Zwift is the title sponsor of Saturday’s women’s race, officially titled “Paris Roubaix Femmes Avec Zwift”, and has spun up some epic long races for the weekend to honor the event.

See upcoming Epic Race events at zwift.com/events/tag/prfaz >

Events begin at the top of the hour every hour, Saturday and Sunday, April 6-7.

Each hour alternates between a “standard” race and a “long” race:

Standard Race: 3 laps of France’s R.G.V.

Length: 72.7km (45.1 miles) // Elevation: 399m (1309′)

Long Race: 1 lap of France Classic Fondo

Length: 145.9km (90.6 miles) // Elevation: 1099m (3605′)

More Race Details

These races use category enforcement, so you can only sign up to a category that matches your power numbers, or a higher category if you choose.

For these races, all riders are leaving the start pens together. That means you will start off riding with riders from all categories. Be sure to pace yourself and don’t blow up early trying to hang with stronger riders!

Confetti Socks!

When Zwift revamped rider levels in December 2023, they promised a second prize for level 100 riders. This week’s update delivers that prize: confetti socks!

Level 100 riders who are wearing confetti socks have a special ability: their Ride Ons are confetti-filled and include a +2XP bonus! That is, when you receive a Ride On from a confetti sock sporting rider, you’ll see confetti on your screen, and get a small XP boost.

You’ll also unlock the “Party On!” badge the first time you get a Ride On from a level 100 Zwifter. This badge is worth an additional 50XP:

Here’s what it looks like when our bot gives a Ride On bomb to the five closest riders:

The confetti is only visible to the rider who gives the level 100 Ride On, as well as the rider who receives it.

Like the fire socks, confetti socks can be put on or taken off via your garage:

Zwifters who have already reached level 100 (impressive!) will see confetti socks unlock the first time they sign into Zwift version 1.62.

XP Changes (Now and Upcoming)

This week’s update includes some changes to Zwift’s XP system, but there are much bigger changes coming soon. Zwift says, “We’ve heard your feedback that the new 100-level system (along with bonus XP from ride streaks) makes leveling-up much more achievable and engaging than it was in the past, but that there’s a desire to make leveling-up more challenging and prestigious, especially for higher levels.”

In this week’s update, weekly ride streak XP bonuses are now only granted for the first ride of each week, instead of the first two. Also, XP details (your current cycling level and XP remaining until the next level) are now shown in the Ride Report:

Zwift says the 100-level system will be revised in May. We don’t have all the details, but Zwift shared the following:

• The XP required to reach maximum Level 100 will increase from the current 591,000 XP to 1,000,000 XP.
• Leveling-up will still be faster than the previous 60-level system, helping to make progression feel more attainable.
• You will not lose any levels or progress when moving to the revised system. Whatever your current level is, you will keep that same level in the revised system.
• There will be no change to the amount of XP required to reach your immediate next level. You’ll earn your next level based on the requirements of the previous system and the revised system will take effect after that.
• There will be no changes to XP requirements for Levels 1-27.
• The amount of XP required to earn levels will continue to increase proportionally for higher levels as it does with the current system. Compared to the current system, the revised system will have a moderate increase in required XP throughout levels 28-50, a higher increase between levels 50-90, and a further higher increase between levels 90-100.
• Just as with the previous 100-level system, existing Zwifters will receive “XP discounts” based on their ‘banked XP’ from the previous level system to reach their equivalent new level in the revised system faster. This means that you’ll still get the satisfaction of leveling up, but each level will be faster to earn while you complete the transition to the revised level system.

Read/discuss upcoming XP leveling adjustments on Zwift’s forum >

Fewer Streaks Screens

Zwift continues to fine-tune the experience of their recently introduced Streaks screen. Starting with today’s update, it will only show when you start a new streak, or when your streak increases to a new week.

That means the screen will only pop up once each week, instead of after every activity. Hurray!

Virtual Shifting Sound

Zwifters enjoying the glory of virtual shifting will now hear a slight sound effect whenever they shift. Want to hear it? Click below, and listen closely…

Bug Fix: Apple TV Logouts

For Apple TV users, Zwift says this update, “Fixed an issue that could potentially cause users to be logged out or reset their game settings after an update.” Zwifters were complaining that Zwift would inconsistently lose their login status or settings when an update was installed, forcing them to re-log in and set up settings, which feels like more hassle than it already is when you have to use the Apple TV remote to do it!

Today’s update should stop this from happening.

More Release Notes

Zwift provided notes on additional tweaks and bug fixes in this update:

• Improved the look of tiles on the edges of the home screen.
• Added missing workout localization to the HUD and Workout dashboard in the Zwift game.
• macOS: Fixed an issue that could cause a yellow line to appear across the roadway when using 2015 (and earlier) Mac devices.

Discuss this release on Zwift’s forum >

Questions or Comments?

If you spotted any other changes or bugs in the update, please comment below!

