Zwift launches new virtual world

Zwift, the global online fitness platform, is opening a new virtual travel destination: Makuri Islands. An entirely new world, ready to expand over time. In the meantime, Zwifters can already embark on Yumezi, the first map of the Makuri Islands. This is a rural region, inspired by Japanese culture.

Source: Press Release

The spirit of an ancient land calls to us. Peaceful for many years, the forests of Yumezi awaken, rustling with new energy. Its roads and dirt paths are now open to Zwifters who can explore them on foot or by bike. Yumezi (yu-meh-zi ᐧ 夢路) in Japanese means “Path of Dreams.” This name is inspired by haiku, with the two characters (夢路) taken from the work of Shiki Masaoka, a famous poet of the Meiji era. The Yumezi map boasts a wide variety of road profiles: tight, flat, winding routes, dirt trails, and paved streets…

Zwifters exploring this new map will discover lush green fields, forests teeming with ginkgos and mystical creatures, cherry blossoms, bubbling waterfalls, and ancient temples. This new map is made for the senses, so to make the most of these breathtaking landscapes on your first ride, perhaps it’s time to hide the data display?*

Eight routes to discover

Yumezi offers eight new routes over 85 km of new roads:

• Sea to Tree: 3.3 km / 108 m elevation gain

A short but challenging climb from the peaceful fishing village.

• Kappa Quest 9.1 km / 140 m elevation gain

This picturesque loop is dotted with temples and shrines.

• Chain Chomper 13.6 km / 184 m elevation gain

Two challenging KOMs and a sprint, enough to test your endurance in the countryside.

• Countryside Tour 15.9 km / 185 m elevation gain

From farmlands to mystical mountains, this loop course is the perfect way to visit the region!

• Flatland Loop 13 km / 99 m elevation gain

A gentle, flat course that winds through the countryside.

• Two Village Loop 12.8 km / 88 m elevation gain

Two villages to explore while riding a challenging loop.

• Spirit Forest 8.5 km / 135 m elevation gain

Trace your path through this mystical figure-8 circuit. To ride with the spirits, just do it at night!

• Three Village Loop 10.6 km / 92.6 m elevation gain

Climb, sprint, and explore three villages in a single loop.

From May 20 to 30, Makuri Islands and the brand new Yumezi roads will be available as a “New World” on the Zwift home screen. Starting June 1, Yumezi will be accessible on a regular rotation. To learn more about the map and its inspiration, visit www.zwift.com/yumezi.

* For those using the Companion app, click “show” or “hide” in the menu bar during your ride. For those who want direct access from their keyboard, click the “H” key.

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About Zwift

Zwift is the fitness app born from gaming. Created by sports enthusiasts who also have solid experience in software and video game development. Combining this passion with a deep understanding of the fitness world, Zwift is the first company to use multiplayer gaming technology to virtualize the outdoor experience. Athletes from around the world can train and compete in sophisticated 3D environments by connecting their training devices (indoor trainer, power meter, treadmill heart rate monitor, etc.) via Wi-Fi using ANT+ and BLE connections. Friendly competition, races, rigorous training programs: Zwift builds a community of like-minded athletes to optimize the networked physical training experience. More information: www.zwift.com