With so many races, so many different events, it can be confusing to know what to actually do on Zwift, particularly if you are new to the platform. So I have composed my “Top 10” list of events that are run regularly, hoping it will encourage a few readers to discover new rides they enjoy. Ride on!
#10: Roll with Castelli
A group ride paced at around 2.6-3 w/kg, with the opportunity of unlocking one of three different Castelli virtual jerseys, once completed.
These are well organised and well-paced group rides, including one which is a Women’s only Group ride. The routes are varied week to week and are held on a Tuesday and Thursday.
Completing these for the virtual Castelli jerseys is motivation enough to do them.
See upcoming events on ZwiftHacks >
#9: ZLIT Triathlon Clubs League Weekly Race / 3R Watopia Road To Sky – 1 Lap
These are two regular weekend races up the Alpe du Zwift. ZLIT Triathlon League Weekly Race takes place on a Saturday morning (CET) whilst the 3R Watopia Road to Sky – 1 Lap event takes place on a Sunday morning (CET), meaning there are two chances to stretch your legs up the mountain.
The racing is competitive throughout the field, in each race, and provides a good environment to achieve a new personal best time up the mountain. If you are chasing the elusive “Sub 1 hour” badge then these events may help you.
A race up the Alpe du Zwift is a must, even if you only do it once, it certainly is a different experience to simply just riding it on the open roads of Watopia.
#8: 3R Interval rides, Spark, Volt, Octane, Impact and PedalPlay
Team3R offer a comprehensive daily series of structured interval training rides with huge variability, progression, and fun rides.
The popular 6am (GMT) Spark ride aims to build riders in the 2.2-2.6 w/kg range. Volt is aimed at working in the 2.6-3.2 w/kg range whilst Octane targets 3.2-3.6 w/kg range.
In addition to these levels, there is Impact working 3.5-4 w/kg which is hosted on a Monday evenings (CET) along with PedalPlay, which is the hardest of all the sessions and works in the range of 3.5-4+ w/kg. This session is hosted on Thursday and Friday evenings (CET).
These sessions are intense, without a doubt. If you want a challenge and to build your fitness, these are for you.
See upcoming events on ZwiftHacks >
#7: Andy Schleck’s Cappuccino rides
This is a moderately-paced group ride led by Tour de France winner Andy Schleck and often includes his brother Frank a Tour de France Stage winner.
This is a fantastic group ride and the closest thing you can get to with riding with friends. The pace is a relaxed 1.8-2.4 watts per kilo and no one is ever left behind.
It’s a very inclusive ride as cycling stories are exchanged and views about upcoming cycling races and events are shared. A thoroughly enjoyable experience and one that will keep you returning.
See upcoming events on ZwiftHacks >
#6: TTR Mini Race
This race is short, only 5.9km, meaning the racing is fast and frantic and one for the sprinters. Hosted on the flat section of the Bologna route, this is the most fun you can have on Zwift in 10 minutes, with racing lasting around 7 minutes 30 seconds. It is the closest many of us will ever get to feel like we are sprinting it out at a stage of a Grand Tour.
If you want to improve your sprinting or test your legs, this is the race for you. Brilliant fun.
See upcoming events on ZwiftHacks >
#5: Time Trial Tuesdays and Fast Fridays
The marketing people in Zwift deserve an award – I can never think of Tuesdays and Fridays the same again! Their catchy slogans of “Zwift Time Trial Tuesday” and “Zwift Fast Fridays” mean it’s Time Trial Day.
Racing against the clock is a completely different skill to normal racing and it makes a refreshing change. “The Race of Truth”, as Time Trials are referred to, requires you to pace your ride, often at threshold level, which is an uncomfortable experience. But the sense of accomplishment by posting a good time is like no other.
Even if someone goes quicker, there is a sense of satisfaction that you “gave it your all”, whether that is racing on the short and punchy Bologna course or the flat course of Tempus Fugit. Worth having a go.
#4: LEQP Provence Badge Hunter Series
A brilliant, supportive group ride hosted every Sunday morning (CET). As the hosts state themselves “We have one goal, get those badges! Each ride will focus on checking off a difficult course or achievement badge.” Read about their just-relaunched series >
Rides are paced at between 2.5-3.2 w/kg and there is no question, I would not have obtained half of my badges without participating in this event, particularly the 25 loops around the Volcano!
The rides are fun and very well organised and provide you the opportunity to vote on which future routes to do and thus badges to collect. If you want to get the PRL Full badge, these are the people to help you.
See upcoming events on ZwiftHacks >
#3: Zwift Gran Fondo
A monthly mass participation event, with the choice of different long courses, this is the closest many of us will get to experiencing a stage similar in stature to that of a Grand Tour. With a finish at the top of a mountain, the ride has to be carefully calculated so that you have enough energy to make it to the finish. Your efforts are rewarded with a unique jersey.
Races are held usually at the stat of the month on the weekend, with multiple start times to cater for all.
See upcoming eFondos on ZwiftHacks >
#2: WTRL Team Time Trial
WTRL Team Time Trials take place on Zwift at 9 different race times every Thursday, with 3000+ riders usually competing in over 600 teams. Each event from the same day feeds one overall league.
This is solely a Team Time Trial, where a team of 8 riders race around a selected course and their finishing time is compared to others who have raced the same course. You need to be part of a team to participate. Fortunately, Zwift Insider has documented a comprehensive guide explaining how cycling teams operate on Zwift.
There are plenty of teams looking for riders to bolster their Time Trial Team ranks, so getting a spot to a ride would not be difficult, if you fancy a try.
#1: ZWC Hill Climb Battle
This is without doubt, my favourite race on Zwift. It is hosted midmorning (CET) every Monday by Japanese Team, Zwift Warrior Cycling, and the race route goes up the Epic KOM and finishes at the Radio Tower, either via the front route or the reverse route. The reason why this is my favourite race is because it uses a custom route – the front ascent up the Epic KOM is 15.6km in length, whilst the ascent up the alternate side is 12.2km. Recently, a longer route with a large section in the desert before ascending the Epic KOM has been added and that is 24km in length. Each route is raced alternate weeks.
In terms of time, the race is the perfect length to squeeze into your day and you get a fantastic workout within the space of 45 minutes. It’s a highly competitive event, across all categories as you find yourself pushing hard up the mountain, knowing the finish is at the top. This is the only race on Zwift, apart from the Fondo, that I am aware of, that actually finishes on the KOM and that makes for a refreshing change.
The uniqueness and all round training benefits makes it my number one event.
The only negative thing is that there is not more of this exact event. The midmorning slot makes it difficult for those based in Europe and America to attend, but this is certainly one event worth getting up in the middle of the night for or taking an early lunch.
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