10 years of Zwift: New tracks, features in Watopia and the Zwift Academy is back

Zwift is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season. In these 10 years, the platform has motivated many people to be active more often. Together, the Zwift community has reached impressive numbers over time:

• 8.72 billion kilometres driven
• 81.56 billion metres in altitude covered
• 4,034,556 events organised

Many of these kilometres were covered together with other Zwifters from all over the world in group rides, races and other events. The backbone of Zwift events is the dedicated community, which has organised an astonishing 4 million events in the last decade.

What's coming? Zwift's innovations for the autumn

Zwift is also celebrating the fact that, as a company, it has revolutionised indoor training during this time and is giving a preview of several software updates that will be available from September 2024. These updates promise to improve the user experience and bring even more excitement to the virtual world of cycling. The updates are designed to make training more fun, accessible and personalised for Zwifters worldwide.

More people, more active, more often. - Zwift's goal for the coming years

New roads in Watopia in autumn

Watopia is the most popular world on Zwift. Currently, Zwift users can observe something interesting on the shores of Watopia: Something is emerging from the ocean. What exactly it is remains a mystery for the time being. We'll have to be patient until November. This new territory will not be explorable until the 5th stage of the Tour of Watopia.

But this 5th stage is not the only highlight that the Tour of Watopia has to offer this year. The 10th anniversary celebrations are also reflected in the Tour of Watopia. It starts with some of the first Zwift routes. For each stage, participants can choose between three different route lengths. Those who complete the routes during the events receive double experience points. Even on-demand rides still earn 1.5x experience points.

New head-up display (HUD) for a personalised Zwift experience

Zwift has responded to feedback from the community and revised the Head-Up Display (HUD). From now on, the most important information will be displayed exactly where it is needed. The user can decide for themselves what this information is. There are seven customisable metrics to choose from, including cadence, heart rate, average wattage and watts per kilogram.

The Zwift Ride Smart Frame is now available

The Zwift Ride Smart Frame available for 799.99 euros. This frame is only compatible with Zwift Ready Smart Trainers.

• Zwift Ready programme: The Zwift Ready programme extends the Zwift virtual circuit and Zwift Cog & Click compatibility to other smart trainer manufacturers. The Zwift Ride Smart Frame can now be purchased separately and is compatible with Zwift Ready trainers.
  
• Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One: The Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One is now available on zwift.com and wahoofitness.com, with or without a 1-year Zwift contract. Wahoo retailers will also be stocking Zwift Cog and Click from September.

In addition to a range of new Zwift Ready trainers that come with Zwift Cog & Click, various existing smart trainers can be upgraded to Zwift Ready. Zwift Ready trainers that can be upgraded include:

• Zwift Hub - all versions, including Hub One
• Wahoo KICKR CORE - all versions
• Wahoo KICKR V6 - all versions from v6
• Wahoo KICKR MOVE - all versions (is only compatible with the Zwift Ride Smart Frame in a fixed position)
• JetBlack Victory - all versions

New challenges on the Zwift home screen

New challenges will soon be available in the "Challenges" section on the start screen. These can be completed in addition to the existing "main" challenges such as Everest, Italy or California.

Cardio Crusher - new Zwift challenge for those in a hurry

From 9 September, Zwift will be offering a new challenge aimed specifically at those in a hurry. These five workouts are ideal if you're in a hurry, as they all take less than an hour. Those who complete all five workouts will receive 250 XP.

New challenge from 3 October: Route Chaser: The Grade

On 3 October, Zwift will then introduce the challenge "Route Chaser: The Grade". This challenge is ideal for earning new badges, as it requires the completion of five different routes. Three new sections are also included:

• Mayan 8 (23.1 kilometres, 241 vertical metres)
• Radio Rendevous (20.5 kilometres, 736 vertical metres)
• Power to the Tower (44 kilometres, 1492 vertical metres)

In the coming months, there will be further challenges in addition to the two presented.

Introduction of the Zwift Racing Score for better racing experiences

The Zwift Racing Score aims to immediately categorise Zwifters into the appropriate racing category. This is intended to increase the competitiveness and appeal of the races. The score adapts dynamically to the current performance. In addition, the Zwift Racing Score is intended to further improve the competitive experience through improved matchmaking and rewards for strategic skill.

Zwift Racing Calendar: Overview and new structure

In addition to the community races created by over 100 community event organisers, Zwift has the Zwift Racing Calendar, which is divided into four main pillars:

1. zRacing MonthlyA year-round racing series with different race tracks every month.

2. Zwift Racing LeagueThe largest team event in cycling, which will take place in the 2023/2024 season with 2610 participating teams. The league consists of three rounds with 6 races each from September to February.

3. Zwift World SeriesA series of five races held from September to January.

4. Zwift GamesZwift Championships return for a second year, offering Zwifters the opportunity to qualify for community and elite events.

Zwift Garage: Revisions and upgrade challenges

The Zwift Garage will be revamped in the fourth quarter of 2024, allowing Zwifters to upgrade their virtual bikes. With the new Upgrade Challenges, users can unlock the next upgrade level of their bike and collect well-deserved Drops. Each bike will have five such levels, offering improvements such as weight reduction, improved aerodynamics and lower rolling resistance.

Another innovation: Zwift will soon be introducing Halo Bikes. These high-performance bikes, such as the Pinarello Espada, not only offer outstanding performance, but also ensure impressive performances on the virtual road. Only the Drop Shop's most loyal customers will have the opportunity to purchase Halo Bikes. More details will follow shortly.

Training content autumn 2024

The Zwift Academy is back

The Zwift Academy started again on 5 August and runs until 3 November. During this period, all cyclists have the opportunity to improve their fitness and at the same time compete for the chance to join a professional cycling team. With this year's extended period from the beginning of August to the beginning of November, the aim is to facilitate participation and reach people in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

This year, Zwift is placing a stronger focus on talent identification, with training sessions aimed at testing physiological skills. All participants who successfully complete the programme can compete for the Zwift virtual academy kit as well as an exclusive virtual paint job for the Canyon Aeroad bike. In addition, the best male and female participants have the chance to earn a professional contract with Canyon // Sram Generation or the Alpecin-Deceuninck Development Team.

Basecamp at Zwift

The new Basecamp training programme is designed to help Zwifters learn more about their own abilities with six different workouts. Each training session is available in a short and a long version so that there is a suitable format for all athletes. After completing the programme, participants receive a report that provides information about the strengths and weaknesses of their rider type. New challenges are also unlocked after completing the programme.