The Zwift Games will return for 2026 with an additional sixth stage, drills to teach newcomers the basics of how to race on the platform and lots of XP (experience points) up for grabs.
Running from 16 February to 29 March, the online-racing competition will feature five main stages with brand new routes across Zwift’s worlds “to test the skills of every type of rider”.
You will have a week to complete each stage and the races will be categorised using Zwift’s Racing Score system with open, advanced and women’s only categories.
There will also be a bonus sixth stage for this year’s Zwift Games. This is divided into an A or B option, with a total of seven routes across the platform’s seven worlds:
- Stage 1: Kaze Kicker, Makuri – 16.8km, 134m
- Stage 2: Hudson Hustle, New York – 20.3km, 216m
- Stage 3: Cobbled Crown, Richmond – 24km, 288m
- Stage 4: Peaky Pavé, France – 30.6km, 368m
- Stage 5: Three Step Sisters, Watopia – 37.8km, 587m
- Bonus stage 6a: Epiloch TT, Scotland – 11.1km, 94m
- Bonus stage 6b: Crit Cade, Crit City – 15.7km, 136m
You’ll be able to track your progress on the Zwift Games website as well as your ranking in the General Classification for stage 1-5, alongside individual stage results, including for the bonus stages.
Zwift says the two bonus stages provide you with an opportunity to try two styles of racing. The Epiloch TT is a race against the clock, whereas the Crit Cade provides a ‘gamified’ experience with PowerUPs, boosts, hazard pads and steering. The pressure is off for these bonus stages too, with neither counting towards your GC ranking.
Despite there being one race a week for the Games, Zwift says for the first time this year you’ll be able to ride all the new routes on demand from 13 February, giving you the option to recce the routes, and earn badges, unlocks or XP.
Another change for the 2026 Zwift Games is the Zwift Games Road to Glory. This is a guided group ride that runs from 9 February to 20 February and teaches you the fundamentals of Zwift racing via drills – from when to use PowerUps to when to sprint.
While the racing ends on 29 March, Zwift says there will be a 'make-up' week from 30 March to 5 April to complete any you’ve missed or want to improve your time on.
The Games are also an opportunity to unlock virtual kit. This includes Oakley Sphaera sunglasses after stage 1, Zwift Games 2026 kits after stage three, and the Oakley Velo Stelvio helmet after you’ve ridden any five stages.
If you finish all six stages, you’ll earn 6,000 XP points, up from 1,000 XP points for completing last year’s five stages.
