This season on Zwift brings more level unlocks, new events, and enhanced gamification to keep users committed to their resolutions in the new year.
Zwift always kicks off the indoor cycling season with a “This Season on Zwift” Press Release. It’s Zwift’s opportunity to give a sneak peek into the projects they’ve been working on and what the users can look forward to as they roll out the new features.
Zwifters already enjoy September’s anticipated upgrades, like the Tour of Watopia featuring 19 kilometers of new roads, the Zwift Academy, Repack Rush multiplayer gamification mode, and the Zwift Hub One with 1-year Zwift membership.
Listen to Chris and Si break it down during the
Virtual Velo Podcast-Ep. 30: This Season on Zwift-The Racer’s Edition
Others, like the Zwift Racing Score, the platform’s vision for skill-based matchmaking promised in November, still need to be implemented. However, users won’t have to wait any longer for an extensive array of enhancements Zwift is rolling out beginning this month. It’s a long list of upgrades to keep users engaged throughout “This Season on Zwift.”
New Level Structure
If you’re a dedicated Zwifter, you’ve probably found yourself stuck at Level 60 for some time now. It’s quite likely that you’ve bumped into the Zwift Level cap on multiple occasions. If you’re all about leveling up, you’re in luck.
Zwift has undertaken a comprehensive overhaul of its cycling levels, aimed at expediting Zwifters’ ascent through the ranks, now extending all the way to level 100 instead of the previous level 60 cap. This redesign involves a reduction in the amount of XP required to advance at each level, facilitating a quicker progression through the game.
With each level achieved, Zwifters will unlock various rewards, including new jerseys, bikes, or accessories to unlock.
For those who have already reached level 60, the good news is that they will still enjoy leveling up and earning unlocks as they progress, but at an accelerated pace.
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Ride Streaks
Zwift has introduced a new motivation system to reward consistent riding with Experience Points (XP) bonuses, enabling Zwifters to level up more quickly. Here’s how it works:
- Ride at least twice in a week, and you’ll earn extra XP points.
- For the first two rides in the first week of your streak, you’ll receive 300 XP per ride.
- Each ride grants an additional 100 XP, totaling 400 XP per ride in the second week.
- During the third week, Zwifters can earn an extra 200 XP per ride, making it 500 XP in total for the first two rides.
- You’ll consistently earn 500 XP for each ride if you maintain your streak beyond week three.
Your streak can continue for as long as you like, offering a motivating incentive to stay committed to your fitness goals and progress faster through Zwift’s 100 levels.
Climb Portal Updates
Zwift’s Climb Portal, introduced in July, has quickly become a favorite feature among its users. It offers challenging virtual renditions of real-world climbs with Zwift’s graphic flair. While it may not be for everyone, there’s no denying the sense of accomplishment upon reaching each summit.
Now, Zwifters can take on these climbs in different versions:
- GPS-Accurate 100% version
- Monumental 125% version
- Easier 50% version
- Easier 75% version
What percentile are you in? Each version has its own leaderboard, allowing Zwifters to see where they rank among other climbers at their level.
Zwift will also continue to feature a Climb of the Month in the France Climb Portal and rotate climbs in the Watopia Portal, ensuring plenty of climbing options for users. You can see a schedule of climbs here.
Zwift Games
Initially announced in early November, the Zwift Games will crown the world’s #1 Zwift racer across three championship races. Zwift expects the inclusive community event open to all members to be the largest of its kind. The event features three sprint stages, an epic, and a mountain stage.
Sprint Championship: Designed with elements from the Zwift Battle Royale introduced in the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, this race is a test for the top cycling esports sprinters.
Epic Championship: For endurance enthusiasts, this challenging race covers a minimum of 60km, pushing competitors to their limits. The course includes Watopia’s new Coastal Causeway, and a fresh route Zwift will reveal for the event.
Hill Climb Championship: Alpe du Zwift, the iconic climb featured during Round 2 of the Zwift Grand Prix 23/24, with 21 hairpin turns, is the battleground for this Championship. Zwifters will race from the base to the summit to determine the ultimate Cycling Esports grimpeur. Will we finally see a new alpe du Zwift K/QOM?
Races will be available in several timeslots for all categories every day throughout March on specially designed routes awarding unique game unlocks.
During the first three weekends in March, the world’s best male and female Zwifters will compete in the Zwift Games Elite Sprint, Epic, and Climb events alongside the community. The top-performing athlete across all three disciplines will become the inaugural Zwift Games All Round Champion.
The six individual and two All Round Champions will share a substantial prize purse and receive a prestigious gold icon unlock. Racers will undergo performance verification before and after the event, and fans can watch the broadcast worldwide—more information is expected by December 15th.
Play Beta Gamification Testing
The Zwift Play Beta experience is ongoing, with new test events scheduled for this winter. Zwifters with the proper hardware can join these events and contribute to improving the gamified racing experience.
