Tour de Zwift 2025: Ultimate Guide - Routes, Rewards, and How to Join Today

TL;DR

Tour de Zwift 2025, running January 6 to February 23, is the biggest virtual cycling event of the year, featuring six unique stages across stunning digital worlds, with three distance options per stage and hourly group rides to fit your schedule. Join thousands of riders in this epic indoor training adventure by simply using a smart trainer or smart bike, a device running Zwift, and an active membership to unlock exclusive digital rewards, including special kits and badges. Take on the new Ultimate Challenge to complete all 18 routes (about 21 hours of riding) and earn the most coveted rewards, with Stage 2 currently active and plenty of time to join the excitement.

Event Overview

Get ready for the biggest virtual cycling event of 2025! The Tour de Zwift returns with an exciting seven-week journey through stunning digital landscapes, running from January 6 to February 23, 2025. This year's event features six unique stages across all Zwift worlds, with each stage running for one week. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to virtual cycling, you'll find your perfect fit with three distance options per stage and convenient hourly group rides during regular stages.

The 2025 tour brings exciting fresh challenges to your indoor training setup. Three new routes await with their own achievement badges: the speedy London Flat, spanning 12.4 km with 115 m elevation; the scenic Outer Scotland, covering 11.1 km with 99 m of climbing; and for those seeking a challenge, the Petite Douleur, stretching 25.7 km with 387 m elevation.

Joining the global cycling community is straightforward—all you need is:

• A smart trainer or smart bike

• A device running Zwift

• An active Zwift membership

Choose your perfect fit from four group categories:

• Category A: Longer routes for endurance enthusiasts

• Category B: Standard distances for regular riders

• Category C: Shorter options for quick sessions

• Category D: Women-only standard routes

The highlight for 2025 is the new Ultimate Challenge, pushing riders to complete all 18 routes across the six stages. Track your progress through a personal dashboard and unlock exclusive rewards at both 50% and 100% completion. For those who might miss a stage, don't worry—a special make-up week offers rides every 30 minutes to help you complete your journey.

Transform your indoor training into an epic adventure this winter, connecting with thousands of cyclists worldwide while crushing your fitness goals. The tour is already underway—are you ready to clip in and join the excitement?

Stage Breakdown

Stage 1 (January 6-13, 2025 - Completed)

Image Credit: Leaflet & Zwift

Stage 1 kicked off the tour with the debut of the new London Flat route, offering riders a perfect mix of rolling terrain across Makuri Islands and London's virtual streets.

Stage 2 (January 13-20, 2025 - Currently Active)

Image Credit: Leaflet & Zwift

Currently underway, Stage 2 features the new Outer Scotland route, challenging riders with varied elevation profiles across Watopia, Makuri Islands, and Scotland's virtual highlands.

Stage 3 (January 20-27, 2025)

Image Credit: Leaflet & Zwift

Stage 3 introduces the first-ever achievement badge for The Magnificent 8, featuring flatter terrain perfect for maintaining steady power output.

Stage 4 (January 27-February 3, 2025)

Image Credit: Leaflet & Zwift

Stage 4 debuts the challenging Petite Douleur route in France, with additional routes to be announced for categories A, B, and D.

Stage 5 (February 3-10, 2025)

Image Credit: Leaflet & Zwift

Stage 5 features the NYC KOM After Party route receiving its first achievement badge, promising an exciting urban climbing experience.

Stage 6 (February 10-17, 2025)

The final stage promises to be the ultimate test of endurance, with routes yet to be announced but estimated to be the longest of the tour.

The Ultimate Challenge

Ready to push your virtual cycling limits? The Ultimate Challenge is Tour de Zwift 2025's most ambitious feature yet! Complete all 18 routes across six stages between January 6 and February 23, 2025. That's about 21 hours of riding at 2 W/kg - a true test of dedication and endurance.

How It Works

• Complete all 18 routes across six stages

• Track progress on your personal dashboard

• Estimated completion time: 21 hours at 2 W/kg

• Ride on-demand between January 6 - February 23

• Deadline: February 23, 2025, 07:59 UTC

Reward Tiers

Standard Progression

New Routes and Achievement Badges 2025

*First-time achievement badges for existing routes

XP Bonuses

• Earn 20 XP per kilometer

• Double XP for first-time route completions

• Achievement badge XP bonus for new routes

• Ride streak bonuses: 300-500 XP per ride

Flexible Completion

Unlike regular Tour stages, you can tackle Ultimate Challenge routes on your schedule:

• Ride any time between January 6 - February 23

• Complete routes in any order

• Use make-up week (February 17-23) for final pushes

• Join 30-minute events during make-up week

Make-up Week (February 17-23)

• Events every 30 minutes

• All stages available

• No on-demand option

• Perfect for completing missed stages

All rewards are permanent unlocks in your collection. You have until February 23, 2025, to earn everything, including make-up week opportunities. Whether you're chasing badges or aiming for the Ultimate Challenge kit, every ride brings you closer to fresh digital rewards.

Current Status & Participation Details

With 39 days remaining, you still have plenty of time to join this epic challenge. The personal dashboard will help you track every milestone along the way.

Ready to earn your place among Zwift's most dedicated riders? Clip in and start your Ultimate Challenge journey today!

Equipment Setup

• Smart trainer or smart bike

• Device running Zwift (PC, Mac, mobile, or Apple TV)

• Active Zwift membership

• Stable internet connection

Registration & Participation:

1. Signup through The Official Website or The Zwift game

2. Join 15 minutes early for warmup

3. Late join available up to 30 minutes after start

4. Ride at your own pace—no pressure to stay with the pack

Time Zone Flexibility

• Events run January 6 (16:00 UTC) to February 23 (07:59 UTC)

• Multiple daily time slots

• Makeup week for missed stages

• No ride limit during makeup week

Ready to clip in? With Stage 2 currently active and plenty of makeup opportunities ahead, there's still time to join this epic virtual cycling adventure!

Note: No minimum Zwift level required to participate.

Conclusion

Tour de Zwift 2025 offers an incredible opportunity to transform your indoor cycling journey into an epic virtual adventure. Whether you're chasing achievement badges across the stunning virtual worlds, pushing your limits in the Ultimate Challenge, or connecting with thousands of riders worldwide, there's something for every cyclist. With Stage 2 currently active and 39 days remaining, now is the perfect time to clip in and join the global virtual cycling community. Your digital rewards await, from exclusive socks to the coveted Ultimate Challenge kit. Don't miss out on this winter's biggest online cycling event—register today, set your fitness goals, and become part of cycling's digital future. Let's cycle to Mars together!