We’ve also selected a video with a recap of the latest Zwifty news, a rider’s journey to climb the Alpe du Zwift at 6 w/kg, a review of the FTP Builder plan, and of course… more Zwift racing!

Got a Great Zwift Video?

Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!

This year Zwift has a new surprise – VR goggles. Ha!

Removing Your Goggles

Not interested in being silly? Visit your garage and choose the no headgear option, and the VR goggles will go away.

Your Thoughts

Share below!

Hometown: Washington, DC 

How did you get into cycling? I’ve been on a bike for as long as I can remember… As kids, my friends and I rode all over town, we were feral kids; no cell phones, no trackers…we just roamed, and nobody got in trouble or hurt bad enough not to ride home…Scrapes/bruises/cuts were not an issue for us. In my teens, I worked for myself as a court/legal messenger, doing all of the work via my bike until I got a car. Raced BMX as a kiddo (when I mowed lawns to cover the race entry fees), I did MTB stuff (non-racing) and Sprint/Olympic Triathlons in my 30’s, and now I’m racing on Zwift, Road/Gravel, and CX in my 50s.

How many years have you been racing on Zwift? I am in my 3rd year. Started in D’s (was 10 mins off the back), currently in C’s, and maybe I will hit B’s next season

Are you part of a Virtual team? Yes, I race for The Coalition. 

What do you love most about racing? I love being invited to compete with other women and making friends with those I race with and against. 

What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? Points races suit me… I am a sprinter, so I get to ‘do my thing’ in those races. 

What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? I have only done ZRL, but I am open to trying others in the coming year. I think I have held myself back from trying new series from a lack of confidence (something we all struggle with). Until the end of ZRL ’22/’23, that had been a real challenge for me.

What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? I remember the last race of ZRL last year, going up the Breakaway Brae I was in about 20th. At that turn to the left, I went all out and dug deep within myself to catch the front. (At this time, I was a D racer by ZPower but I raced all season in C’s because I wanted to learn and challenge myself.) Well, I caught up to the leaders and only missed taking the top of the podium by hundredths of a second! I was super proud of that effort, and in the end, I finally got promoted to C, LOL! It was a big deal for me because I used to be the “big girl” in the back of the race, working the hardest just to finish… and now I was charging up the hill with the leaders. It was a turning point for my racing, both indoors and out! I had a great road/gravel season in ’23. 

What is your favourite food to eat post race? CARBS!!! Pizza, tacos, cookies, cake, and all the other things on the ‘naughty’ list! 

What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? My advice is try a race, forget worrying about ‘what ifs’ or negative self-talk, and once you enter it, finish it. The performances of others don’t matter; YOURS does. Don’t compare yourself to others, meet cycling where YOU are at… and above all, have fun with it. At the end of it all, CHEER for those who do well (send nice notes in the Companion App, or write a race report on Strava that includes others, your competitors, in it), and cheer for those in the back, too… they are the folks who worked hardest and longest in the race. There are victories to be had everywhere through the effort, on the front, in the middle, and in the back…embrace that, and you will have a winning spirit that transcends your placement in the race.

Zwift Games Climb and Epic

L’Etape du Tour Main Stage: March

Stage 3 | The Zwift Big Spin 2024

BMTR Flat 100 (Miles)

Summit Seeker – with Robo Pacers!

How We Make Our Picks

We choose each weekend’s Notable Events based on a variety of factors including:

• Is the event unique/innovative in some way?
• Are celebrities (pro riders, etc) attending/leading?
• Are signup counts already high, meaning the event is extra-popular?
• Does the ride include desirable unlocks or prizes?
• Does the event appeal to ladies on Zwift? (We like to support this under-represented group!)
• Is it for a good cause?
• Is it just plain crazy (extra long races, world record attempts, etc)?
• Is it a long-running, popular weekly event with a dedicated leader who deserves a shout out?

In the end, we want to call attention to events that are extra-special and therefore extra-appealing to Zwifters. If you think your event qualifies, comment below with a link/details and we may just include it in an upcoming post!

This is big news for Australian Zwifters who have been waiting for virtual shifting capabilities. While Australians still don’t have easy access to purchasing Zwift’s Play Controllers, the CORE One ships with the Zwift Click device which provides simple up/down buttons for easy virtual shifting.

It also ships with the Zwift Cog which, when coupled with virtual shifting, makes the trainer easily compatible with a wide range of bikes including mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel rigs and more.

CORE One Specs

Built on Wahoo’s well-established KICKR Core line, the CORE One has all the capabilities required to deliver a high-quality Zwift experience. Here are the trainer’s key specs:

• Zwift Click included for virtual shifting
• Calibration: automatic
• Cassette: Zwift Cog (compatible with most 8-12 speed bikes)
• Accuracy: +-2%
• Flywheel: 12lb
• Max Wattage: 1800 W
• Max Incline: 16%
• Cadence: built in
• Communication: ANT+ and 3-Channel Bluetooth
• Axle Compatibility: 130/135mm quick release, 12×142/12×148 thru-axle
• Weight: 18kg
• Physical Dimensions: 9″L x 23″W x 21″H (closed), 20″L x 23″W x 19″H (open)

About Virtual Shifting

With virtual shifting, your chain doesn’t move between different rear cassette cogs when you shift. Instead, a virtual shift changes the resistance of your smart trainer so it feels like you’ve changed cogs. This is how smart bikes like the Wahoo KICKR Bike, Wattbike, StagesBike, and Tacx NEO Bike have always worked.

