Shortly after the end of the 2024 UCI World Tour, the highlight of the virtual cycling season is approaching. On October 26, the Indoor E-Cycling World Championships will take place in Abu Dhabi. For the first time, participants in the E-Cycling World Championships will not compete from home; instead, they will participate in person. 42 riders will take part in the event organized by MyWhoosh in Abu Dhabi and compete to determine the Indoor Cycling eSports World Champions for both men and women.
The 2024 UCI Cycling eSports World Championships will not be broadcast live on German TV. Instead, there will be a free live stream on the YouTube and Twitch streaming platforms starting on Saturday, October 26 at 4:00 PM. The live stream will be available on the MyWhoosh channel.
What is E-Cycling?
E-Cycling refers to cycling in a virtual environment where athletes ride on a racing bike with a smart trainer or a smart bike. The power output of the rider is measured by a power meter connected to an E-Cycling platform software. The rider’s performance is then transferred to a digital avatar in a virtual environment, allowing them to compete with other riders and their digital avatars.
The Development of Cycling eSports
After the previous three E-Cycling World Championships were organized by the Zwift platform, MyWhoosh has secured the rights to host the eSports World Championships for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026. The popularity of E-Cycling grew during the pandemic as it provided a way for athletes to train and compete from home. Virtual versions of prominent cycling races like the Tour de France became popular, leading to the inclusion of E-Cycling in events like the Olympic eSports Series.
Cycling eSports World Championships Format
The Cycling eSports World Championships Finals in Abu Dhabi will consist of three races where riders will accumulate points. The first race, „The Sprint,“ is a 1.7 km flat course where riders sprint 300 meters for the best time. The second race, „The Strategy,“ is a 9 km course with a 1.5 km climb where points are earned at different intervals. The final race, „All Out,“ is a 4 km criterium course with points awarded at the end of each lap.
Qualification and Favorites
To qualify for the Finals in Abu Dhabi, eSport athletes had to pass two rounds – qualifying for the semifinals and then performing well in the semifinals to advance to the Finals. The favorites for the event include Lou Bates from the UK and Ollie Jones from New Zealand.
Notable E-Cycling Success Stories
Several riders have found success in E-Cycling and transitioned into professional road cycling careers. Athletes like Jay Vine, Loes Adegeest, and Jason Osborne started their careers in E-Cycling and later made significant impacts in road cycling.
Fair Competition
To ensure fair competition, the UCI and MyWhoosh have implemented verification processes and standardized equipment for all athletes. Athletes will compete using the same Smart-Trainer provided by Elite, ensuring a level playing field for all participants.
The 2024 UCI Cycling eSports World Championships promise an exciting and competitive event with top riders from around the world vying for the coveted titles. Stay tuned for the live stream of the event and witness the future of virtual cycling.
