Tiny Race Series – May 11 Routes and Last Week’s Results
See zwiftinsider.com/tiny for current Tiny Race details.
Speed Tests: Updated Rubberbanding for Meetups, Clubs, and Group Workouts
Speed Tests: Updated Rubberbanding for Meetups, Clubs, and Group Workouts
You may recall that in March we ran tests on Zwift’s “Keep Everyone Together” (aka “rubberbanding”) mode for Club events and Meetups. Here are links to those posts:
- Speed Tests: Rubberbanding (Keep Everyone Together) Mode in Zwift Club Events
- Speed Tests: Rubberbanding (Keep Everyone Together) Mode in Zwift Meetups
- Speed Tests: Rubberbanding (Keep Everyone Together) Mode on Climbs in Zwift Club Events
- Speed Tests: Rubberbanding (Keep Everyone Together) Mode on Climbs in Zwift Meetups
In summary, our simple 2-rider tests showed that Club events used a completely different banding algorithm than Meetups, and that speeds didn’t fluctuate very realistically based on power variations. Our conclusion was that Zwift’s banding algorithm for Meetups was most accurate in terms of speed, and should be used for all banded events, perhaps with some tweaks to make speed fluctuations feel more realistic.
The good news is that the folks at Zwift HQ read our posts, and one of Zwift’s developers – Hugo Teixeira, the brain behind much of Zwift’s current pack dynamics – put in the work to improve Keep Together Mode, with an updated algorithm released in last week’s game update. Not only does the algorithm produce more realistic speeds, it also now works the same way for all banded events: Club events, Meetups, and even Group Workouts!
After running a few tests to confirm that the same algorithm was being used for Club Events, Meetups, and Group Workouts, we ran some tests to find out exactly how speeds changed.
Flat Test Results (using Fuego Flats Reverse)
| Rider 1 | Rider 2 | Time | Speed (kph) |
| 300W | none | 10:36.2 | 40.0 |
| 300W | 300W | 10:21.5 | 40.9 |
| 300W | 225W | 11:04.3 | 38.3 |
| 300W | 150W | 11:04.1 | 38.3 |
| 300W | 75W | 11:05.9 | 38.2 |
| 225W | none | 11:48 | 35.9 |
| 225W | 225W | 11:45.3 | 36.1 |
| 225W | 150W | 12:17.7 | 34.4 |
| 225W | 75W | 12:20.0 | 34.3 |
| 150W | none | 13:45 | 30.8 |
| 150W | 150W | 13:03 | 32.5 |
| 150W | 75W | 14:19 | 20.6 |
Compare these speeds to solo riders on a closed course:
| Rider 1 | Time | Speed (kph) |
| 300W | 10:35.0 | 40.0 |
| 225W | 11:46.11 | 36.0 |
| 150W | 13:43.56 | 30.8 |
Observations
Overall, these speeds are much faster than the old banded Club Rides. They’re close to the old banded Meetup speeds, but not the same.
The speed of a solo rider in a banded event now perfectly matches a solo rider free riding, which is great – that’s a definite improvement!
There appears to be a speed “floor”, based on 300W tests. There we see that a 225W drafting rider and a 150W drafting rider both return basically the same speed. Even a 75W drafting rider is just 1-2 seconds slower than the 225W rider.
Two riders holding the same wattage is always faster than one rider holding that wattage solo, which doesn’t match our TTT test results, which showed that a group of riders holding the same wattage travels at the same speed as a single rider holding that wattage.
That said, the difference isn’t massive. It’s interesting, though, that the speed for a solo 225W rider is so close to the speed of 225W riders (within 3 seconds) while the other two power levels (300W and 150W) show a much greater disparity.