Why do Zwifters like virtual shifting? Because it beats mechanical shifting in several ways:

• Fast, smooth, quiet: with no chains skipping between cogs, your shifts are completely silent, perfectly smooth, and lightning-fast.
• Less wear and tear: your chain won’t wear out as quickly, and neither will the Zwift Cog, since it is built beefy because weight is not a concern.
• Shift under full load: no need to ease off the pedals when shifting under power, as your chain isn’t going to “skip” when virtual shifting like it can with mechanical shifting.
• Compatible across many bikes: no more spinning out on your low-geared mountain bike, or needing to swap cassettes if you swap bikes. Virtual shifting works with almost any 8-12 speed bike and auto-calibrates to your physical gearing.
• No more fine-tuning: many riders have to fine-tune their physical shifting when moving between outdoor riding and a direct-drive trainer, since the cassettes aren’t lined up exactly the same. The Zwift Cog doesn’t require any such fine-tuning… just shift to a physical gear that has your chain lined up straight on the Cog and you’re ready to ride.
• Expanded gear range: Zwift’s virtual shifting currently supports a virtual 24-speed setup, which is more gears than most riders have on their outdoor setups. Additionally, the gear ratio range is very wide (from .75 to 5.49), meaning everyone should find that virtual shifting offers more easy gears and more hard gears than your mechanical gearing.
• In-game visualization: with Zwift’s virtual shifting, you can always see what gear you’re in on screen.

Zwift’s virtual shifting was rolled out to the Zwift Hub in late 2023, and it’s arguably the most significant technological advance we’ve seen in smart trainers in years. The CORE One is the first non-Zwift trainer to support virtual shifting, and that’s big, good news for Zwifters.

Shop Now

Australians can purchase the Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One on Wahoo’s website today.

Questions or Comments?

Share below!

Lap It Up – April’s Route Schedule

Here are the routes we’ll be racing in April (click route for details):

• Stage 1 (Apr 1-7): Champs-Élysées
  • 3 laps (23km, 130m elevation)
  • Powerup: Feather, Steamroller 🛈
• Stage 2 (April 8-14): Glasgow Reverse
  • 6 lap (19.3km, 198m elevation)
  • Powerups: Aero Boost, Feather 🛈
• Stage 3 (April 15-21): Seaside Sprint
  • 3 laps (21.8km, 174m)
  • Powerups: Feather, Draft Boost 🛈
• Stage 4 (April 22-28): Bridges & Boardwalks
  • 3 laps (20.9km, 188m)
  • Powerups: Draft Boost, Aero Boost 🛈
• Stage 5 (April 29-May 5): London Classique
  • 2 laps (16.5km, 94m)
  • Powerups: Draft Boost, Ghost 🛈

See upcoming Lap It Up events >

Zwift Community Live(stream)

Nathan Guerra at Zwift Community Live is providing commentary and a live stream of each Monday’s 6:10pm UTC/1:10pm Eastern/10:10am Pacific race. Click here for the playlist of upcoming ZRacing broadcasts.

Series Structure

The ZRacing series consists of monthly sets of weekly races. Each race is scheduled for seven days (beginning 1:10am UTC on Monday and running through to the next Sunday). Timeslots are consistent week to week and month to month.

Races are scheduled ~15 times each day, so there are plenty of available times to find a race.

See upcoming events at zwift.com/events/tag/zracingapr2024

Monthly GC on ZwiftPower

Each monthly series includes a time-based GC (general classification) tracking riders’ best finishing times for each week’s race. The overall winners in each category for the month are the riders with the lowest overall time for that month’s set of races.

See April’s GC on ZwiftPower >

With over 100 weekly timeslots available, riders can race each week’s event multiple times and try to better their finishing time. Tip: the fastest times usually come from the largest race fields!

You must use a heart rate monitor and be on a smart trainer, smart bike, or power meter to show up in ZwiftPower results for this series.

If you aren’t signed up for ZwiftPower, check out our post How to Sign Up for ZwiftPower (and Why Every Zwifter Should Do It).

Get the Badge

Each month’s ZRacing series has a unique achievement badge, which you can unlock by finishing every stage for the month.

There are no makeup events, so if you miss a stage, you miss out on the badge and competing in the GC.

One and Done

Zwift has planned these events to deliver a solid 1-hour workout, so each race should only take around 1 hour to complete, including your warmup and cooldown.

Questions or Comments?

Post below!