screen for almost 3 hours, so I know I did it. Thank you.
Did Ultima Fondo (Mega Pretzel).. Why all results of Fondo rides are on zwiftpower, but Ultima not? Disapointed.
Where do we find Stage results for the March 2021 Fondo?