Climb Test Results (using Alpe du Zwift)
| Rider 1 | Rider 2 | Time | Speed (kph) |
| 300W | none | 49:30 | 14.8 |
| 300W | 300W | 51:35 | 14.2 |
| 300W | 225W | 53:09 | 13.8 |
| 300W | 150W | 53:47 | 13.6 |
| 225W | none | 1:04:44 | 11.3 |
| 225W | 225W | 1:04:37 | 11.3 |
| 225W | 150W | 1:06:34 | 11.0 |
| 150W | none | 1:35:36 | 7.7 |
| 150W | 150W | 1:31:16 | 8.0 |
| 150W | 75W | 1:34:11 | 7.8 |
Compare these speeds to solo riders on a closed course:
| Rider 1 | Time | Speed (kph) |
| 300W | 49:28 | 14.8 |
| 225W | 1:04:44 | 11.3 |
| 150W | 1:35:36 | 7.7 |
Observations
Overall, these speeds are close to the old banded Meetup speeds, but not the same. They’re a bit slower for the higher power numbers, but a bit faster for the 150W tests.
The speed of a solo rider in a banded event now perfectly matches a solo rider free riding, just like in our flat tests. That’s a definite improvement.
Unlike the flat test, there doesn’t appear to be a speed “floor”, based on our 300W tests. You’ll see as the following rider’s power decreases, the climb time increases as well. This feels realistic to us, so no complaints here.
One rider holding a particular wattage vs two riders holding that same wattage delivers somewhat inconsistent results, with the single rider being faster in our 300W test, but the pair being faster in the 225W and 150W tests.
Conclusions
The keep together changes rolled out in Zwift’s latest update are a big step in the right direction, delivering (in our opinion) the best “banding” experience in game to date. Speeds vary more realistically based on rider power, they’re consistent across different types of banded events, and they’ll be overall faster for Club Events and Group Workouts, which is a change we think most Zwifters will endorse.
We have just two banding-related recommendations left. First, Zwift should mark banded activities as “gamified” in Strava the same way they mark Climb Portal efforts that are scaled to 50% or 75%. Because nobody is doing a banded event to set a segment PR on Strava (or if they are, they shouldn’t be allowed to). Having these efforts displayed on Strava leaderboards just confuses things.
Additionally, Zwift shouldn’t save in-game Leaderboard timings for banded events, although displaying them in the actual event would be fine.
In conclusion: nice work, Hugo. Ride on!
Your Thoughts
Have you tried Zwift’s updated keep-together algo yet? Share your thoughts below!
All About Zwift’s New Pinarello Espada TT Bike
All About Zwift’s New Pinarello Espada TT Bike
In 1994, Miguel “Big Mig” Induráin set a new hour record, breaking the 53-kilometer mark for the first time in history on the track in Bourdeaux with a distance of 53.040 kilometers. And he did it atop the Pinarello Espada, a bike which quickly became legendary itself!
The carbon-framed, Campagnolo-equipped bike weighed in at 7.5 kilograms and was custom-molded to fit Big Mig. Only four versions of the bike were ever created, and Induráin won both of the long time trials at the 1995 Tour de France on a version modified to allow shifting.
Last weekend, Zwift held the first-ever set of Pinarello Espada Challenge races, where everyone was riding the new in-game Pinarello Espada, chasing a “Big Mig” RoboPacer set at 510 watts (6.3 W/kg) for an hour.
We wanted to know just how fast this bike was, but performing a test wasn’t as simple as it is with most bikes, since the Espada is only available in these events.
So we joined an event, turned on our firewall so only our test bot was visible (no drafting!), and then rode two laps of Tempus Fugit at 300W (4 W/kg) to perform our standard flat test.
Aero (Flat/Rolling) Performance
The Pinarello Espada turns in a time of 49:05 in our flat test, which puts it at or near the bottom of TT bike performance in Zwift, depending on how you crunch the numbers.
Usually we test frames and wheelsets separately, but the Espada, like the Tron bike, can only be tested with its disc wheels installed. Therefore, we must compare its test results with other TT frames using disc wheels.
If we assume the Espada’s wheels are as fast as the fastest disc wheels in game (DT Swiss ARC 62 Dicut Disc), that would make the frame the second-slowest in game, only faster than the Zwift TT frame by 11 seconds.
