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Tour of London 2018 Begins Tomorrow!

Eric Schlange
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Tour of London 2018 Begins Tomorrow!

Tour of London 2018 Begins Tomorrow!

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Zwift’s 2nd annual Tour of London begins tomorrow. Each of the 5 stages is being hosted for an entire day, with rides scheduled hourly on the hour for a 23-hour period (see stages below for schedule details).

Tours are always a blast to ride, as hundreds of riders show up for each event and push themselves to the limit. Go as hard or easy as you want: each stage uses double draft, so you can choose to sit in and recover with the pack or push hard and bridge up to other riders when you can.

Is this a Race?

Zwift’s official line is, “It’s a personal challenge against the clock. Some participants will ride the event like a race, but there is no podium at the end of the Tour of London. It’s all about getting on the bike, pushing yourself, and completing all 5 stages.”

With that said… many people treat each stage like a race. And the finishing order will be listed on ZwiftPower, so…

Tour of London Kit

Zwifters who finish all 5 stages will unlock the official Tour of London kit. As with past tours, completing the event is the only way to unlock the kit. Keep in mind there will be a makeup day December 23rd (see bottom of this post). Finishers will receive their kit before December 31, 2018.

Groups

Each stage has three groups:

  • A Group: longest distance. Men and women can join this group.
  • B Group: shorter distance than the A. Men and women can join this group.
  • C Group: for women only. Distance is usually the same or slightly longer than the B group.

You can join different groups on different stages.

Tour Stages

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  • Route: Greater London Flat
  • Ride times: every hour on the hour beginning 10PM PST Wednesday December 12 through 8PM PST Thursday December 13th. See event page for details >
  • A GROUP LAP DISTANCE: 11.5 km / 7.2 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 38 m / 126 ft LAPS: 4 LEAD-IN DISTANCE: 5.7 km / 3.5 mi TOTAL DISTANCE WITH LEAD-IN: 52.1 km / 32.3 mi
  • B GROUP LAP DISTANCE: 11.6 km / 7.2 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 45 m / 149 ft LAPS: 2 LEAD-IN DISTANCE: 5.7 km / 3.5 mi TOTAL DISTANCE WITH LEAD-IN: 28.9 km / 17.9 mi
  • C GROUP (Women Only) LAP DISTANCE: 11.6 km / 7.2 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 45 m / 149 ft LAPS: 3 LEAD-IN DISTANCE: 5.7 km / 3.5 mi TOTAL DISTANCE WITH LEAD-IN: 40.5 km / 25.1 mi
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”3.18.4″ title=”Stage 2″ link_option_url_new_window=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_start=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_end=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_type=”linear” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction_radial=”center” background_color_gradient_start_position=”0%” background_color_gradient_end_position=”100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” text_shadow_style=”none” box_shadow_style=”none” hover_transition_duration=”300ms” hover_transition_delay=”0ms” hover_transition_speed_curve=”ease” text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em”]
  • Route: Triple Loops
  • Ride times: every hour on the hour beginning 10PM PST Friday December 14 through 8PM PST Saturday December 15th. See event page for details >
  • A GROUP LAP DISTANCE: 40.8 km / 25.4 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 544 m / 1725 ft LAPS: 1 LAP DISTANCE: 40.8 km / 25.4 mi
  • C GROUP (Women Only) LAP DISTANCE: 40.8 km / 25.4 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 544 m / 1725 ft LAPS: 1 LAP DISTANCE: 40.8 km / 25.4 mi
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”3.18.4″ title=”Stage 3″ link_option_url_new_window=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_start=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_end=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_type=”linear” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction_radial=”center” background_color_gradient_start_position=”0%” background_color_gradient_end_position=”100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” text_shadow_style=”none” box_shadow_style=”none” hover_transition_duration=”300ms” hover_transition_delay=”0ms” hover_transition_speed_curve=”ease” text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em”]
  • Route: London Classique Reverse
  • Ride times: every hour on the hour beginning 10PM PST Sunday December 16 through 8PM PST Monday December 17. See event page for details >
  • A GROUP LAP DISTANCE: 5.4 km / 3.4 mi LEAD-IN DISTANCE: 7.4 km / 4.6 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 19 m / 62 ft LAPS: 7 TOTAL DISTANCE WITH LEAD-IN: 45.2 km / 28.4 mi
  • B GROUP LAP DISTANCE: 5.4 km / 3.4 mi LEAD-IN DISTANCE: 7.4 km / 4.6 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 19 m / 62 ft LAPS: 4 TOTAL DISTANCE WITH LEAD-IN: 29.0 km / 18.2 mi
  • C GROUP (Women Only) LAP DISTANCE: 5.4 km / 3.4 mi LEAD-IN DISTANCE: 7.4 km / 4.6 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 19 m / 62 ft LAPS: 5 TOTAL DISTANCE WITH LEAD-IN: 34.4 km / 21.6 mi
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”3.18.4″ title=”Stage 4″ link_option_url_new_window=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_start=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_end=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_type=”linear” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction_radial=”center” background_color_gradient_start_position=”0%” background_color_gradient_end_position=”100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” text_shadow_style=”none” box_shadow_style=”none” hover_transition_duration=”300ms” hover_transition_delay=”0ms” hover_transition_speed_curve=”ease” text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em”]
  • Route: London Loop
  • Ride times: every hour on the hour beginning 10PM PST Tuesday December 18 through 8PM PST Wednesday December 19. See event page for details >
  • A GROUP LAP DISTANCE: 14.9 km / 9.2 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 220 m / 722 ft LAPS: 3 TOTAL DISTANCE: 44.7 km / 27.6 mi
  • B GROUP LAP DISTANCE: 14.9 km / 9.2 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 220 m / 722 ft LAPS: 2 TOTAL DISTANCE: 29.8 km / 18.4 mi
  • C GROUP (Women Only) LAP DISTANCE: 14.9 km / 9.2 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 220 m / 722 ft LAPS: 2 TOTAL DISTANCE: 29.8 km / 18.4 mi
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”3.18.4″ title=”Stage 5″ link_option_url_new_window=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_start=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_end=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_type=”linear” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction_radial=”center” background_color_gradient_start_position=”0%” background_color_gradient_end_position=”100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” text_shadow_style=”none” box_shadow_style=”none” hover_transition_duration=”300ms” hover_transition_delay=”0ms” hover_transition_speed_curve=”ease” text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em”]
  • Route: Greatest London Flat
  • Ride times: every hour on the hour beginning 10PM PST Thursday December 20 through 8PM PST Friday December 21. See event page for details >
  • A GROUP LAP DISTANCE: 23.6 km / 14.6 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 147 m / 484 ft LAPS: 2 TOTAL DISTANCE: 47.2 km / 29.2 mi
  • B GROUP LAP DISTANCE: 23.6 km / 14.6 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 147 m / 484 ft LAPS: 1 LAP DISTANCE: 23.6 km / 14.6 mi
  • C GROUP (Women Only) LAP DISTANCE: 23.6 km / 14.6 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 147 m / 484 ft LAPS: 1 LAP DISTANCE: 23.6 km / 14.6 mi
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Makeup Days

