Is Zwift London Accurate?

By Robert Palmer

Are you an avid cyclist who enjoys using Zwift to train indoors? If so, you may have wondered whether the Zwift London course is accurate. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes up the Zwift London course and explore whether it accurately represents the real-life city.

What is Zwift?

Zwift is an online cycling platform that allows cyclists from all over the world to ride together in virtual environments. The platform offers a range of courses that simulate real-life locations, including London.

What is the Zwift London Course?

The Zwift London Course is a 9.5 km (5.9 miles) loop that takes riders through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. The course starts and finishes on The Mall, which is also where the real-life London Marathon finishes.

Is Zwift London Accurate?

The short answer is yes, but with some caveats. While Zwift’s courses are not exact replicas of real-life locations, they are designed to be as accurate as possible within certain limitations.

One limitation is that Zwift uses satellite imagery to create its courses, which means that some details may be slightly off due to changes in real-life terrain or infrastructure since the imagery was taken. Additionally, while Zwift does include elevation changes in its courses, they may not always match up perfectly with real-life gradients.

That being said, overall, the Zwift London Course does an excellent job of representing central London’s key landmarks and streetscapes. Riders can expect to see familiar sights such as Big Ben and Trafalgar Square as they make their way around the course.

How can you make sure your experience on Zwift is as accurate as possible?

To ensure that your experience on Zwift is as accurate as possible, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that your bike and trainer are set up correctly and calibrated. This will ensure that the resistance and power readings are as accurate as possible.

Secondly, consider using a heart rate monitor or power meter to get even more accurate data about your performance on the course.

Conclusion

While Zwift’s courses may not be exact replicas of real-life locations, they are designed to be as accurate as possible within certain limitations. The Zwift London Course does an excellent job of representing central London’s key landmarks and streetscapes, making it a fun and engaging way to explore the city from the comfort of your own home.