Zwift’s annual fondo series is a popular tradition where thousands of riders push themselves to finish long rides. The series continues this weekend, which is perfect for anyone working to complete the Rapha Festive 500 challenge!
Fondo Routes: “The Holidays”
Each month of the series features different routes, most not used in Zwift fondos of years past. Riders can choose between a short, medium, and long route (traditionally called the Bambino, Medio, and Gran Fondo, respectively). As the series progresses each month, the short, medium, and long options get slightly longer.
Here are the routes for this weekend (Dec 29-31):
- Jolly Fondo: Gran Fondo 2022
- 1 lap: 92.8km/57.7 miles, 1116m/3,661′ elevation
- Spark Fondo: Big Foot Hills
- 1 lap (69.7km/43.3 miles, 713m/2,339′ elevation)
- Festive Fondo: The Big Ring
- 1 laps (51.1km/31.8 miles, 273m/895′ elevation)
Fondo Routes: “New Year’s”
Here are the routes for the final fondo weekend, Jan 26-28:
- Triumph: Gran Fondo
- 1 lap: 97.7km/60.7 miles, 1148m/3,766′ elevation
- Rise: The Pretzel
- 1 lap: 72.7km/45.2 miles, 1333m/4,373′ elevation
- Elevate: Eastern Eight
- 54.1km/33.6 miles, 413m/1,355′ elevation
Kit Unlocks
This year, you can unlock a different fondo kit each month by completing any of the three fondo distances. Here’s a shot of all three kits (this weekend’s fondos unlock the middle kit):
These kits are exclusive, meaning they will never be available anywhere else. A true badge of honor!
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 category will certainly be filled with strong riders going all out.
With so many riders taking part, everyone should be able to find a group going at their desired pace. You do you!
How the Categories Work
Unlike other Zwift events, the A, B, and C groups don’t refer to rider strength or fitness. Instead, they correspond to route and distance options:
- A Group (~90 km Gran Fondo)
- B Group (~70 km Medio fondo)
- C Group (~50 km Bambino fondo)
Questions or Comments?
Post below!
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