Zwift has just announced its next major event series, and it’s a crowd favorite: the Tour of Watopia featuring double XP!
The 5-stage tour begins March 9 and runs through April 3. With several new routes introduced, PowerUps doubled in duration, and double XP on tap, you can bet Zwifters will be putting in the work to complete stages, earn points, and level up. Because everyone wants those fast bikes and level 50 status!
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Registration
Registration is now open at zwift.com/tour-of-watopia/, although ToW events are not yet on the calendar.
Note: registering really just sets you up to get some email reminders of upcoming stages – you will still need to sign up for specific events in order to ride or run the ToW.
Double PowerUps
For the first time ever, this year’s ToW includes “double PowerUps” – that is, your PowerUps will last twice as long as usual. Here’s a list of PowerUps and their doubled lengths:
- Lightweight (feather): reduces your weight by 10% for 30 seconds.
Use on climbs, when weight matters the most. - Draft Boost (van): increases the draft effect you are experiencing by 50% for 60 seconds. In a double draft event, this powerup will give you 3x the standard draft effect.
Use at higher speeds (flats and descents) when you are already drafting off another rider (since this powerup only helps when you are drafting.) - Aero Boost (helmet): makes you more aerodynamic (reduces your CdA by 25%) for 30 seconds.
Use at higher speeds (flats and descents), especially when no draft is available (although it is still useful when drafting.)
Double XP
Typically riders are awarded 20XP per kilometer or 30XP per mile, depending on whether you have units set to metric or imperial. In ToW events, riders receive 40XP per kilometer/60XP per mile.
Learn all about ride XP and unlocks >
Runners typically receive 10XP per .25km or 15XP per .25 mile. You will receive 20XP per .25km or 30XP per .25 mile in ToW events.
Learn all about run XP and unlocks >
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Rebel Routes = Triple XP!
For the first time ever, the ToW is featuring 6 Rebel Routes which have just been added to the game (these are marked below with a *). You will receive an XP bonus upon completing these routes for the first time, and that XP bonus is roughly equal to the distance-based XP you receive while riding/running the route.
With distance-based XP being doubled in ToW events, completing these new Rebel Routes for the first time means you’ll effectively earn triple XP since your distance XP is doubled and you receive bonus XP at the end of the route. It’s time to level up!
New Gravel Surface
Zwift’s press release for ToW includes this intriguing line: Zwift will be laying down gravel over existing dirt for a new way to experience the jungle.
Our sources inside Zwift tell us this is a new event-only surface material never before used in Zwift. We aren’t totally surehow it will behave, but since it’s called “gravel” instead of “dirt” our guess is Zwift will make it perform better for gravel bikes than mountain bikes. We’ll have to ride it to find out!
Ride Stages
Cycling events for ToW use the following category/group setup:
- Group A: Longer Ride
- Group B: Standard Ride
- Group C: Shorter Ride
- Group D: Women Only (same route as Group B)
Stage 1: March 9-12 “Iconic Routes”
- A: Three Little Sisters* – 37.7 km (23.4 miles), 401 m (1,316′), Lead-In: 0.7 km (.43 miles)
- B and D: Figure 8 – 29.8 km (18.5 miles), 234 m (768‘), Lead-In: 0.2 km (.1 miles)
- C: Two Bridges Loop (2 laps) – 14.2 km (8.8 miles), 146 m (480‘)
Stage 2: March 13-16 “Flat Stacks”
- A: Watopia’s Waistband (2 laps) – 51 km (31.6 miles), 190 m (624‘), Lead-In: 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
- B and D: Triple Flat Loops* – 33.9 km (21.1 miles), 134 m (439‘), Lead-In: 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
- C: Tick Tock – 16.8 km (10.4 miles), 44 m (144‘), Lead-In: 2.4 km (1.4 miles)
Stage 3: March 17-20 “The Queen”
- A: Tour of Fire and Ice – 25.5 km (15.8 miles), 1,161 m (3,809‘), Lead-In: 2.8 km (1.7 miles)