Realistically, though, you would think the Espada’s wheels would be faster than anything in game, since the Espada uses full disc wheels on the front and back while all other wheelsets in game have the disc only on the back wheel.
If that’s the case, though, that would make the Espada frameset possibly the slowest TT frameset in game.
In precise numbers, the Espada is 28.5 seconds slower than the fastest setup in game (Cadex Tri frame with DT Swiss ARC 62 Dicut Disc wheels) on our test course, which is two laps of Tempus Fugit totaling 34.6km. That’s a difference of around 0.4 kilometers per hour.
Climb Performance
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to test climb performance yet, since the Espada is limited to the Pinarella Espada Challenge events which are held on the Tempus Fugit route.
Note: all test results above are from a 75kg, 183cm rider holding 300W steady using Zwift’s stock 32mm carbon wheelset.
Conclusions
The Pinarello Espada TT bike is iconic for sure, but it’s not one you would want to use in a race where bike choice is an option. (It’s worth noting that at this time, it’s not even available for purchase in the Drop Shop, so this isn’t a decision Zwifters need to make. Zwift says it will be available in the Drop Shop eventually, and also says more Pinarello Espada Challenge events will be held in the fall of 2024.)
If you’re doing a TT race and aren’t sure what to use, check out Fastest TT Bike Frames and Wheels at Each Zwift Level for help in choosing your ideal rig.
Questions or Comments?
Share below!
Important note: this post contains speed test results for Zwift frames or wheels. These results may change over time, and a bike's performance relative to others may also change. We don't always revise posts when performance rankings change, but we do keep current, master versions of our speed test results which are always available. See the frame charts, wheel charts, and Tron vs Top Performers for current performance data.
TSOZ Closer Look: “The Grade” Watopia Expansion
TSOZ Closer Look: “The Grade” Watopia Expansion
The latest “This Season on Zwift” press release came out last week, detailing what’s in store on the platform over the next few months. Zwifters love fresh tarmac, so one of the most exciting upcoming releases is The Grade – a new Watopia climb with some surprising functionality under the hood.
Read below for more on what’s arriving soon in Ciudad la Cumbre!
A Grade that Grades
If there’s anything I’ve learned about Zwift over the years, it’s that they love creating unique names that are infused with meaning. “The Grade” is no exception. This new climb begins from Ciudad la Cumbre (“Summit City”) on Watopia’s Southern Coast expansion and heads straight up hill for several kilometers!
“The Grade” is a straight, steady, steep climb, and it’s meant to host FTP tests. That’s where the second meaning of the name comes into play. With the rollout of The Grade, Zwift will introduce a new FTP detection algorithm. According to internal contacts, Zwift used the data from over 700,000 FTP tests on the platform to create an algorithm that accurately detects your FTP based on a max effort ranging from approximately 10-20 minutes.
This new algorithm should be in place when The Grade launches, and it should roll out to the full game eventually.
The Grade is strategically located in a place that makes it work well for FTP tests, too, since riders are required to ride at least 10 minutes or so to reach the base of the climb.
According to verbal descriptions I’ve heard, The Grade is long, straight, and steep for the FTP portion. It then levels out a bit, before continuing on in a more zig-zaggy fashion to the top of the Epic KOM. It also sounds like there will be a secondary descent option for riders who climb The Grade but don’t want to continue to the top.
New Road=New Routes
Of course, with new tarmac we’ll get some new Watopia routes. Zwift says, “The expansion will launch with several new routes available for freeride exploration, training, and racing.”
When Does It Arrive?
Zwift’s press release says The Grade is “Launching June 2024”.
Your Thoughts
What do you think of an in-game climb designed for FTP tests? And do you like the idea of an updated FTP detection algorithm that doesn’t require a full 20-minute effort? Chime in with your thoughts below!
