Zwift’s real-world video routes have barely left the start ramp, and a roadside cameo is already stealing the headlines.
Zwift launched its Zwift Plus product on Thursday 29 October 2026. It adds Zwift Video, which offers 21 filmed routes covering 385 kilometres across six countries, with Zwift’s nostalgic 1980’s gameplay layered on top. Monthly pricing starts at 29.99 euros or dollars, or 26.99 pounds.
On Monday 02 November, rider Sam Sky was working through the Colorado River Sunrise route when he spotted someone crouched in the roadside bushes. He posted a screenshot to the Zwift Ride Owners Group on Facebook, describing a man answering nature’s call by the roadside. Road.cc and Outside’s Velo both reported the story.
On Tuesday 03 November, a Zwift spokesperson told road.cc that the company was aware of the screenshot and that the roadside matter was being cleaned up that day.
Zwift has not explained how the footage passed editing, testing and final quality control, and it is not the launch’s only wobble.
Zwift Insider reported that annual subscribers upgrading to Plus were being over charged, creating much unrest in Watopia. In response, Zwift relented and unlocked Plus for all active subscribers to test until 10:00 Pacific time on Monday 09 November 2026 while it corrects its billing issues.
Whether this points to inadequate testing is for Zwift to answer, but together these episodes will fuel debate over how thoroughly its rollouts are road-tested.
Riders who spent years asking for realism may now wish they had been more specific. Until the footage is wiped clean, our advice is simple: don’t stare.
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