- B and D: Road to Sky – 17.3 km (10.7 miles), 1,045 m (3,428‘), Lead-In: 0.1 km (0.1 miles)
- C: Downtown Titans* – 24.6 km (15.3 miles), 254 m (834‘), Lead-In: .8 km (.5 miles)
Stage 4: March 21-24 “Dirt Drippin’”
- A: Handful of Gravel (5 laps) – 30.5 km (19 miles), 367 m (1,205‘), Lead-In: 4.3 km (2.6 miles)
- B and D: Handful of Gravel (3 laps) – 18.3 km (11.4 miles), 220 m (723′), Lead-In: 4.3 km (2.6 miles)
- C: Handful of Gravel (2 laps) – 12.2 km (7.6 miles), 147 m (482‘), Lead-In: 4.3 km (2.6 miles)
Stage 5: March 25-28 “High Life”
- A: Eastern Eight* – 51.7 km (32.1 miles), 340 m (1,115‘), Lead-In: 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
- B and D: Legends and Lava – 24.5 km (15.2 miles), 321 m (1,053’), Lead-In: 0 km
- C: Whole Lotta Lava – 12.3 km (7.6 miles), 160 m (525‘), Lead-In: 4.9 km (3 miles)
See stage details and sign up at zwift.com/tour-of-watopia/ride
Run Stages
Run events for ToW use the following category/group setup:
- Group A: Longer Run
- Group B: Shorter Run
Stage 1: March 9-12 “Iconic Routes”
- A: Chili Pepper – 7.9km (4.9 miles)
- B: Chili Pepper Custom Distance – 4.23 km (2.63 miles)
Stage 2: March 13-16 “Flat Stacks”
- A: Tick Tock – 10 km (6.2 miles)
- B: Italian Villas Sprint* – 4.34 km (2.70 miles)
Stage 3: March 17-20 “The Queen”
- A: 11.1 Ocean Blvd – 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
- B: That’s Amore – 6.73 km (4.2 miles)
Stage 4: March 21-24 “Dirt Drippin’”
- A: Handful of Gravel (1 lap) – 6.1 (3.8 miles), Lead-In: 4.3 km (2.6 miles)
- B: Mayan Bridge Loop* – 5.66 km (3.51 miles)
Stage 5: March 25-28 “High Life”
- A: Jon’s Route – 7.9km (4.9 miles)
- B: Volcano Circuit – 6.8 km (4.2 miles)
See stage details and sign up at zwift.com/tour-of-watopia/run
Make-Up Stages
Missed a stage or two? Or maybe you just want more of that sweet double XP? Make-up stages will be held from March 29-April 3. During those six days, Zwift will host multiple events covering all 5 stages.
Kit Unlocks
There are both cycling and running kits to unlock. Kit unlocks are progressive as you complete the stages:
- Complete 1 Stage: cap
- Complete 3 Stages: off-road/gravel shoes
- Complete 5 Stages: 2022 Tour of Watopia Kit/Running Shirt
IRL ToW Clothing and Accessories
Want to really get into the Tour of Watopia spirit? Zwift has just added 2022 ToW shirts (men’s and women’s), sweatbands, and water bottles to their online shop. Find them here >
Questions or Comments?
We’ve shared everything we know above, and will update this post with new info as it becomes available.
Still got questions? Post below and we’ll try to get them answered. You might also check out the Tour of Watopia 2022 FAQ discussion in the Zwift forums.
Lets hope that the gravel surface doesnt kick up as much dust as dirt does, its no good for our lungs 🙂
…or graphics cards
Funny you mention that, bc a couple of races I got gapped by losing sight in dust and forgetting to apply some more power. Low light, rainy races too have posed this problem.
There’s only one route on the tour that has significant dirt, the new route Handful of Gravel, so this new surface type doesn’t seem like it’ll be that interesting.
Interesting that they rather have two rides up the alpe instead of one up the epic.
The photo on the “dirt drippin” rout is a mountain bike. And one of the rewards are mtb shoes. Maybe it is a rougher terrain for MTB bikes?
Weird question- is it possible to start a workout right after a ToW group ride starts, similar to how you can when doing a group ride with a friend?
It is not. Unless you don’t pair your trainer as controllable in Zwift, then run that workout on another device like your bike computer, or another program like TrainerRoad.
That’s a bummer. Conflicts with BuildMeUp, which is pretty popular this time of year…
that’s what I’ll be doing as i’m deep in a TR training plan
Have to say I do find it a bit odd that a “Tour of Watopia” doesn’t go up the Epic KOM once. Would have also loved to have seen an extra long ride here or there, given Watopia has the vast majority of the 60km+ routes.
Will there be catch-up days after March 28 to redo some stages like in the past years?
That’s covered in the article.
Got it. Thanks.