Zwift Announces Membership Price Increase
Zwift Announces Membership Price Increase
Today, Zwift notified subscribers that the monthly and annual membership price is increasing by approximately 33% for all users, effective immediately. The new pricing is below:
| Location | Monthly Membership | Annual Membership |
| USA | $19.99, plus applicable taxes | $199.99, plus applicable taxes. |
| European Union | €19.99 | €199.99 |
| Iceland, Norway & Switzerland | €19.99, plus applicable taxes. | €199.99, plus applicable taxes. |
| UK | £17.99 | £179.99 |
| Canada | CAD $24.99, plus applicable taxes. | CAD $249.99, plus applicable taxes. |
| Australia | AUD $29.99 | AUD $299.99 |
| Japan | ¥2,400 | ¥24,000 |
| Rest of World | USD $19.99, plus applicable taxes. | USD $199.99, plus applicable taxes. |
Zwift’s Messaging
Zwift’s short press release on this price rise can be found below:
We have worked hard to keep prices locked since 2017. In response to rising costs and inflation, we have changed our membership fee to support the continued development of our platform experience.
We are proud of the additional platform benefits introduced since 2017 that Zwifters now enjoy daily. With an additional seven worlds, two event maps, plus a host of new experiences like the always-on Robo Pacer group rides, or the Climb Portal that transports Zwifters to iconic climbs from the world over. The possibilities on Zwift have never been greater.
And yet the best is to come. Zwift will always be investing into the future of our member’s product experience. The most recent edition of This Season On Zwift revealed some of the highlights Zwifters can expect to see over the coming months. We are committed to delivering more user benefits, new game features, and content experiences in the months and years ahead.
When will my price increase?
Zwift says “Updated pricing is now in effect for new subscribers. Existing monthly subscribers will pay the new price on their next billing date after 6th June, while updated pricing for existing annual plan members will come into effect from their next renewal date.”
A Long Time Coming
Rising subscription costs are not news in the tech world these days. It’s hard to find a service that hasn’t hiked its price in the past five years! Some, like Netflix, have bumped up their prices multiple times since Zwift last increased from $9.99 to $14.99 in November 2017. (Netflix, in fact, has done three price increases since 2017, resulting in their premium membership price more than doubling.)
DC Rainmaker actually predicted this price increase back in February 2023 based on a Bloomberg interview with Eric Min in which Eric said that the $15/month pricing was “not sustainable” for much longer and that Zwift was considering annual memberships. (Annual memberships rolled out in November 2023.)
Then in February 2024 Zwift announced a sweeping workforce reduction, saying “Zwift remains a healthy, global business with a passionate community. We have seen accelerated growth over the last year but in the current environment, we must focus on sustainable and efficient growth.”
With at least $614 million of investment funding the company, and few investors looking to put more money into the beleaguered indoor fitness or cycling spaces, Zwift’s leadership knows they need to become profitable soon for the business to survive. Or to put it another way: the runway is only so long.
Zwift’s price increase means it essentially price-matches competitor TrainerRoad (currently priced at $19.95/month or $189.95/year). Meanwhile, competitors Rouvy and Wahoo X are $14.99/month and MyWhoosh and IndieVelo are free.
KICKR CORE Zwift One Price Increase
Since the KICKR CORE Zwift One trainer includes one year of Zwift membership, the price of the trainer + membership combo is increasing today as well to match the $50US annual membership increase.
That means it is now priced at $649.99US, €649.99, £579.99 AUD 1,129.95, and CAD 1,049.99.
Wrapping It Up
It’s been 6.5 years since Zwift last increased prices. Since then, Watopia has expanded with Alpe du Zwift, Fuego Flats, Titans Grove, the Southern Coast, and more. The Innsbruck, Bologna, Yorkshire, Crit City, France, Paris, Makuri Islands, and Scotland maps all launched. And features including Training Plans, in-game steering, Clubs, RoboPacers, HoloReplay, Teleporting, Climb Portal, and virtual shifting have come to the game!
Still, nobody likes a price increase. How many Zwifters will this drive off the platform, and can Zwift provide a compelling enough service to keep growing its membership at the new price?
Your Comments
Share your thoughts below!
