Zwift is an online multiplayer fitness training program for running and cycling that allows users to interact, train and compete in a virtual world. It’s like Mario Bros Kart meets Halo and the end result is a cycling or running fanatic. There are dozens of virtual worlds that you can cycle or run through and it’s Used by about 3 million people worldwideBut the demand for more realistic scenarios has reached its developers and it is now possible to recreate the climb of 8 Tour de France mountain passes… as if you were there.
Zwift works in a simple way. A stationary bike or a trainer is connected to a power meter that evaluates the watts generated by pedaling. To this, a screen with immersive technology that projects the route we are traveling on. The system applies more resistance or reduces it to simulate the incline of the terrain. Finally, Zwift uses technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy to transmit data that, in combination with the weight and equipment selected for the race, is used to converting efforts into speed and powerUntil now, all of this was done in virtual worlds where participants competed or mass training took place. But recently, new developments have been introduced.
From now on, users will also will be able to enjoy (or suffer) eight of the most emblematic ports of the Tour de France 2024. The French race will once again be the focus of attention with the inclusion of the following climbs: Côte des Forche and Col du Galibier (8.6 km at 6.6%); Pas de Peyrol/Puy Mary, Pla d’Adet (10 km at 8.2%) and Col de Peyresourde; Isola 2000, Col de la Couillole (15.9 km at 7.2%) and La Turbie/Col d’Eze. In addition, there will also be maps for users to travel around the Paris of the Tour de France, both in the form of competition and training.
But there’s more. Alongside these new maps and settings, Zwift has announced the launch of Zwift Ride, a complete cycling setup. Basically, it’s a combination of a Zwift Smart Frame bike with a smart trainer. Cyclists will be able to feel every change in Zwift’s virtual terrain (asphalt, gravel, etc.) with surprising realism, bringing the experience of outdoor cycling indoors. The advantages of the system are that it is light, silent and it is easy to set up and adjust all the customizations from the handlebars.
The whole system Fits riders from 1.52m to 1.98m tall. with a simple key that serves to adjust everything: the height of the saddle, the height of the handlebars and the reach are adjusted through three points. The controls for the entire system are located on the handlebars that have several customizable buttons for different tasks. It also includes the virtual shifter with gears suitable for each terrain and it is even possible to select the preferred gear: Shimano, SRAM or sequential.
Added to all this are new maps of the Watopia universe, Spring Training mode (six-week training sessions to improve endurance), a new summit, The Grade, in Watopia and a new feature called My List that aims to plan future sessions. And finally, in August The Watch The Femmes campaign will begin on the occasion of the Women’s Tour, with weekly workouts inspired by women’s running.