Zwift’s monthly fondos have become a popular annual tradition, and they’ve just announced this season’s series which kicks off next weekend… on three new Watopian fondo routes!
Join thousands of Zwifters working together to put in big efforts. Along the way you’ll unlock an exclusive jersey and build your fitness in ways only long rides can. Allez allez!
January Fondo Schedule
The first series kicks off at midnight December 31st GMT, which is 7pm EST/4pm PST December 30th.
Events repeat every 5 hours until January 2nd at 10pm GMT/5pm EST/2pm PST. There are a total of 15 events currently scheduled.
This is a 3-month series, and each month’s fondo has its own unique kit unlock. These kits are exclusive, meaning they will never be available anywhere else in game. A true badge of honor! Here’s a shot of all three kits:
From left to right: March, January, and February kits.
Routes
Zwift Fondo events have three categories (A, B, and C) which are open to all riders. These categories don’t refer to rider strength or speed – they determine which route you will ride.
And this year Zwift has created a fresh set of fondo routes! Here they are (click for route details):
A: 2022 Gran Fondo - 94km (58.4 miles), 1,141m (3,743′)
Released in Zwift’s December 2021 update, the 2022 Gran Fondo route was created to host the monthly Zwift Fondo Series 2022. It’s very similar in length and elevation to the original Gran Fondo route, but covers lots of new roads and ends on the Epic KOM Reverse instead of Epic KOM Forward.
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Released in Zwift’s December 2021 update, the 2022 Gran Fondo route was created to host the monthly Zwift Fondo Series 2022. It’s very similar in length and elevation to the original Gran Fondo route, but covers lots of new roads and ends on the Epic KOM Reverse instead of Epic KOM Forward.
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Route Basics
Length: 94 km (58.4 miles) Elevation: 1141 m (3,743‘) Lead-In: 0.2 km (0.1 miles) Map: Watopia
This route begins nice and flat, providing an excellent warmup in the early minutes. We begin in downtown Watopia, then ride around the Volcano before heading out past the docked Spruce Goose and up the hill toward the Epic KOM.
But don’t worry – it’s not Epic KOM time yet. Take the KOM bypass road along the cliff, then descend before turning right and heading into the redwoods then across the fast, flat Fuego Flats. Take on the Fuego Flats Reverse segment if you’d like, then loop around and hit the much shorter Fuego Flats Forward sprint also.
Start of the Epic KOM Reverse
Epic KOM Bypass
Hilly KOM
Then we descend back to the Ocean Boulevard tunnel toward downtown Watopia and our first timed KOM of the day: the original Watopia KOM, named “Hilly KOM”. Over the Esses, back through downtown, then we head out to Titans Grove for our second KOM of the day: Titans Grove Reverse.
Then it’s once more through downtown and over to the Volcano, which is our third KOM. Catch your breath as you descent and make your way past the Spruce Goose once more… then it’s time for the big final effort! The Epic KOM Reverse is a twisty, punishing climb, but look on the bright side: at least it skips the Radio Tower. Good luck!
On our way to Titans Grove KOM Reverse
Volcano KOM
Epic KOM Reverse
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B: 2022 Medio Fondo - 77.2km (48 miles), 924m (3,031′)
Released in Zwift’s December 2021 update, the 2022 Medio Fondo route was created to host the monthly Zwift Fondo Series 2022. It’s similar in length and elevation to the original Medio Fondo route, but covers lots of new roads along the way.
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Released in Zwift’s December 2021 update, the 2022 Medio Fondo route was created to host the monthly Zwift Fondo Series 2022. It’s similar in length and elevation to the original Medio Fondo route, but covers lots of new roads along the way.
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Route Basics
Length: 77.2 km (48.0 miles) Elevation: 924 m (3,031‘) Lead-In: 0.2 km (0.1 miles) Map: Watopia
We begin just like the 2022 Gran Fondo route: in downtown Watopia, heading around the Volcano then out past the Spruce Goose and up the beginning of the Epic KOM Reverse before cutting across via the cliffside KOM cutoff road.
Start of the Epic KOM Reverse
Epic KOM Bypass
Fuego Flats
Then we head up through the redwoods to Fuego Flats Reverse, circling back to Fuego Flats forward. Now the route deviates from the Gran Fondo because we turn right into Titans Grove, hitting our first KOM of the day: Titans Grove Forward.
After the Titans Grove rollercoaster we make our way back through downtown Watopia and over the Esses to the Sprint Reverse and over the Hilly KOM Reverse. Then it’s back to Fuego Flats Forward for more flat, fast desert.
Sprint Reverse
Hilly KOM Reverse
Epic KOM
Rest those legs – your final challenge awaits after you descend through the redwoods from Fuego Flats. It’s time to take on the Epic KOM. You’ve got this!
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C: 2022 Bambino Fondo - 52.3km (32.5 miles), 400m (1,312′)
Released in Zwift’s December 2021 update, the 2022 Bambino Fondo route was created to host the monthly Zwift Fondo Series 2022. It’s similar in length to the original Bambino Fondo route, but with around 30% less elevation covering a very different set of roads.
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Released in Zwift’s December 2021 update, the 2022 Bambino Fondo route was created to host the monthly Zwift Fondo Series 2022. It’s similar in length to the original Bambino Fondo route, but with around 30% less elevation covering a very different set of roads.
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Route Basics
Length: 52.3 km (32.5 miles) Elevation: 400 m (1,312‘) Lead-In: 0.2 km (0.1 miles) Map: Watopia
We begin just like the 2022 Gran and Medio Fondo routes: in downtown Watopia, heading around the Volcano then out past the Spruce Goose and up the beginning of the Epic KOM Reverse before cutting across via the cliffside KOM cutoff road. Nexn we head up through the redwoods to Fuego Flats Reverse, circling back to Fuego Flats forward.
Start of the Epic KOM Reverse
Epic KOM Bypass
Fuego Flats
Then we descend through the redwoods and into the Ocean Boulevard tunnel, arriving in downtown Watopia where we proceed through to the finishing challenge: the Volano KOM. Give it all you’ve got – the route ends at the KOM banner!
Volcano KOM start
Volcano KOM midway
Volcano KOM finish
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Is this a Race?
Officially, no. But hundreds (possibly thousands) of riders will turn out for each of these popular “fun race” events, and the front of each category will certainly be filled with strong riders going all out.
As Zwift says, in the end “This is not a race, but some will choose to ride it like one. Do what’s comfortable, and go at your own pace.”
These events have double draft mode enabled, so be sure to work with others when possible, since this conserves energy.
Upcoming Fondo Dates
Here are the dates for February and March Zwift Fondos:
February 4-6, 2022
March 4-6, 2022
Fondo Training
Want to take on a Zwift Fondo, but you’ve never done such a long ride? Check out the Fondo Training Plan in Zwift. It’s 3-4 weeks long, 3 hours/week of work, and will get you prepped to take on your first fondo:
Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. He lives in Northern California with his beautiful wife, two kids and dog. Follow on Strava
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