The Grade is a new dynamic FTP test released in the Watopia world on Zwift. It is a unique FTP test because it is not based on time, instead it's calculated on how fast you complete the segment. Standard FTP tests are usually based on a set time or power targets. The most popular FTP tests are a 20 minute all out effort or the power laddering ramp test. I have always preferred the ramp test as I feel that you can pace your effort too much on a 20 minute effort. With a ramp test you have no option but to keep going until you fail. The Grade feels like it falls somewhere in the middle of these two.
The Grade has been created on roads that climb from the Evergreen coastline, straight up to the Epic mountain. The lower section is a straight climb with a Mayan feel to it. There are a lot of features and distractions to enjoy while you push your limits. Halfway up the climb, the gradient flattens to reveal a turnoff section for exploring more of the new roads. This is a little frustrating as it means you have to change up the gears to keep the power levels up. The final section has a mountainous feel to it, there is a lot of trees and also snow. This section is less feature packed, which is made worse as the gradient really ramps up. At the summit you are greeted with the usual KOM red banner, a new feature is a large LED display which gives you your instant FTP result.
I wasn't so sure an FTP climb was needed in Zwift. But reading about the workings behind it and how amazing it looks, I'm actually looking forward to trying it. I never thought I'd say that about an FTP test! I'm also very much looking forward to the new race course that will feature the new roads round it. Hopefully the race won't include The Grade.... Please.
Here are some of the questions I had about the Grade:
How does the FTP work on the Grade?
Zwift will calculate your FTP score from the grade climb by analysing your critical power curve throughout the effort. Zwift then processes this with an FTP formula, the method is based on more than 700,000 FTP assessments that have been performed on the service.
If you prefer this type of an FTP test then it would be a good one to stick with. I would recommend you repeat the climb a few times so you get used to its gradient changes. Some earlier FTP increases could be resulted from you learning the climb and effort. If you can push yourself to stick to this method of testing, then it's new dynamic approach should really benefit you in the long run.
Does bike choice effect your FTP on the Grade?
No, your FTP will be based purely on the wattage you produce while completing the segment. A better climbing bike will only improve the time you can set on the segment, so it will be needed if you plan to try for the KOM or QOM.
An alternative option to help improve your FTP on the Grade might be to adjust your trainer difficulty setting. If you lower the difficulty, then it will mean you don't have to adjust your gears as much to find a comfortable cadence and power combination. You will still be required to produce the same power numbers, you'll just not have as much gradient change or need to change gears.
Does the new Grade expansion have a level restriction?
Yes, The Grade section is restricted to riders with a Zwift in-game level of 10 and above. This is a relatively low level within the game, with the new leveling-up metric it shouldn’t take new riders long to achieve.
How Hard is The Grade On Zwift?
The Grade is 7.8 km (4.8 miles) long with an elevation gain of 306 m (1,004‘). It is small in comparison to some of the major climbs on Zwift like "Alp de Zwift", but it is a tough climb for its size as the gradient increases towards the top. For average riders it should take around 20 minutes to complete.
The average gradient of the climb is 8.7%, however towards the top it hits a max of 11%. The climb is filled with lots of in-game visual features which should help as distraction while you are suffering.
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VeloHunt Steve