TSOZ Closer Look: Training Connections
TSOZ Closer Look: Training Connections
The latest “This Season on Zwift” press release came out last week, detailing what’s in store on the platform over the next few months. One big update sure to change the structured workout landscape for indoor cyclists is the new Training Connections API, which provides a standardized way for third-party workout providers to send your scheduled workout each day to Zwift.
Let’s dig into how this will all work, why it matters, and when it will arrive!
How It Will Work
Zwift has integrated with various services over the years – you can see these under “Connections” in your profile at zwift.com or in the Companion app. But almost all of those connections have been, essentially, one-way connections from Zwift to the other service’s API. For example, if you’ve connected your Garmin account to your Zwift account, when you save your Zwift activity, it sends that activity data over to Garmin, using Garmin’s API.
The connections available under your Zwift account were accomplished by Zwift coding up an integration with the other providers’ APIs, which meant each provider required custom development work on Zwift’s end. Not the most scaleable approach.
The only service that sends info to Zwift is TrainingPeaks. (Today’s Plan used to do it as well, but they are no longer in operation.) If you have a scheduled workout for the day on your TrainingPeaks account, and you open up Zwift, that scheduled workout will be available for you in Zwift.
The goal of Zwift’s new training API connection is to allow services to send their structure workouts to Zwift accounts, without Zwift needing to do custom programming to integrate with each service’s API. Instead of Zwift coding up a hookup to each service, now the other services will be able to hook into Zwift. So Zwift has built and documented their API, and now they can hand that to other providers and let those providers do the integration work.
And providers will want to do this work, because it adds value to their own service if Zwifters can easily access their workouts from within Zwift.
Zwift says, “Once the API Connection is set up and approved, workouts built outside of Zwift will pull directly into the Zwift platform and show in the Custom Workouts folder.”
Hopefully, if it’s my scheduled workout for today, it will also show up first in the “For You” carousel on the homepage (I believe this is how TrainingPeaks workouts work today). Less clicking is a good thing!
Which Training Providers?
That’s the big question, of course. Zwift’s press release says the feature will launch “with a few launch partners”, but they aren’t saying who. TrainerRoad would be the most popular choice among Zwifters, since many riders are already paying for a TrainerRoad subscription and running it alongside Zwift.
But there are other platforms providing workouts as well, including:
- CTS (Carmichael Training Systems)
- TriDot
- Wahoo X/SYSTM
- XERT
- TrainerDay
- JOIN Cycling
- Garmin Connect
- Intervals.icu
- AIEndurance.com
- MyProCoach.net
- Spoked.ai
- Technogym
- Athletica.ai
Hopefully we’ll see a huge list of providers coming on board once the feature is released.
The Platform, Not the Content
This is a smart move on Zwift’s part, as it greatly expands the library of potential workouts on Zwift and makes it the de-facto “host” for your indoor training.
Yes, Zwift still needs to maintain a healthy library of built-in free workouts and training plans. And it’s true that their existing library could be improved in various ways. But once the training connections API is in place, with workout partners Zwifters are already using, we’ll have access to our daily workouts from our selected providers, in our favorite virtual world. That’s a win all around.
Now Zwift just needs to bring lots of training partners on board!
When Does It Arrive?
Zwift’s press release says, “Launching Early Summer 2024”, but the text later on says “The training API will launch later this spring with a few launch partners.” So I’m guessing the initial launch will be in June or July, with more partners coming on in the months to follow once Zwift works out any kinks in the live system.
Your Thoughts
Do you use a third-party workout provider you’d love to see integrated with Zwift’s new training connections API? Chime in below!
Top 5 Zwift Videos: Training Plans, First Races, and Zwift Running
Do Zwift’s training plans really work? In this week’s top video, one Zwifter shares his results from Zwift’s Build Me Up training plan.
Also in the mix is a video about a cyclist trying out Zwift running… and of course, a few racing videos!
Did I Raise My FTP After Zwift’s 12-Week Build Me Up Training Plan?
