The London course’s “PRL Full” route is meant to mimic the distance (but not the full course) of the real Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100.
The London course’s “PRL Full” route is meant to mimic the distance (but not the full course) of the real Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100.
Route Basics
Length: 173 km (107.5 miles)
Elevation: 2290 m (7,513‘)
Lead-In: 0.5 km (0.3 miles)
Map: London
Start & Finish
The route begins at the standard London start/finish, but ends on the red asphalt of the Mall at the forward sprint.
Achievement Badge: 3460 XP
Sprint & KQOM Segments |
| Box Hill KOM (3 km, 4.4%) |
| The Mall Sprint (0.2 km, -1.4%) |
Strava Segments
BestBikeSplit Model
Estimate ride time, IF and TSS, plan your power, and more!
Route Description
Route profile by ZwiftHub – the place to plan and track your route achievements!
This route takes you on eleven circuits of the “London Loop“, then turns around at the Surrey roundabout and heads towards the sprint and finish banner on The Mall.
Although we can’t seem to find numbers for the IRL course, it appears that Zwift’s version has significantly more elevation gain than the real-life course. (The 2013 course had a gain of 6,167′.)
Having just completed this ride for the badge, I can’t say I’d want to do it agian. The PRL Half is a perfect workout with four nice climbing intervals in it; the full version had me questioning my life choices as I hopped off the bike to change bibs in the roughly two minutes while my avatar was descending Box Hill for the 8th time. I made it in almost exactly 5 hours (one minute over). From now on, when London is on the calendar I’ll stick to the Half, thank you all the same.
Just did it yesterday and it was brutal and crazy. Don’t think I would want to do it again unless I want to beat the timing.
Never thought of changing that’s an interesting additional challenge! What did you do for nutrition energy etc for the ride?
I’m preparing to do this on 16th August in place of the cancelled event. I’m working out what frame to get, I’m approaching level 20 now. I am considering the Trek Madone for this, but don’t know if I would be better placed to favour a frame for climbing? Will probably use the Enve SES 3.4 wheels either way. I already own the Spec Tarmac Pro and the Trek Emonda so they are options too, but there is a fair amount of flat on this course too. Thoughts welcome on this.
I’m in the same boat: looking at this in the near future… I own a good number of frames, etc. and I’ leaning S-Works Venge (rated as 100% Flat, 71% Climb) over the Tarmac Pro (50% Flat, 100% Climb), same Enve 3.4s (63% Flat, 96% Climb), but the Zipp 454 are a solid choice (78% Flat, 85% Climb) . But, I’m just guessing here…
Another frame Option to note: is the Cann. Super Six EVO (60% Flat, 92% Climb).
Best of Luck.
Thanks, although those frames mentioned will be out of reach for me at level 20/21.
Focus + DTSwiss
I’m aiming to do this on Saturday – with Matt Bottrill – would the Tron bike be a good choice? Also considering the Tarmac pro & light wheels to help with the climbs.
I’ll see u there Mark! Not ridden for 2 days and been eating like a bear heading into hibernation! Can’t think of a better time to ride over a 100 miles 🤣
Tron might be your best bet actually. If you check the gradients on Best Bike Split, only about 30% of the lap time is climbing at 4%+. So what you’ll gain on the climb with a lighter setup, you’ll probably lose doubly on the descent and flats.If non-Tron, the course is so balanced that I think you’re looking at only about 5 seconds per lap between aero/weight options like S5 vs. Tarmac Pro. I think I’d lean towards aero wheels though, like 454.
Since there isn’t that much climbing relatively, wouldn’t a TT bike be the fastest? Downhill time plus the flats.
If you’re doing it solo, a TT bike would be the fastest.
Faster than the tron bike?
Eric, I’m new to TT bikes and have only the default Zwift frame at present. Thinking of tacking the full PRL Saturday, but I’m torn after reading your two posts on fastest TT frames and best “climbing” TT frames. What would you recommend for a level 24 rider? I figure a 6 hour ride justifies burning some drops for a better setup. Thank you!
How do I get to complete this route ?
Hey Nicola, of you want to select a given route, its always the same procedure: log in and get your trainer connected. You will find yourself in the ‚ready-to-go‘ screen which gives you three world-choices in the upper part. Click on the one you want to ride in (e.g. London for the PLR-ride) and then select ‚Routes‘, where you can scroll the available Route-List with all basic data (length & elevation). Click the route of your choice and off you go.
Never change direction during a ride via Companion App or keyboard since you wont receive the route Badge then.
I was a bit disappointed TBH not to see any PRL events on this weekend and not to even have London on the options with both France maps dominating the choices. Not that I really fancy this route, but as I was supposed to be riding the event this year IRL would have enjoyed at least a nod from Zwift.
this route is being offered tomorrow! 7:55am EST It is one of the HERD endurance rides. gl!