We’ll host each stage for an entire day with 1 event every hour. If you can’t make a day, we’ll host a make-up day on December 23rd where you’ll have the opportunity to ride what you missed. All stages will be hosted on the make-up day.

Learn more about the Tour at Zwift.com >

How To: Request a Meetup with an Individual Zwifter

Eric Schlange
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0
How To: Request a Meetup with an Individual Zwifter

How To: Request a Meetup with an Individual Zwifter

Zwift’s new Meetups feature is the best way to organize a small group ride with friends. But did you know there are actually two ways to create a Meetup? Here’s how to quickly create a Meetup with an individual.

Two Requirements

To create a Meetup you need two things: a follower to invite, and the Zwift Companion app (available on iOS and Android).

You can only invite followers to Meetups at this time since we are in version 1 of Meetups and ZwiftHQ is (rightfully) concerned about Meetup invite spam. This is one of several limitations you may want to be aware of when it comes to Meetups: see the “Important Details” section of our Meetups post for the full list.

Getting It Done: Step by Step

If I am one of your followers and you click to view my profile in Zwift Companion, you’ll see my bearded mug and a “Request Meetup” button. You may get to my profile because we’re both currently in-game and you see me nearby, or it could be neither of us is active right now. Either way, as long as I’m following you, you’ll see a “Request Meetup” button:

Click “Request Meetup” to be taken to the Meetup configuration screen where you set the time, course, and invite other followers if desired.

Click “Create Meetup” once you’re ready to go. If the Zwifter is currently in-game they will receive an immediate Meetup invitation, which they can turn down or accept.

