Ride This: Celebrating 10 Years of Zwift - Major Updates, Racing Scores, and New Challenges
Zwift celebrates 10 years with exciting updates, including a customizable HUD, Racing Score, bike upgrades, new routes, and challenges for riders.
Hard to believe I've been on Zwift for almost 10 years now, just over 30,000 miles later, I'm fitter, I'm faster, I've lost a lot of sweat and I've watched a lot of TV...
As Zwift nears its 10th anniversary, it’s rolling out a host of exciting updates to keep its massive community engaged. The most anticipated feature might be the revamped Heads Up Display (HUD), but that’s just one of the many updates. From new bike upgrades to a completely revamped racing system, here's everything you need to know about Zwift’s 2024 updates.
Customizable Heads Up Display (HUD)
One of the biggest updates for 2024 is the redesign of Zwift's Heads Up Display, driven by community feedback. The top left now features four customizable data fields, giving riders control over metrics like average power or heart rate. The new intensity bar shows what training zone you're in, with a color-changing lightning bolt to keep you updated on your ride.
The HUD also introduces a more central climb indicator, offering real-time grade percentages, similar to what you'd find on Garmin or Wahoo devices. Although the mini-map and elevation profile remain unchanged, these new customization options are a game-changer for Zwifters.
Zwift Racing Score: A Better Way to Compete
Zwift Racing Score promises to shake up the racing scene. Previously, Zwift categorized riders based on power numbers, but this system often led to "sandbagging" as riders tried to game the categories.
The new Zwift Racing Score addresses this by considering both power-based metrics and race results to assign a score from 0 to 1000. This system is expected to deliver fairer, more competitive races. Set to launch in October 2024, the Zwift Racing Score will reshape how Zwifters approach racing.
New Roads Coming to Watopia
Starting in November, Zwift will expand the roads and routes available in Watopia. You might even spot "unusual things" popping up from the ocean near the coast as part of the expansion. Keep an eye out for new surprises as you ride along these brand-new roads.
New Challenges: Cardio Crusher and Route Chaser
Zwift has also introduced two new challenges to keep things fresh. The Cardio Crusher Challenge, starting September 9th, is perfect for time-crunched athletes. With five under-an-hour workouts, completing the challenge rewards 250 XP.
The Route Chaser: The Grade Challenge kicks off on October 3rd, featuring five routes. Three of these are brand new, including the Mayan 8, Radio Rendezvous, and Power to the Tower. Completing these routes will test your climbing and endurance skills.
Bike Upgrades: Faster, Lighter, and More Aero
Riders can now upgrade their bikes in Zwift, bringing a new level of customization to the platform. By completing specific challenges—like time trials for aero gains or climbing challenges for weight reduction—riders can unlock performance upgrades. The upgrades range from reducing weight and improving aerodynamics to lowering rolling resistance, all in five stages.
Also, new Halo Bikes, such as the Pinarello Espada, are now available for those who already own other Pinarello bikes in their Zwift garage.
MATHIEU VAN DER POELLevel 31 (Bike)
Upcoming Zwift Racing and Training Schedule
Zwift has packed its racing calendar for the upcoming season:
- zRacing Monthly: Featuring new routes every month.
- Zwift Racing League: Spanning from September to February with three rounds of six races.
- Zwift World Series: Five races scheduled from September 2024 to January 2025.
- Zwift Games: Kicking off in March 2025, culminating with the Zwift Championship.
For those looking to improve their fitness, Zwift Academy continues until November 3rd, offering the chance to earn a pro contract. Following that is Zwift Camp: Baseline, running from November 18th to January 5th, which provides tailored workout programs based on each rider's strengths and weaknesses.