I did my originally planned charity ride on this on the date originally planned this weekend just gone as I also had a place for the first time this year (gutted). I contacted Zwift quite early on to ask if they could make it available and their response was one of it being out of their hands somehow. I had to world hack, which did leave me with a lack of wheels to jump on sadly, but got it done. Just a note on previous comments about what to use, I went with the Cervelo S5 with Zipp 454’s as… Read more »
I rode the PRL in 2016. Distance was 100 miles, and elevation gain as recorded by my garmin was 1482m. The zwift route goes way beyond that. A lot of the ride london course is quite flat, there are 3 notable climbs newlands corner, Leith hill and box hill and a small climb at wimbledon that is only noticeable because it is at the end. Something more representative could have been created using the flat roads, and taking in both surrey climbs
Completed November 2020 – Elevation was 7,508′.
Came here to say the same: elevation on my ride was 7,497′.
Do I get the Route Badge for PRL Half if I directly do the PRL Full? I’m not a huge fan of going through the same course over and over again, so both in one go would be great. Anyone tried this or knows something? Thanks!
You don’t get the PRL Half badge for doing the PRL full sadly. I did it today with the DIRT badge hunt team. Good to have others doing it as it is seriously hard for an average rider like me!
Concur, I did the full PRL last week. I started with neither badge. I got the full PRL badge.
Now, you can get the 100km and the 100 mile achievement in one go. I know because I got both in the process.
A so-called friend of mine dragged me into a KISS race on this course on Sunday. “I can’t say I’d want to do it again” sounds right. I made it up Box Hill the last time, then I coasted down, then when I started pedaling I had 11km to go and I had finally cracked. Not bonked, I had enough sugar. I mean cracked, as in I could barely put out half my FTP. I had to count the distance down in miles and kilometers just to keep the pedals turning. That was nice at 5 km and 3 miles,… Read more »
Did the route today. 108.8 miles and 7525′ of elevation (until I got the route achievement badge). I guess your mileage may vary!
108.4 mi and 7487’ for me yesterday. I’ve found that most of the elevations on London routes are overstated for some reason.
all routes have a “lead-in” prior to actual route start, this always makes ride slightly longer than route.
Just did this this yesterday and here are my thoughts: – First 2 laps i did easy pace to warm up. – Lap 3 i did a bit more effort, with my best time on the hill and lap. – From lap 4 – 10 it was just survival, and each lap and hill time just got slower and slower. – Lap 11 i gave it all i had, and did my best box hill time,´and my 2nd fastest lap time after lap 3 Problem is that after lap 11 done, there was still around 10k to the finish line… Read more »
Elevation seems to be wrong, by about 200m too much
I did this today, 108.4 miles and 7,467 feet. the kicker just after box hill is evil.
same here. today (Feb. 2021) i did finished the Route in a Group-Event. had 2287m elevation gained after 175km. i watched some other riders in the end, everybody had 22xx Meters counting. so you might correct the data.
but i have to admit, the Route felt like >3000m though.
I did The PRL FULL last Saturday. Elevation shown after finishing was 2.294 m.
Did this today with two of my riding buddies in a meet up ride. Wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. We managed 28-29min laps, with 2 30min ones. Stopped for a 10min break after lap 7, changed kit, got some real food. I actually felt better on the last 6 laps. We PR’d Box Hill on the last lap. Finished up in 5:46. Would I do it again? Maybe next year.
Completed today, Feb 20, 2021. Quite a distance and I got the badges for 100 Miles and The PRL Full. A lot of bread, bidons with water, cola and an apple pie fueled my internal motor. Just the route badge for The Über Pretzel to go. This PRL Full in London is not a route I would like to do again. Quite boring and hard to go up the same hill for 11 times.
Completed yesterday 28th Feb 2021. Got the badge but it isn’t the most fun of rides. Took around 7 hours with breaks for food, toilet etc.
Any tips for how to make this less boring? I want the badge but I didn’t realise it was 11 times (!) the same loop. I’m doing it with a group, so that will help, so we can talk to and encourage each other, but still. And then, 11 times up Box Hill and Leith Hill… eek. I’m also rather slow so am envisaging 8 hours in the saddle (with breaks). How do you deal with that?
Join a group on Discord voice chat. Makes the time fly by!
Also: see if you can catch riders up the road. Focus on your position in the pack and improving it. Or focus on getting a faster lap time, since you’ve got 11 attempts!
No need to worry about Leith Hll on this loop, I think
I honestly just watch movies or TV when things get boring. Have a dual screen setup and switch Zwift to the small one when I need diversion. Just a single good movie can get you through a reasonable chunk of a long ride.
Do you get credit for the PRL Half along the way to completing the PRL full?
Nope. Two different routes, two different rides!
Completed this one on 5/15/21. London wasn’t on the schedule, so hubby and I did a meet up because we already had it planned thinking it was on the schedule. I wanted to finish in under 7 hours; hubby just wanted to finish. I had a conservative start and kept it that way. London Loop times were under 35min for each lap; Box Hill climbs were kept around the 12:30min or less mark. I used the descent on Box Hill for bathroom breaks, bottle refills, and eating, so my time off the bike was extremely minimal. I finished it 6:30:46,… Read more »
Completed this in the weekend just gone as an event. London was not on the schedule so everyone was aware that they may be on their own if there is a split. Had 17 to start but some wanted to take it super slow. Some tips…we had a group of about a dozen riders and paced the climb each lap, regrouping between the banner and the kick before the descent. On the flat we tightened up and rolled around, saving energy while covering distance at a quick pace. We planned 5 minute breaks at the end of climbs 4 and… Read more »
Can anyone confirm that if you start the full but only get 6 laps in do you still get the half badge ?