If they are not currently in-game they will receive a notification via Zwift Companion on their mobile devices, assuming they have Meetup invite notifications enabled (which they are, by default). They will also see the invite on their main Companion screen:

If they accept the invite, they will be prompted to join the Meetup when they are in-game, just like any other event (around 4 minutes before the event starts.) They will also see the Meetup like a normal event on the Zwift startup screen.

And once the event begins you’ll both be off and running (or riding). That’s it!

Who Is ZNN?

Zwift News Network
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Who Is ZNN?

Who Is ZNN?

Ever wanted to know more about your beloved ZNN?  I mean sure, we know we’re your absolute favorite source for Zwift news and information, but perhaps there’s a bit more ‘behind the scenes’ (or behind the mask) information you’d like to have about the team that puts together the greatest content in the history of Zwift media?  Well that’s why we’ve come to your second favorite source for Zwift content, Zwift Insider, to share a little bit more about us.

Regarding my identity, that’s a trade secret.  But I wanted to take this generous opportunity, provided by Eric, to explain “why.”  Zwift News Network was created in an attempt to be a humorous, satirical “voice of the community.”  We’re nameless not because we don’t believe what we say or are somehow “concerned” about the content that we share.  But rather, because we think it’s really important that it could, in fact, be “any one of us.” As a personal filter before writing or sharing any content for ZNN, it’s important to me that the content sound like it could have come from just about anyone within the Zwift community.  Sure, very few opinions held by ZNN are universally held by the Zwift community.  There are Zwifters who love Richmond for its rich racing heritage and punchy steep climbs, and both of them comment regularly on ZNN posts which could be seen by some as “critical” of the first American Zwift course.

In other words, ZNN’s identity is you!  Or rather, it could be you at any given moment.  ZNN is your voice.  ZNN is people who love Zwift, who use Zwift regularly, who wouldn’t know what to do without Zwift.  And who enjoy poking a little fun at some of Zwift’s curious quirks, bugs, and even the occasional strange decision made by ZwiftHQ that doesn’t immediately make sense to the Zwift userbase.

Coupled with that understanding that “ZNN is everyone” is the ethos that “ZNN is FOR everyone.”  Often we get asked to make satirical posts about niche racing issues or to poke fun at individuals within the Zwift community.  While occasionally we do poke a little light-hearted fun at prominent members of the Zwift community, we’re never mean.  We don’t create content about niche elements of Zwift, like individual race events or series.  Not because these aren’t essential to the fabric of Zwift, but because they aren’t relevant to everyone. Furthermore, we’re not in the business of exposing cheaters, making mean-spirited comments about ZwiftHQ members or other community members, or other things that cross the line from “light-hearted satire” into “vindictive and anonymous criticism.”

Sadly, ZNN does occasionally receive requests or submissions of content that fall well outside of our established ethical criteria.  But far and away more, we hear about what a great job Zwift is doing, how much they love Zwift, and suggestions for other light-hearted ways to poke fun at what we love.  We also love that, on occasion, we get angry feedback from people who don’t understand that we’re fans of Zwift just poking a little fun at Zwift, and who angrily push back at our content.  We think that’s great— really!  It shows what a devoted and supportive fanbase Zwift has.

Maybe you’re a big fan of ZNN, maybe you think it’s petulant and silly, or maybe you’ve never even heard of ZNN (@ZwiftNews on Twitter and Facebook).  Regardless, we hope to make this little essay the start of a short series of essays not only detailing ZNN and it’s impact on Zwift, as told by its creators and others who have interacted with us over the last year, but also as a sort of “state of the Zwift community” evaluation as interpreted by ZNN.  We cannot claim to speak for the Zwift community (only that we try to speak as if we could), but we think we are uniquely connected to the people who make Zwift the incredible social fabric that it is. And we think that gives us a really special story to tell.

Of course, ZNN is nothing without content.  (It’s barely something WITH our terrible content).  Did you know that you can send direct messages to ZNN on both Twitter and Facebook?  We read every message we receive!  (Mostly because we never really receive any).  If you’ve got something to say, say it!  Your Zwift joke or satirical observation just might make it in to a ZNN post someday.

Making you smile and love Zwift even more is our mission, and we’d love to hear how we’re doing!  Leave a comment on this post below to let ZNN know just how we’re getting along, or perhaps, if it’s time for us to finally get going.  We can’t wait to hear from you, and to create even more smiles and chuckles from Zwifters in the future!

