Sportive

Is this the future of cycling? World’s first ‘eFondo’ to take place on Saturday

Win entry into the real-world Maratona dles Dolomites sportive in Zwift's first eFondo

The Maratona dles Dolomites is one of the most popular – and toughest – events on the sportive calendar. Now, this Saturday (March 25), the world’s first eFondo will give Zwift users the chance to win a spot in the 2017 edition of the Maratona.

Zwift has revolutionised indoor training since the online platform was launched in 2014. It allows turbo trainer users to compete on the roads of Zwift’s virtual world, known as Watopia, as well as complete custom training sessions.

The first Zwift eFondo will take place on Saturday

Now Zwift has stepped things up a notch by announcing the first event in the Zwift eFondo Series. Starting at 09:30am, riders will face Zwift’s Watopia Preztel course, which covers 72.2km and includes 1,333 feet of climbing.

“There is no leader so ride at your own pace and try to conquer the Watopia Preztel course in your best possible time,” say Zwift.

One Zwift users will be picked at random to win two starting places (so they can bring a friend) to the real-world Maratona dles Dolomites on Sunday July 2. The Maratona offers three stunning courses in the heart of the Dolomites, which the full route covering 138km and an almighty 4,230m of ascent.

Additional prizes will be offered for eFondo riders who finish the Zwift event, with users being picked at random to win kit from Castelli, a Kask helmet and a Selle Italia saddle.

A eFondo rider will be picked at random to win a spot on the Maratona dles Dolomites sportive

Otherwise, all finishers will unlock the official Maratona dles Dolomites kit. “This is the only way to permanently unlock the kit,” say Zwift. “When Zwifters see you in the kit they will know you finished the eFondo. A true badge of honour.”

See the Zwift website for more details.