Nope! To get a route badge you have to actually select that route from the menu before starting (or do an event that is on that route).
Sorry Philip, no. The Full and Half are different routes (albeit VERY similar bar the length) so you won’t get the half if you choose the full.
Got this done and I loved it. I would do this route over and over again. NOT! WTF!! 🤬🤬🤬😂😂😂
Can you do the route in two days ? wondering if I stop and continue next day it can be resumed.
Yes – see https://zwiftinsider.com/long-breaks/
Will there be an event that joins a group to take on the PRL Full anytime soon? Would like to do it in the darker months before going more outside again.
It’s pretty rare, and in my experience the group rides for this one aren’t great.. usually low numbers and you’re going at someone else’s pace, which for 6 hours can be not fun.
I’m trying it this Saturday, London on the schedule, lots of riders on weekends to draft off!
Here your PRL Full events link (which is also in the post above): https://zwifthacks.com/app/events/?route==The%20PRL%20Full
Don’t know if you’ve done it yet, but I’m on this route for the badge tomorrow starting around 7h30 Eastern Time. Ride On !
Just completed it with a group. This has to be the best way to do it. Took 5:58 total, 217 W avg. If you’re a climber, you can definitely do this since it’s a « small » climb that you do 11 times, the rest is flat. Just have to fuel right. We took two breaks, changed clothes and ate steadily at the end of every climb. Don’t be afraid. Find the right group, pace yourself and start early! 🙂 Good luck!
I wonder if the new PRL – Essex 100 will be added?
@eric I want to ride the PRL full tomorrow with a friend but it is not a London day. Can I do a meetup set at 173.5 km to make sure we cover the lead in, or is that a big mistake and should I wait until Sunday which is a London day? Wouldn’t want to miss the bonus XP and badge. Thoughts? Thanks – Jim
Last weekend I completed the PRL full. I am a 57 year old cat D non-racer (cat C wannabe) and did it just to see if I could. I wanted to complete it in 6 hours but it took slightly over 7 as I faded in the second half. My big tips are: (i) use the downhills to change bibs, jerseys, and to stretch out a bit, (ii) eat (PB&Js for) and drink an electrolyte solution (Gatorade Endurance for me) because you will sweat a lot and burn a lot of calories, and (iii) plan for the monotony of doing the same… Read more »
I completed this course today (11 June 2022) and mentally, it was punishing if not the most punishing indoor ride I’ve ever attempted. This is way more of a mental challenge since you’re repeating the London Loop eleven times. I consider myself more of a serious enthusiast but not a racer and currently Zwift Level 18. According to Strava, it took me exactly 7:00 at a distance of 107.87 mi (173.6 km) and 7,507 ft (2,288 m) with my average speed at 15.4 mph (24.8 kph), and average power of 123 Watts. In the game, I rode this entirely on… Read more »
I am gonna do this soon, it seems so crazy to do it but that is why do it! Thanks for all the comments here-they help. I have done 100 miles numerous times on the road, but on a trainer – never, just did the 80 something mile ride on Zwift so we shall see! thanks
I completed this ten days ago. It has taken me that long to feel completely recovered, but I just smashed my Alpe du Zwift record by five minutes yesterday, so I can’t complain. Some tips: Get off on the descent and loosen up, change clothes at halfway, watch youtube, swap to a climbing bike at Surrey Roundabout and a fast bike at the very to of the climb (quite a bit after after the banner). It’s an endurance effort just for the badge, otherwise I’d never have done it. Next targets: 25xAlpe du Zwift (only three to go), 900 Watts… Read more »
Congratulations and my sad story! 🙂 I believe that your improvement in Alpe du Zwift is due to the passage of this route. I definitely got stronger after the first PRL full, as shown by the FTP test. It was very difficult for me to go. Previously, the maximum route in Zwift was about 50km. Everything hurt, especially my knees. I changed 3 clothes. But my machine broke down, 5km to go, and I failed my badge. It was a strong psychological blow for me. After that, I rode a Pretzel Uber, without much suffering. And recently I rode PRL… Read more »
For non-professionals (~190w, 2.6w/kg), my time experience and level of suffering 🙂 (in*****) with all the long routes in the game. In order of passing: PRL Full (w/o 5km, trainer is broken): 5:50 ride + breaks 2 х 1 hour (food and shower) = 7:50(*****) Uber Pretzel (+descent): 5:20 ride + breaks 2 х 1 hour (food and shower) = 7:20(****)PRL Full (finally done!): 5:50 ride + breaks 2 х 1 hour (food and shower) = 7:50(****)Mega Pretzel: 3:40 ride + break 40min (food and shower) = 4:20 (***)Four Horsemen (in Zone2): 3:50 + break 1 hour = 4:50 (**)Medium… Read more »
Oh, I forgot about the two “medium” routes:
The Pretzel – 2:24
Big Foot Hills (Z2) – 2:01