Starting this, cyclists can enjoy 19km of fresh virtual tarmac in Watopia, as Zwift unlocks new parts of the Watopia virtual cycling world that were previously inaccessible by bike.
Zwift notes that… ‘Like a new road into a previously hard-to-reach part of a national park, the new coastal causeway will enable cyclists to enjoy natural and cultural wonders of Watopia that have been completely unreachable by bike until now.
‘The Southern Coast contains some of the most lush and diverse parts of Watopia, and offers some of the most stunning views on the whole island. The new road will take cyclists to never-before-seen locales and settlements that are excited to welcome cyclists, share their unique character, and are sure to become a favorite destination for all kinds of riders.’
On Watopia’s southern coast, cyclists will discover five distinct environments. The new roads also connect with existing Watopian roads, giving more places to ride on the virtual island. The new coastal route links Fuego Flats with the Mayan Jungle.
The distance between those two parts of the island, as well as links with other roads such the Epic KOM, has also enabled Watopia’s engineers to construct some of the longest routes available in all of Zwift’s worlds.
‘Cyclists will access one end of the Southern Coast road from the Fuego Flats. Riding southwest, cyclists will first see the maritime fishing village of Googie Springs – stop off at Cranky’s Crab Shack!
‘From there, cyclists will ride through the Evergreen Coast, a dense forest abutting a rocky coast that’s foreboding to mariners, but welcomes cyclists with inviting roadside attractions and reclusive-yet-friendly wildlife. Further along the road, you’ll find the remote settlement of Ciudad La Cumbre, a colourful community built at the foot of the Epic KOM and accessible only via tunnels on both sides.
‘Further down the road, cyclists will reach the settlement of Sandy Coast, a vibrant Mayan community that rises from the steamy jungles of Watopia. Take in a view of the Epic KOM from Ciudad’s central plaza. Finally, cyclists will reach the Mayan Passage, which links the Southern Coast to the Mayan Jungle at the new road’s southwestern end.’
The new road closely hugs Watopia’s coast and is relatively flat. There are four new sprint segments: Stoneway Spring, Acropolis Sprint, Sasquatch Spring, and Woodland Sprint.
The new roads have allowed Zwift engineers to design eight new routes – some of Zwift’s longest. These use a mix of new and existing roads:
- Coast Crusher (34km and 172m of ascent),
- The Big Ring (48km and 268m of ascent),
- Accelerate to Elevate (41km and 1,152m of ascent finishing atop the Alpe du Zwift),
- Shorelines and Summits (46km and 776m of climbing including the Epic KOM),
- Sugar Cookie (33km and 250m of climbing),
- Going Coastal (16km and 63m of climbing),
- Temple Trek (6km and 25m of climbing), and
- Canopies and Coastlines (22km and 124m of climbing).
The new Southern Coast expansion is part of the 1.51 game release which is being rolled out to Zwifters this week, with all expected to have access by Friday, October 27th. In addition to the expansion, Watopia also receives a refresh with this release.
All Zwifters can check out the new roads as soon as their game is updated to version 1.51, and during the fifth stage of the Tour of Watopia, which begins on October 30.
Upon conclusion of the Tour of Watopia, Zwifters will need to be at level 10 or higher to enjoy the coastal causeway and new routes. In the future, Watopia’s construction planners expect to use the new causeway as a backbone for additional new roads, giving Zwifters access to other remote parts of Watopia that are not currently developed for cycling.