Will there be double draft in this series like TdZ? Or just double XP? Asking for a friend 🤔
I would guess “yes”, but since the events aren’t live yet I can’t confirm.
That’s some sweet merch! Lol. Can’t wait to buy the Ill-fitting tshirt.
Hi Eric. I was wondering whether you plan to address the recently made public Zwift exploit that allows users to change weight within an event and remain undetected. Apparently, Zwift was aware of this for at least two years and did nothing. More recently someone lost patience and published a blog about it, i.e. blew the whistle, and got banned for speaking up.
I’ve given up on taking Zwift seriously for anything competitive anymore, which is why I enjoy these group rides/tours more. Stopping people changing their weight within an event still doesn’t stop someone simply lying about their weight when they sign up for an account or even dropping it gradually over a couple of weeks so it’s less noticeable. The whole sandbagging and weight/height doping has made Zwift competition ‘for fun’ only unless it’s an officially organised event.
I’ve been looking to do the Fire and Ice route for awhile, in fact considered doing it this week. I’m not a huge climber, so I have to build up to this big routes. The Queen Stage of this Tour is the Fire and Ice Route. If I complete this route during this tour will I get the Route Badge as well as it counting towards the Tour of Watopia?
I got the badge doing it in tour de zwift so yes it would count
Great article as always Eric
If you do A, B, and C every stage do you get double XP for all of them?
Double xp for any riding you do during any Tour event. It’s not class based, and you don’t need to finish the ride for the XP to count double as you ride.
The Rebel Routes – will the algorithm guide us through these courses when we enter these events or do we need to know how to navigate them?
The simulation will guide you! LOL. They are actual routes like normal
I’m planning a vEveresting on March 30th… if I ride the “road to sky” route and just keep doing u turns at the top and bottom will I get double XP the whole time? That would be awesome!!!
I think the double xp ends when you reach the finish line of the event.
What if I u turn before the finish line 😉
You can’t do any manual navigation while still in an event.
Noob here…
I’m currently busy with a Gran Fondo training program. Can this be done on the TOW routes or are they separate?
I don’t believe events can be done as workouts no.
I’m new to Zwift and per Strava for a typical 60 min ride my avg speed is around 17mph and my watts show me around 108-110 so would this be too difficult for me to ride.. I typically join class D/E rides that avg 1.4-1.7 w/kg and these typically give me a great workout, thanks in advance for any feedback 👍
You’ll be fine, pick the popular times and the mix of abilities is huge, you’ll soon find the right group for you to ride with.
Awesome, thanks Chris👍
Hi. It looks like I will be able to alternate between group A, B and C rides for the respective stages – thus, riding a different category (A, B or C) group ride in each stage. Is that correct?
I’ve never been up Alpe du Zwift before… Am thinking of joining this just do that climb during an event with a bunch of other people. And maybe setting my Trainer Difficulty down around 20-25%! (It’s normally around 75-80%.)
Most people have their Trainer Difficulty set at 50%. If you are good at 75-80% then you will be fine setting it at 50% for The Alpe.
On an event that uses a rebel route will we have to self navigate or will it be automatic for the event?
Automatic. The Rebel Routes that are now in-game aren’t really “Rebel Routes” anymore. They’re just normal event-only routes that used to be Rebel Routes.
Hi Eric, will there be badges for the Rebel routes?
thanks
John
Yes, the Rebel Routes that are now in-game have badges. You can see them in your achievements list today.
Why doesn’t Watopia’s Waistband have a badge but the other old “Rebel Routes” on the tour do?
Because they only started doing it when they added the latest event only routes and they thought it would be a cool thing to do in the Tour of Watopia 2022 event?
In an event like this, are there stage and overall rankings? Is this a race? 🙂
It’s not a race, and there’s no GC or anything like that.
Will the events occur on Zwiftpower? For the Tour of Watopia 2021, it didn’t show up on ZP. I can see it as an activity, but not as a group ride with rankings etc. like for the Tour de Zwift.
I just checked and I have TOW events from 2021 in my zwiftpower history.
Will there be double xp only for the km you ride or also for the achievement badges for a new route or for the first 40km,… I’m on Zwift since three days, so I could get a lot of new badges inkl xp during the tour and it would be amazing to double all these!!!
Welcome to Zwift, Philipp!
The double XP is for distance-based XP only.
Thank you very much for the fast answer! This page is really good and helps me a lot for my Start into switch! Now I’m really excited and looking forward to the event!