Newbie Cyclist Takes On Zwift Race For The First Time (Cat D)
Cyclist tries… Zwift Running!
Racing Until I Win
Zwift B Cat is WILD… and big verified announcement!
Got a Great Zwift Video?
Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!
TSOZ Closer Look: Zwift’s Planned HUD Refresh
TSOZ Closer Look: Zwift’s Planned HUD Refresh
UPDATE September 3, 2024: the new HUD has been released! Read about it in our 1.73 update notes >
The latest “This Season on Zwift” press release came out last week, detailing what’s in store on the platform over the next few months. One game update that Zwifters are happy to see is the HUD refresh, launching this summer!
Below I dig into what I know about the new HUD based on images from Zwift and recent chats with internal contacts, including Jon Mayfield himself.
Key Changes
What are the key changes in the new HUD? I’ve labeled them below:
- More Data Fields (Configurable): the “power tile” now has 5 data fields, with the bottom 4 being configurable. Zwift says we will be able to choose from Speed, Average Power, Power-to-Weight Ratio (W/KG), Cadence, and Heart Rate.
- Power Zone Bar: this has been borrowed from the running UI. It’s a dynamic bar showing the current zone you are in, and the width of each zone grows as you spend more time in that zone. Who will be the first to do an entire activity in the red? 😆
- “Climb Mode” Elevation Profile: this element only shows up on climb segments. Gradients are colored using the same scheme as the Climb Portal, and according to Zwift the profile shows you the next kilometer or so of the climb.
- Calories or Kilojoules Display: the current UI only shows calories burned if you click into the Menu screen, but Zwift is putting it in the center HUD. It sounds like this may be configurable as well, so Zwifters can choose between showing calories or kilojoules.
- Full Route Profile and Details: this is a big change! The new profile display shows the entire route, indicates your position on the route, and gives you the distance left to complete the route.
Comparing Old and New
Grab the center bar and slide left or right to compare the current UI (left) with the new UI (right).
Apart from the new UI elements discussed above, what else do we notice when comparing Zwift’s current UI to what’s coming next?
- The new UI’s elements have a more consistent color scheme.
- The route profile at the bottom of the minimap is significantly larger.
- The 4 metrics in the top-center have been changed. Currently Zwift shows Speed, Distance, Elevation, and Elapsed Time. The new UI shows Elapsed Time, Distance, Elevation, and Calories.
- The route progress bar has been removed from the center element, as has the level progress bar. (Possibly the level progress bar is only hidden when “Climb Mode” is enabled.)
- The rider list is shorter on the new UI, only showing 9 riders vs the current UI’s 13. (Possibly the screenshots for the new UI were taken when there were only 9 riders nearby).
- The orange arrow in the minimap indicating my position is larger in the new UI.
And There Was Much Rejoicing
Updates to Zwift’s HUD have been a long time coming. Apart from adding the route progress bar back in 2021, not much has changed with the HUD since the early days of the game. This update includes some welcome changes, including configurable fields in the power tile, a full route profile view, and the “Climb Mode” view.
From the sound of it, Zwift may make more data fields available after the initial release. Personally, I’ve been spoiled by Sauce for Zwift‘s many options! While Sauce is more complex than Zwift wants to be, I’d love to have the option of some sort of draft meter, a “groups” view for races, and a W’ metric.
Your Thoughts
What do you think of Zwift’s planned UI update? Share below!
Woman Racer Spotlight: Katy Hill
Woman Racer Spotlight: Katy Hill
Name: Katy Hill
Hometown: London
How did you get into cycling? As part of summer training for cross-country skiing.
How many years have you been racing on Zwift? One year, I can’t believe I didn’t discover it sooner!
Are you part of a Virtual team? Yes, a proud Aeonian member.
What do you love most about racing? The adrenaline rush, the survival instinct that kicks in when a wheel starts to disappear up the road… and the team chat after races.
What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? TTT because it’s a true team effort.
What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? I haven’t done many, probably the Grand Prix series just because it’s so inspiring seeing such a strong field!
