Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Zwift has unveiled the latest change to its Watopia virtual world, with the return of the Jarvis Island route.
Originally launched 10 years ago as Zwift’s first virtual world offering, at the time, word of mouth saw Jarvis Island appearing on Strava feeds around the world. The unusually shaped route on a remote Pacific Island appeared as a go-to cycling destination, helping to build Zwift’s virtual cycling community.
Those early Zwift Beta testers rode 1 million miles, 333,000 laps and climbed a total of 44 million feet on Jarvis Island before Watopia was fully unveiled to the world on April 24, 2015.
Today, those two worlds combine as Jarvis Island has now emerged off the coast of Watopia. Situated next to Volcano Mountain, Watopia’s first land mass to appear from the ocean, the new Jarvis will initially be hidden via an ancient rock formation.
As Zwifters approach for the first time, Jarvis Island will be unveiled. This unveil will take place for every Zwifter the first time they enter the island – but for one time only.
This expansion provides an opportunity for many Zwifters to experience Jarvis Island for the first time. For the platform’s OGs, the island should bring back memories of a close-knit community of beta testers.
Zwift notes that… ‘Things on Jarvis have developed since the land was first filled with the buzz of virtual pelotons. The island has received a full makeover to bring it up to date with Zwift’s more recent Watopia expansions.
‘Familiar landmarks have returned better than ever, the eagle-eyed will even spot the odd nod to the blue bots that used to adorn the island, oh, and it appears that Banjo Man has opened his own cafe!
‘The reimagined Jarvis Island now includes six completely new cycling routes which offer a variety of new challenges. Riders can test their legs on the original Jarvis KOM or chase an adrenaline boost on the 200m Jarvis Sprint. Whether a seasoned Zwifter or a newcomer, there’s a ride to suit every level and style.’
Home to the first of Zwift’s unofficial community rides, Jarvis Island will once again provide cyclists with scenic coastal virtual rides and volcanic ascents to enjoy both social spins and spirited challenges this autumn/fall/winter season in the northern hemisphere.
New Jarvis Island routes:
- Deca Dash – 10 laps across 52.4km of climbs and sharp turns
- Wasted 8 – an eight-lap, 30.7km route across deserts and ocean views
- Loopin’ Lava – a 18.3km ride around Watopia’s volcanic landscape
- The Classic – Combining elements of old and new, this route offers 8.8km through Zwift’s origins and some of the most scenic virtual roads on the island
- Coast to Coast – a diverse 24.1km route starting at the southern shore, encompassing the Sasquatch Sprint, Woodland Sprint, Jarvis KOM, and Jarvis Sprint
- Triple Twist – For riders looking to test their speed over 24.4km, three tight loops with the Zwift and Jarvis KOMs and Jarvis Sprint and Lap segments
www.zwift.com/watopia-expansion