Your Secret Admirer,
ZNN Editor in Chief

Zwift Academy 2018 Women’s Finals – Day 1

Eric Schlange
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Zwift Academy 2018 Women’s Finals – Day 1

Zwift Academy 2018 Women’s Finals – Day 1

Welcome to the 2018 CANYON//SRAM Racing | Zwift Academy Finals in Andalusia, Spain. Today Matt Stephens introduces the three finalists: Mary Wilkinson (England), Ella Harris (New Zealand) and Ione Johnson (New Zealand).

Along the way, the team puts in a 5-hour climbing ride as team management observes how the finalists fit into the group and what they can bring into the team personally.

Learn more about the 3 finalists >

Zwift Academy homepage >

Fast Talk Podcast #60: Rethinking the Science of Trainers

Eric Schlange
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Fast Talk Podcast #60: Rethinking the Science of Trainers

Fast Talk Podcast #60: Rethinking the Science of Trainers

There are many cycling-centric podcasts available today, and Fast Talk from VeloNews is one of my favorites due to their laser focus on simply getting faster. Recently they produced an episode centered entirely on indoor training, with plenty of Zwift references mixed in.

Did the hosts do a good job of presenting a full picture of indoor training science? Comment below with your thoughts…

In episode 60 we’re discussing trainers… hey, for those out there who hate them, we get it, but stay tuned, as we’ll tell you why you shouldn’t completely ignore them. For those who love them, we’re going to tell you why riding outside every once in a while is a really good thing. For those in between, today’s episode will offer a wealth of knowledge on how to get the very most out of trainer time.

Now, one thing is certain: The days of staring at the basement wall while riding your clunky, loud trainer are behind us. Today’s smart trainers and online tools allow us to “game-ify” the experience and are making many re-consider how they feel about riding indoors, and importantly, the extent of the training benefits.

In this episode, we’ll talk about the science and experience of the trainer, including:

  1. How riding on a trainer differs from riding on the road, including the experience, our interaction with the bike, the different inertia generated by the trainer, and its impact on our biomechanics.
  2. What impact these differences have on our power and heart rate, and why we shouldn’t use the same numbers inside and outside.
  3. We’ll discuss situations where it’s good to use a trainer—and when it may be even better than riding on the road, such as when we’re doing neuromuscular work.
  4. Likewise, we’ll talk about situations where you might want to avoid the trainer. You might know already… a five-hour, mind-numbing ride on the trainer is a sign of incredible dedication. Don’t do it again.
  5. The game-ification of trainers by tools like Zwift, Trainer Road, and Sufferfest, and how this is changing our perspective on trainers. It can be both good and bad.
  6. When to use rollers rather than a trainer.
  7. And, finally, we’ll talk about how much time to spend on the trainer, and alternatives even when there’s snow outside.

You’re going to get a lot of different opinions in this podcast. None of us will go so far as to call the trainer Satan — though at times we’ll come close — but you will hear a few guests give convincing evidence that the trainer has benefits you can’t get on the road. Ultimately, it’s going to be up to you to decide.

Our primary guest today is Ciaran O’Grady who is a new coach and sports scientist at Team Dimension Data. Ciaran is finishing up his Ph.D. at Kent University with Dr. James Hopker, who conducted some of the definitive research on the biomechanical differences between riding on a trainer and the road.

In addition, we’ll talk with:

Retired multi-time national cyclocross champion Tim Johnson. Having lived in the northeast for most of his life, Tim is very familiar with riding indoors and has a lot of good points to offer from two decades of experience.

Trevor also caught up with Jacob Fraser from Zwift and Kevin Poulton who coaches Matt Hayman and Caleb Ewan, and works with Team Katusha. Kevin used Zwift to coach Matt to his 2016 Paris-Roubaix win and since then has integrated significant trainer time into his athletes’ race preparation.

And with that, get your fan ready, dial in your Zwift avatar — make sure you enter your weight correctly in Zwift now, no cheating. Let’s make you fast!

About the VeloNews Fast Talk Podcast

The VeloNews Fast Talk podcast is your source for the best training advice and most compelling insight on what it takes to become a better cyclist. Listen in as VeloNews managing editor Chris Case and our resident physiologist and coach, Trevor Connor, discuss a range of topics, including sport science, training, physiology, technology, nutrition, and more.

Zwift Over the Past Year

Monica Schlange
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Zwift Over the Past Year

Zwift Over the Past Year

Back in November 2017 Zwift announced a price increase of $5/month. The Zwiftiverse went abuzz with the news, even though Zwifters were grandfathered into the old price for a year. I was curious whether Zwift would be worth the increased price, so I listed out some of the major things Zwift brought us during the previous year, concluding, “If they’ve done all that with our $10/month, ‘$15 Zwift’ is only going to be better.”

