UPDATE: Zwift sent out the following email on April 3rd:
Haute Route Watopia is underway and it’s seen a stacked field taking to the start line. To improve your experience we’re in the process of making immediate changes to create an even better Haute Route Watopia for you!
With the events proving so popular, a small number of you might be running into technical limitations/difficulties on your device. If your ride didn’t upload, we recommend following these steps.
Didn’t complete Stage 1 and still want the kit? You’re in luck, as the only stage required to unlock the kit is Stage 3.
We don’t want anyone to miss out on the chance to win the epic prize of entry to an in-real-life Haute Route, so we’re happy to announce that we have another prize draw which we will send you an email to enter on Monday!
We’ve responded to the high demand for more event times by adding several more for every stage. We’ve also added a second category to all events. These D and E categories are identical but will help us stagger rider start times and smooth the load on the servers. Check out all the upcoming events!
Zwift has announced an event in partnership with Haute Route which is being billed as “the world’s most challenging virtual 3-day stage event.” It’s Haute Route Watopia, and it’s going to push riders to the limit as they take on tough routes three days in a row, culminating in The Pretzel!
Open to all Zwifters worldwide, this free event will be the most accessible Haute Route to date. And in terms of participation numbers, it will certainly be the largest Haute Route ever! Haute Route Director Julie Royer says, “The virtual world opens up entirely new possibilities never seen before. Haute Route Watopia will allow more people from around the world to experience the thrill of an Haute Route event.”
Sign up and details at www.zwift.com/hauteroute >
About Haute Route
Haute Route has made a name for itself by creating challenging three and seven-day events in some of the world’s most iconic cycling destinations. Their events are essentially fully-supported stage races for passionate yet amateur cyclists. Some riders race the events, others seek to only challenge themselves, while others just want to enjoy the scenery. Some do all three!
Velo News says, “Haute Route events are at, or near, the pinnacle—for every pedal stroke on every stage—at offering the pro experience, both on and off the bike.”
Test Yourself
In true Haute Route style, this is designed to be a challenging stage event. Zwift CEO Eric Min says, “I’ve looked at the route, and it’s certainly going to be a huge challenge. However, I always like to test myself, and I certainly look forward to taking part.”
Competitors must complete all three stages on back to back days in order to officially finish. Each stage will be run across multiple time zones – see the event page on Zwift.com for schedule and signup.
There will be no make-up days – stages must be completed back to back.
Event Support
Haute Route events are reputed to be the best-supported amateur cycling events in the world, and according to Zwift’s press release, “Haute Route Watopia will be no exception.” Event participants can expect the following:
- A rider’s handbook
- A complete training program to help you perform at your peak for the event itself
- An exclusive in-game Haute Route kit for all entrants
- During the event itself, a general classification allowing all entrants to track their performance across all three stages (see it here on ZwiftPower)
- Additional prizes and unlocks for all finishers (see below)
Stage Details
Over the course of three stages, participants will ride a total of 145km (90.2 miles) with 3,373m (11,070′) of climbing. These are double draft events.
Here are the routes for each stage (click for details):
Prizes and Unlocks
Zwifters who complete all three stages will unlock the exclusive virtual Haute Route finishers kit by Le Col to wear with pride in the game. In addition, finishers of all three stages will be entered into a prize drawing to win either entry to a 3-day Haute Route event or a Le Col Haute Route cycling kit!
Sign up and details will be at www.zwift.com/hauteroute >
Group Workout Series
Leading up to the big weekend, a group workout series has been put in place to help us train for the race.
The Haute Route Workout Series includes eight workouts that take place over six weeks. Join any event to wear and unlock the official Haute Route kit. See the event page for a workout series schedule >
Ride with Pros Events
Zwift + Haute Route are also hosting a handful of Ride with Pro events, where the group will be joined by a pro rider. Complete any Ride With Pro event to unlock the official Haute Route socks and cap to complete your look.
See the event page for upcoming Ride with Pro events > (none yet scheduled when this post was initially published)
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