Zwift marked its 10-year milestone by unveiling a range of updates and events, setting the stage for an exciting season of indoor training. Over the past decade, the platform’s users have collectively covered an impressive 8.72 billion kilometres and climbed 81.56 billion metres, with more than four million events held. To celebrate, Zwift has introduced several enhancements, including new roads, challenges, and hardware upgrades, all aimed at further improving the user experience.
One of the standout announcements is the expansion of Watopia, Zwift’s most popular virtual world. Riders will be treated to new roads during November’s Tour of Watopia. Stage 5, the final lap of the tour, is set to unveil mysterious new features rising from the ocean. Riders can choose from three distances, with double XP available for live events and 1.5x XP on demand.
Photo Credit: ZwiftZwift has also refreshed its Heads-Up Display (HUD), responding to community feedback. Riders can now customise seven key metrics, such as heart rate, cadence, and watts per kilogram, allowing them to tailor the data displayed to their preferences. Runners, too, receive an update with new heart rate zone displays and step counts.
The Zwift Ride Smart Frame is now available as a standalone purchase for £749.99. Initially bundled with the Wahoo Kickr Core, the frame can now be paired with any Zwift Ready trainer, allowing more users to upgrade their indoor training setups. The frame also includes the latest Zwift Cog, designed for quieter, more precise shifting, and an adjustable front foot to match the height of the attached trainer.
For those looking to upgrade their existing smart trainer, Zwift has rolled out new compatibility for its Zwift Cog and Click virtual shifting system. This update includes models like the Wahoo Kickr V6 and JetBlack Victory, with additional trainers from Elite and Decathlon expected to join by winter. The Zwift Cog and Click can be purchased separately for £79.99, allowing riders to enhance their setup without having to buy new equipment.
September sees the introduction of new challenges on Zwift, starting with the Cardio Crusher on the 9th. This challenge offers five workouts, each under an hour, with 250 XP up for grabs upon completion. On October 3, Route Crusher: The Grade follows, with riders needing to complete five routes, including three new ones, to earn exclusive badges. More challenges are set to be announced in the coming months.
Zwift has also revealed its racing calendar for 2024 and beyond, featuring several key events. Z-Racing Monthly offers new routes each month, while the Zwift Racing League, beginning this month, will run until February 2025. The Zwift World Series and Zwift Games are also set to return, with the latter launching in March 2025.
Additionally, Zwift Academy is back, offering cyclists the chance to secure a professional development contract with Canyon//SRAM or Alpecin-Deceuninck. The competition runs until 3rd November, giving both male and female riders the opportunity to showcase their talent and potentially kickstart a professional career.
With these updates, Zwift is positioning itself for another exciting year, continuing its mission to make indoor training more engaging and accessible to riders around the world.