What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? The Grand Prix TTT race with Aeonian, we weren’t expecting to do nearly as well as we did. It was great to share that achievement. Herne Hill crits in summer, can’t beat the vibes there!
What is your favourite food to eat post race? Banana flavoured recovery shake, SIS have their chemical concoction down to a T.
What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? Remember it’s supposed to be fun, just starting and trying is already winning.
Notable Zwift Events for the Weekend of May 4-5
We’re featuring a newly-launched (and very popular) racing series for the ladies this weekend, along with a few other unique and fun events. Ride on!
🥇 Zwift Women’s Racing Series – TT – Tempus Fugit
✅ Popular Event ✅ Women Only
Zwift’s Women’s Racing Series kicked off this week, and all the races are getting lots of ladies coming out – more than ever before – which is great to see!
Saturday is your last chance to race the first stage – a TT on Tempus Fugit.
Saturday, May 4 @ 2:30pm UTC/10:30am EDT/7:30am PDT
Sign up at zwift.com/events/tag/zwiftwomen/view/4326699
🥇 Pinarello Espada Challenge
✅ Popular Event ✅ Unique Event
See what kind of hour record you can set on Zwift, while riding atop the exclusive Pinarello Espada that replicates Miguel “Big Mig” Induráin’s record-setting bike from 1994!
Read all about the Pinarello Espada Challenge >
Events will take place over 60 minutes on Watopia’s Tempus Fugit. Drafting is enabled, and a “Big Mig” bot will be holding 510W (6.3 W/kg) just like Induráin. How long can you hold his wheel?
Multiple timeslots all weekend
See upcoming events at zwift.com/events/tag/espadachallenge
🥇 Zwift Epic Race
✅ Badge Unlock ✅ Endurance Challenge
This week’s Zwift update includes a new achievement badge for the Zwift Games 2024 Epic route. This isn’t an easy route (81.7km, 878m), so why not knock it out with the help of others? Zwift’s Epic Races this weekend are on this route, making them the perfect way to earn the badge!
(Note: the Epic Races this weekend are being held on two routes: Zwift Games 2024 Epic and Zwift Bambino Fondo 2022, alternating every hour.)
Multiple timeslots all weekend
See upcoming events at zwift.com/events/tag/zwiftepic/
🤝 Bikealicious Weekend Social Mixer
✅ Beginner Friendly ✅ New Game Feature
This week’s Zwift update also included an update to Zwift’s “rubberbanding” algorithm, which means speeds should be more realistic and enjoyable for all. Why not test it out with a banded ride up France’s Ven-Top route?
Saturday, May 4 @ 8pm UTC/4pm EDT/1pm PDT
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/4364580
🤝 Vikings Valhalla Sunday Skaal ride
✅ Endurance Challenge ✅ Beginner-Friendly ✅ Unique Event
We’ve featured this event several times in the past, as it’s always well-attended, well-led, and offers two pace options. Experienced leaders and sweepers do their best to keep the groups together with the help of doubledraft and a zapping fence, so everyone can work together to knock out a long ride!
This week’s ride is held at a 1.7-2.2 W/kg pace on 4 laps of Wandering Flats for a total length of 100.5km.
Sunday, May 5 @ 7:05am UTC/3:05am EDT/12:05am PDT
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/4365640
How We Make Our Picks
We choose each weekend’s Notable Events based on a variety of factors including:
- Is the event unique/innovative in some way?
- Are celebrities (pro riders, etc) attending/leading?
- Are signup counts already high, meaning the event is extra-popular?
- Does the ride include desirable unlocks or prizes?
- Does the event appeal to ladies on Zwift? (We like to support this under-represented group!)
- Is it for a good cause?
- Is it just plain crazy (extra long races, world record attempts, etc)?
- Is it a long-running, popular weekly event with a dedicated leader who deserves a shout out?
In the end, we want to call attention to events that are extra-special and therefore extra-appealing to Zwifters. If you think your event qualifies, comment below with a link/details and we may just include it in an upcoming post!