Zwift’s new climb “The Grade” will be rolled out to Zwifters starting 11 June.
About the new climb
The new climb will allow Zwifters to undertake a 7.8km all-out effort that simulates a Functional Power Test (FPT).
The climb is located on the west side of Watopia’s Southern Coast, Zwift states that “this new expansion will allow Zwifters to climb the colourful streets of Ciudad de La Cumbre via The Grade to the backside of the Epic KOM.”
According to Zwift the new climb “has been designed to offer a true climbing challenge and this is soon evidenced as you approach the base of the climb. The first section heads straight up with no bend or respite until the mid-way point. This is the steepest segment of the climb and it’s just rider versus gravity with some roaming wildlife to encourage you to the top and a tram to chase if you’re feeling good.”
Zwift explain it that there are segments where you can choose which route to take “turn at the crossing and head back down to the coast, or keep on climbing to the top. From this point, the road begins to twist and turn as the road makes its way to the backside of the Epic KOM.”
The FTP calculation is done once you compete the climb and data will be displayed.
There will be functionality to help you pace your effort “Zwifters will see their average watts displayed on screen as they make their watts up the climb. In addition, the climb is broken into 10 segments, with each segment time visible on a unique HUD – similar to that on Alpe du Zwift.”
Zwift have also explained that “the new test has been created using data collected from over 700,000 FTP tests conducted on Zwift. Analysing this data alongside the matching critical power curve has allowed Zwift to create a system capable of calculating FTP on any completion time over 8 minutes. If a new PR is set, Zwifters will see their new FTP pop up in digital signage on the road, confetti appear and an FTP notification at the end of the activity. Zwifters will always see their score at the top of the climb but only new PR’s will set a new FTP.”
New routes
There are 8 new free-ride routes to start collecting as well as two new ZRacing Routes, available in events, there are as follows:
Oh Hill No, 7.8km with 306m elevation – the most direct pathway to The Grade
Coastal Crown Loop, 15km with 185m
Glyph Heights, 25km with 537m
Mayan Mash, 34km with 755m
Tide and Temples, 36km with 459m
Peak Performance, 45km with 725m
Snowman, 44km with 577m
Elevation Evaluation, 24km with 396m
The event-only ZRacing Routes are:
Mayan San Remo, 21km with 217m
Itza Climb Finish, 30km with 290m