Participation in these events allows Zwifters to explore the integration of steering, braking, and new Power Ups and hazards in gamified racing and other activities. User feedback will play a crucial role in guiding the Zwift gamification experience.
These winter tests will build upon the lessons learned in the fall and help shape future versions of gamification on Zwift. Any Zwifter with a Zwift Play handlebar controller or a compatible steering device can take part. Keep an eye on your Zwift home screen for information on how to get involved!
Ride and Route Selection on the Companion App
In January, a new update for the Zwift Companion app will simplify planning your Zwift rides and workouts. This update will allow Zwifters to browse workouts and routes directly in the companion app and choose the ones they want to do. The selections will then be conveniently queued up on the Zwift home screen, eliminating the need to search through content options when you’re ready to ride!
New Look Avatar and Choices Further Inclusion
Coming in February, Zwift avatars will receive a fresh new appearance. Zwifters can choose from all available avatar types, breaking away from the gender-specific avatars tied to the profile’s gender selection.
While the choice of avatars is open, event categories will still align with the rider’s profile gender in social and racing events. Male profiles can participate in male and open events, while female profiles can join female and open events, regardless of their chosen avatar.
Zwift continues to lead in promoting gender equality and inclusivity through initiatives like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and efforts by the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) team, including the Black Celebration Series and charitable endeavors.
Apple Watch Now Compatible Heart Rate Monitor
Zwift is introducing compatibility with Apple Watch heart rate monitoring in the upcoming winter update. This new feature simplifies the experience for Zwifters who already own an Apple Watch. By pairing the Watch with the Zwift Companion app, users can easily track their heart rate on-screen while cycling and running.
More New Content Options Too
zFondo
The seventh season of the Zwift Fondo Series brings an exciting new twist. This fall, the Bambino, Medio, and Gran Fondo distances have returned, providing more opportunities for Zwifters to participate in the Fondo. Each month comes with its own theme and a unique kit to unlock.
The first fondo has already taken place, but there are two more chances to join in on the fun:
Holiday Fondos (Dec. 29th – Dec. 31st)
Festive (51.1 km) – The Big Ring
Spark (69.9 km) – Big Foot Hills
Jolly (94.2 km) – 2022 Gran Fondo
New Year’s Fondos (Jan. 26th – Jan. 28th)
Elevate (54.1 km) – Eastern Eight
Rise (72.7 km) – The Pretzel
Triumph (97.7 km) – Gran Fondo
Don’t miss out on these exciting Fondo events!
Rapha Festive 500
Participate in the annual Festive 500 challenge and conquer 500 kilometers between Christmas and New Year’s! Whether you ride on Zwift or venture outdoors, every kilometer counts toward your goal. Finish the challenge and earn a coveted event badge and the exclusive Festive 500 in-game kit! Get ready for a festive cycling adventure and earn the admiration of your fellow Zwifters by completing it in one continuous ride.
Coach Kristin Armstrong Fitness Jumpstart
Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Kristin Armstrong is a multitasking powerhouse. Efficiency is critical to her workout routine and success as a coach, entrepreneur, and mom. Her latest training series embodies approachability, efficiency, effectiveness, and fun – a perfect fit for busy cyclists looking to kickstart the new year with a fitness commitment.
Kicking off in January, the eight-week Fitness Jumpstart with Coach Kristin welcomes all Zwifters to embark on a fitness journey in the new year. Program workouts are available on-demand and live, accommodating any schedule. Kristin herself will lead select sessions. Each week of the program focuses on training to enhance riders’ knowledge and skills.
Additionally, Zwifters can stay motivated, build connections, and seek guidance by participating in the Zwift Women’s Training Club group chat on the Zwift Companion App. Get ready for a fitness journey with a gold-medalist coach!
Tour de Zwift and Rebel Routes
In January, join the Tour de Zwift, one of the year’s major Zwift events, explore routes typically off-limits for most of the year, and earn exclusive route badges.
Completing stages or the entire tour will reward you with a new in-game kit featuring Zwift’s first-ever bucket hat!
l'Etape du Tour
Each year, l’Etape du Tour de France hosts the largest amateur Gran Fondo event in the world, featuring one of the stages of the Tour de France. As an official partner of L’Etape du Tour de France this year, Zwift is channeling this challenging amateur race’s passion, enthusiasm, and thrill into the Zwift platform.
Starting in February, Zwifters can conquer monthly two-stage Fondos over weekends in February, March, April, and July. Additionally, Zwift is launching an eight-week training program designed explicitly for L’Etape du Tour participants.
To add more excitement, Zwift will include some iconic climbs from the L’Etape du Tour route in Zwift’s Climb Portal. These climbs are excellent preparation for the challenging one-day cycling event and perfect for gearing up for conquering tough climbs in your local area this summer. Join in and experience the thrill!
And if that’s not all! Zwift is teasing a New March Event. Watch this space in February for more information about a new way to earn Zwift perks.
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Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