It’s been a year since that announcement, so let’s see what happened in the world of Zwift during the year of “grandfathered pricing.” Please note this list highlights the big stuff. Many smaller features and bug fixes happened as well!

Here’s what our courses looked like in December 2017:

Getting rid of the title music alone is worth $5 more per month to me! Besides that, we got two new worlds, several new routes and some really great features. What do you think?

Here’s what our courses look like today:

Leading Rides that People Enjoy

Duane Gran
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Leading Rides that People Enjoy

Leading Rides that People Enjoy

Editor’s note: with last week’s announcement of Meetups this post is quite timely. Whether you’re thinking of leading an official group ride or a small informal meetup, Duane speaks from a place of experience and his advice is spot on. Enjoy!

If you think doing group rides is fun on Zwift, leading a group ride is a whole ‘nother level of enjoyment.  Perhaps you have been thinking of organizing a group ride and wondered how to make it effective.  It’s worth thinking about this because some rides don’t get traction.  My simple and direct advice is be predictable and be positive.

Being predictable means that riders know generally what to expect.  This starts with a good ride description provided to Zwift.  It also means that you communicate early to riders about the target pace.  If the ride will have some changes of pace (sprint together, race the final lap, etc) let people know in advance and also give instruction for how to regroup afterward.

It isn’t easy herding the cats (er, riders) into a cohesive group so you need to establish a tone in your communication and behavior emphasizing riding together.  Sometimes the group fractures a bit over hills and people 5 or 10 seconds ahead simply don’t have the experience or situational awareness to realize the ride is breaking up.  In these cases it works wonders to send a chat message advising the front to go at a slightly slower pace while you herd the rear of the ride up to them.

Of course this means that you, the ride leader, are where you belong.  The leader isn’t necessarily at the front of the ride.  A good ride leader should adhere to the stated ride pace and move about the peloton a bit.  When rides get more than 50 participants having an official or non-official sweep rider or two can really help keep things organized.  Sweepers should ride toward the back fo the main pack.

This really only works though if you can be positive.  There will be a handful of riders who join your target 2.5 w/kg ride who will blast away at 3.5 and possibly take five other people with them.  Kindly remind them of the target pace, encourage them that it is more fun to ride together but at some point let it go and focus on having a fun ride with your core group.

Encourage the group when they do a good job of regrouping after climbs, ask stronger riders to offer the draft to struggling riders and keep a cheerful mood about it.  Riding should be fun and if you approach it with the right attitude others will also contribute to the positive vibe.

How Fast is Zwift’s New TT Position?

Eric Schlange
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0
How Fast is Zwift’s New TT Position?

How Fast is Zwift’s New TT Position?

One change not mentioned in the latest update notes is an improvement of position for riders on TT bikes. Have you noticed it yet out on course?

The new position is much more in keeping with modern TT postures, with the back flat and head tucked down. Riding behind TT riders now I get the feeling that they’re suffering quite a bit, with their heads being so low. Sure, it’s virtual… but Zwift is immersive!

We did some speed tests on the TT bike to see if the more aero posture resulted in faster times. Sorry TT riders–it does not. But look on the bright side: your avatar sure looks like they know what they’re doing. (Personally, my TT posture in game is a lot prettier than it is outdoors.)

It’s worth noting that this is one of hundreds of minor changes which Zwift rolls out regularly with little or no fanfare. That just comes with the territory when you are developing a game like Zwift: there is always a list of many, many small improvements to be made. Prioritizing that list is no easy task, but I think Zwift is heading in a very good direction. Keep up the good work, HQ.

Accelerated XP for Levels 26-50: How It Works

Eric Schlange
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3
Accelerated XP for Levels 26-50: How It Works

Accelerated XP for Levels 26-50: How It Works

When Zwift released levels 26-50 earlier this week there was much discussion about how exactly “accelerated leveling” works. Here’s how I explained it in an earlier post:

Accelerated leveling means you still have to work to reach level 26 and above, but you will get there 8x faster. When you choose the “Bring on the Levels” option (see screenshot below) your XP is reset to 110,000 (level 25), but each km you ride nets you 160 XP and each mile 240 XP instead of 20/30 respectively. All other XP rewards are multiplied by 8x as well. Accelerated leveling stays in place until you reach whatever level your XP would have taken you before this update.

