Tour de Zwift 2026: dates, format and distances
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The 2026 Tour de Zwift will take place from January 5th to February 22nd and will once again be one of the most popular options for cyclists and runners to train during the winter months.
The Zwift Tour returns in the middle of winter
Zwift has confirmed a new edition of its most popular event, the Zwift Tour, which will be contested between the January 5 and February 22, 2026For six weeks, thousands of athletes from around the world will participate in cycling and running sessions within the platform.
The event will take place in nine virtual worlds and will be structured in Six steps, each lasting one week.
Distances and flexible format
Each stage will offer three distance options —long, standard, and short—, which can be completed either independently or at organized events. This approach allows participation to be adapted to different fitness levels and weekly availability.
Zwift has also planned a recovery week, from the 16 to 22 for Februarydesigned to complete pending stages or reduce the load after several consecutive weeks of training.
| Stage | World | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 01 | Makuri Islands | January 5-11, 2026 |
| Stage 02 | France | January 12-18, 2026 |
| Stage 03 | Innsbruck / Yorkshire / Scotland | January 19-25, 2026 |
| Stage 04 | London | January 26 - February 1, 2026 |
| Stage 05 | Watopia | February 2-8, 2026 |
| Stage 06 | New York / Richmond | February 9-15, 2026 |
| Extra week | all stages | February 16-22, 2026 |
| Discipline | Format | Frequency | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycling | Free ride (Zwift Tour) | Hourly | No requirements |
| Cycling | Race (score based) | Hourly | Potentiometer required |
| Cycling | Race Advanced (650–1000) | Several slots per day | Potentiometer + HR band |
| Running | Run – Tour de Zwift | Hourly | No requirements |
During Stage 1, Zwift offers exits hourlyBoth cycling and running events are offered. These events are repeated over several days so that each athlete can choose the time that best fits their schedule.
Options for runners
In addition to cycling, the Zwift Tour includes specific proposals for running.
Short events will be organized during the week, centered around the 5 kmwhile on weekends there will be an option of 10 kmThis broadens the range of options for athletes who prioritize running during the winter.
A common option for training without going out in the cold.
The Zwift Tour often coincides with one of the most delicate moments of the season for many triathletes and amateur cyclists: cold weather, fewer hours of daylight, and difficulty training outdoors.
In that context, these types of events become a useful tool for Add volume, maintain consistency, and train with some structure.provided they are integrated judiciously into the weekly plan.
Challenges and rewards within the platform
Participants who complete all stages will be able to unlock badges and virtual equipmentIn addition, Zwift proposes the so-called Ultimate Challenge, which consists of completing the three distances in each of the six stages.
Those who complete this challenge will receive a bonus of 12.500 XP and an exclusive element within the game.
Registration and more information
Registration and all event details are available on the official Zwift website.
👉 https://www.zwift.com/tour-de-zwift
The 2026 Tour de Zwift is once again positioned as a popular alternative for winter training.
As always, its usefulness will depend on how it is integrated into the training planavoiding accumulating unnecessary workload and prioritizing the real objectives of the season.
