Zwift rolls out ‘world choice’ to let riders pick their map
The online training platform has unveiled the new feature, which has been called for by users
Online training platform Zwift has unveiled a new feature that is bound to be popular with users.
The ‘world choice’ addition means rider can now decide between two maps when they log on, with a rotating guest map that changes each day.
Zwift has introduced the update after popular demand by riders, following a blog post by creator Jon Mayfield explaining why it hadn’t been brought in before.
>>> Sir Bradley Wiggins: ‘My son comes home from school and gets on Zwift instead of Fortnite’
In the post from November, Mayfield said: “From the very start we chose to focus our efforts on a connected experience where you are part of a world populated by others, rather than the typical solution of the day (and now) of having countless courses to choose from, each being solo or sparsely populated experience.
“We ultimately knew we first wanted bigger maps and decided that to divide up our user base into multiple, large, barely populated worlds would possibly kill Zwift before it even got going.”
Mayfield added that Zwift and indoor riding is a hugely seasonal activity, and that in the summer months the number of users drop off.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Is Zwift’s virtual racing for pros the future of cycling?
When the warmer days return, the drop-off of users could mean some maps could be mostly empty for months at a time.
As of Monday (January 28), all users will see a choice of two worlds when they log in.
Watopia will always be one of the options, while the guest map will rotate each day.
The calendar of upcoming guest maps will let users know in advance which option will be available.
Mayfield said that the feature has been added because there are some times of the day that feel crowded.
Before this update the world was dictated by a Zwift Course Calendar, with all riders being added to the same map.
To also help reduce the feeling of congestion, races and events can be held on other maps other than the map of the day.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
Buying a saddle online without a fit is a risky move — here's how to find the best perch for you
Getting your saddle right makes all the difference, we spoke to an expert to help guide you in the process
By Rob Kemp Published
-
Guava Spot Force AXS review: the Catalan gravel bike that loves tarmac too
It just doesn’t deal with fast asphalt, rocky terrain, sandy stretches and damp conditions, but it excels across them. It’s fast, aggressive, nimble, stable, and above all compliant.
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Zwift introduces Racing Score to make platform 'more competitive, fairer and accessible'
Zwift says new ranking system will reflect both fitness level and racing skill
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Zwift celebrates 10 years of ‘Ride On’ with mystery Tour of Watopia stage
Even after 10 years, not all of Watopia has been revealed, but it will be on November 12 as part of the 2024 Tour of Watopia.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Zwift launches new roads, more display options and greater compatibility for Zwift Ride smart frame in 10-year anniversary overhaul
The upgrades also include new heads-up display and hardware compatibility improvements
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Zwift extends sponsorship of Tour de France Femmes: 'It is an absolute, clear, undeniable success'
In an exclusive interview, Zwift reveals how investing in women’s cycling benefits both the sport and its bottom line
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Zwift's Watopia expands again with new climb
The Grade Climb, and 'My List' feature among new updates announced
By Adam Becket Published
-
I've packed away my Zwift trainer - it's farewell until winter
We'll meet again, indoor cycling, but summer is for the outdoors
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Zwift might be about to add a new map, leaked pictures suggest
Zwifters might soon be able to compete in a virtual Omnium, or take on the Hour Record
By Tom Davidson Published
-