After hearing feedback from other Zwifters and thinking through this myself, I realized my explanation was incomplete, leaving open the possibility of Zwift giving us a raw deal. Was Zwift ripping us off? Did we have to work to earn back our original XP, then not get any credit for that additional work?

I didn’t think so, but I wanted to find out for sure. So I asked a source at Zwift HQ how accelerated leveling really works.

Accelerated XP Basics

If you chose accelerated leveling your XP was reset to 110,000 and now you are accumulating XP at 8x the normal rate. But here is an important detail: 7/8 of that accelerated XP is Zwift giving back what you have already earned, while the remaining 1/8 is new XP you’ve just earned.

Zwift will continue to return your already earned XP as 7/8 of your accelerated XP until it has all been returned. This means by the time your acceleration ends you will be well above your original (pre-level 26-50) XP. Here is an example to explain why that is.

An Example

I had 350,805 XP before levels 26-50 were released. That is enough XP to qualify me for level 42 (see level XP requirements and unlocks).

A graphic shows a Rider Score of 350,805 in large blue text, with a horizontal scale ranging from 350,000 to 353,500 and a bicycle icon pointing at 350,805 on the scale.

I chose the accelerated leveling option, which means I got set to 110,000 XP, and my menu indicates I will be accelerated through level 42.

A blue progress bar showing a rider score of 110,000 with a bicycle icon above the score. The bar ranges from 110,000 to 114,000, and in the upper right, LV25 | LV42 is displayed in a gray oval.

Zwift will return the 240,805 which was removed from my total, I just need to work to get that XP back. How much work, and what will my final XP total be once acceleration is finished? Here’s how the math shakes out. 

240,805 divided by 7/8 is 275,205. This is the total XP I will receive before acceleration is finished. 34,400 (or 1/8) of that is new XP I’ve earned, and the rest is the 240,805 XP I already had which Zwift “took” then gave back. 

So when acceleration ends I will have 110,000+275,205=385,205 XP. Enough to level up to 44, not the 42 my total currently shows. My guess is Zwift will increase that upper level indicator as I get closer to it. 

See Your Actual XP on ZwiftPower

Your ZwiftPower profile actually shows an accurate count of your total earned XP, presumably pulled straight from Zwift’s servers. Here’s what mine shows right now:

Profile summary of a Zwift user showing a cartoon avatar, level 28 with 354,975 XP. Stats include rank B, 455.31 points, 147 races, 295w FTP, and links to Strava and TeamODZ. User is from the United States.

Before level 26-50 was released I was at 350,805. Then I was reduced to 110,000, and have since put in enough work to be at 143,360 at the accelerated rate. 143,360-110,000=33,360 accelerated XP earned. 33,360/8=4,170 actual XP earned. Add that to my original XP of 350,805 and we’ve got 354,975: my total showing on ZwiftPower.

So somewhere in their system Zwift is tracking our total XP earned, even if we don’t see it in game. And that leads me to my final point…

Who’s Minding the Mint?

In my talks with Zwift staffers it is clear Zwift is being very careful to make sure everyone gets exactly the XP they have earned. No more, no less. XP is important for leveling, but it is also important because it may be used in the very near future to create “Drops” currency for purchases in the virtual store. So Zwift wants to make sure Zwifters never get shorted on what they’ve earned.

You may have to work to earn it back at the accelerated rate, but this is much better than stopping XP accumulation once you hit the level cap (a solution many games use).

Still got accelerated XP questions? Comment below and I’ll do my best to get a clear answer!

Zwift Companion 3.0 Released with Meetups, Enhanced Activity Feed and more

Eric Schlange
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Zwift Companion 3.0 Released with Meetups, Enhanced Activity Feed and more

Zwift Companion 3.0 Released with Meetups, Enhanced Activity Feed and more

Zwift has just leased version 3.0 of the Zwift Companion app for iOS and Android. This major upgrade includes three key new features:

1: Meetups

Organize group rides with your friends! These are such a big deal we’ve dedicated an entire post to the topic. Read it here >

2: Enhanced Activity Feed

Access tons of new activity data and visuals, and comment on your friend’s activities. Also a big deal with a deserving dedicated post. Read it here >

3: Full Training Plan Views

Executing a Training Plan is no small task: you have to plan your week, make up workouts you had to miss for emergencies, etc. The new Zwift Companion lets you view your entire training plan, scrolling through workouts you have already completed and those which are not yet done, so you can see what’s coming up and plan accordingly.

Read Zwift’s notes on the ZC 3.0 release >

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