Fantastic site!
Question:
if you do one of the listed routes with a Pace Partner, or while doing a training program, are there any extra XPs?
The extra XP only comes while you are doing one of the tour of watopia events.
I found an interesting glitch with the double xp! You have to exit and restart zwift in between stages to get ANY xp on events following the first one. I did the longer ride of stage one, and had already signed up for another one the following hour. I got 0xp for the 2nd ride and realized it 5km into my 3rd hour. After restarting and late joining the same ride, I was getting double xp again, but I ride the entire second ride and didn’t even get the normal xp.
Hi Eric. It says 6 Rebel Routes but I can only count 4 plus the gravel route.
Maybe that includes running routes? Italian villas, mayan bridge, handful of gravel are used in the running TOW.
4 ride + 2 run. I originally had the same confusion.
Hi Eric, I have found that the double XP credits are not calculating correctly when exiting/saving the ToW event after joining from another activity (i.e. riding with C.Cadence as a warm-up to the event). Do you know if anyone else has found a similar problem?
This is wat Zwift self says about it:
We’ve identified a bug that impacts double XP in Tour of Watopia events. This bug occurs when a Zwifter warms up prior to joining their Tour of Watopia event, declining the initial “join event” prompt, and later joins the event without first ending their warm-up session.
We’re working on a fix that awards the correct XP when you do more than one ride in a session. This fix will be automatic and not require any update to the game, but we don’t yet have an ETA on when this will be implemented. We’ll update this thread as there’s progress to report.
We have identified a workaround, which requires you to end your previous ride session and return to the drop-in screen prior to joining your Tour of Watopia event.
We are unable to credit accounts with additional XP.
Will the rebel route strava segments be updated to reflect pen starts because for example three little sisters stage 1 did not update the Strava segment. Pertinent when you think of velo viewer leaderboards
Yes, we’ll create new segments from the pens for these Rebel Routes. Created the segment for Three Little Sisters yesterday, after we realized the old segment wouldn’t pick up event activities! We’ll get the others done before the ToW stages begin…
Cheers
When I finish a session, I see several drivers with the ToW-Shirt. How can I get one or is it a bug?
And did I get double XP for every session? I rode the first three.
And can I ride the sessions more times?
Three little sisters was 434m elevation for me and my friends. Recognized that with some of the elevation details on your site.
Still keep up the good work! Your site really educated me on the “game” 🙂
Today I completed the Rebel Route: Flat 8. However, I did not see any indication that I completed this and rec’d the triple XP. Am I missing something?
Flat 8 is still just a rebel route. Several other rebel routes have been upgraded to actual in-game but event-only routes with route badges. Flat 8 did not.
Hi, I’ve made twice the stage 1, but no XP on second ride, any clue?
You might have been hit with this bug https://zwiftinsider.com/tow-2022/#comment-84488
Tks, exactly the same bug and got no points 🙁
Standard mode or Double Draft mode event?
Double draft. You can see all the special tags an event has at https://zwifthacks.com/app/events/
Just noticed, that you don’t get a placement on VV’s Route Hunter’s board, for doing the Rebel Routes?
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Same issue as usual: segments that start from the start pens vs segments that start from the start/finish banner.
I and many other riders rushed to waste drops on gravel bikes and wheels before Dirt Drippin’ only to find the event is bike locked and everyone is on Zwift Gravel bikes. So don’t waste any drops if you don’t have a dirt bike already! Messages in the warm up were pretty annoyed, me included
The whole Zwift experience today was totally frustrating. Companion app not working, wasting almost an hour trying to get on to the stage 4 ride etc, no power up’s….why?? Why have an off road stage & not use mountain bikes?
It was a gravel stage, so they used gravel bikes. See https://zwiftinsider.com/tour-of-watopia-gravel/
Is late join enabled for Tour of Watopia?
Yes. You can join up to 30 minutes after an event begins.
Got kicked out of stage three twice I’m not sure what happened. The second time I was able to reconnect but was wearing a different kit. I was over half way up so decided to finish anyway. I didn’t get credit for the stage. It was the last day I was able to attempt that stage for the event. That kind of sucks..
Thanks to Zwift for this event. I’ve avoided AdZ routes for the longest time but I finally did Road to the Sky for the double XP. Rebel routes for badges and gravel riding with the new surface was alot of fun. With the double XP I’m finally level 30!
What Times does Stage 4 start Today