Compatibility and Avatars and New Events, Oh My! New Zwift Features Just Keep Rolling Out
Last week Zwift launched ride streaks and different versions of their Climb Portal. And coming soon, a whole new makeover. Literally. Zwift avatars’ faces will be getting a refined appearance in February. And this winter, with Avatar Choice, you’ll be able to choose between all of Zwift’s available avatar types.
Soon, Zwifters will no longer just see the avatars that correlate to the gender selected in their profile. Instead, according to a press release, “cyclists can choose any avatar.” They added, “While we’re excited to let Zwifters choose any avatar they’d like, event categories will still match the gender of the rider’s profile for social events and racing, no matter which avatar is selected. Male profiles will only be able to enter male and open events. Female profiles will be able to enter female and open events, even if a woman chooses a male-presenting avatar.”
Apple Watch Compatibility
In an effort to make life a little easier for those cyclists who wear an Apple Watch, this winter Zwift riders can pair their watch in the Zwift Companion app, as with any other heart rate monitor, and track their heart rate on-screen as they ride.
According to the Zwift website, “Knowing your heart rate as well as your power is essential for effective training because these two measurements will help you figure out if you’re getting fitter or if you’re going too hard and should take it easy.”
Trevor Raab, Senior Photographer for Bicycling, said, “Apple Watch as a heart rate monitor will be nice for anyone who doesn’t want to bother with a chest strap. Adding compatibility with existing and common wearables can’t really hurt.”
Play Beta Continues
Want to be in on the newest Zwift experience? Zwift Play Beta continues with new test events this winter. Any Zwift rider with the right hardware (a Zwift Play handlebar controller or other compatible steering device) can join to help improve the gamified racing experience.
Joining these events gives Zwifters a chance to test the different ways Zwift can integrate steering, braking, and new kinds of Power Ups and hazards into gamified racing and other events.
These sessions help designers with future versions of the game experience. Interested riders should watch their Zwift home screen for information on how to participate.
Zwift Games
This new event will be the largest of its kind designed to give both elite and amateur riders a chance to compete.
Matt Philips, Senior Test Editor for Bicycling said, “I’m excited to try the Games and Play stuff. Anything to add to the motivation and interactivity is great.”
The community racing will feature three sprint stages, an epic stage for endurance riders, and a climb stage for the mountain goats. Riders can race all stages or pick and choose. All stages will take place in March. They will be available at multiple times every day throughout the month.
During the first three weekends in March, the elite racing will take place. The best performing female and male athletes across all three events will become the inaugural Zwift Games All Round Champions.
According to a press release, “Champions will earn a share of Zwift’s biggest ever prize purse and each unlock one of Zwift's most recognisable icons, resplendent in gold. All championship racers will be subject to pre- and post-race performance verification and all races will be broadcast all around the world.”
Raab said, “More games and events I’ll never scoff at because that’s part of what makes the Zwift appealing and stand out as the best virtual riding experience.. but yes, they should probably work on fixing cheating in those events.”
Information on how any top level Zwifter can qualify for the elite championships will be shared by December, 15, 2023.
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