Virtual cycling is revolutionizing the sport, making it more inclusive and accessible than ever before. According to Jacob Fraser, Cycling Esports Coordinator of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), this innovative approach is welcoming cyclists of all levels and ages into the future of the game. But how exactly is this happening? Let's dive in!
Fraser shared these insights in Abu Dhabi on November 15th, just before the 2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, the fifth event of its kind. He highlighted that virtual cycling provides a unique opportunity for individuals to ride, regardless of external limitations.
"Virtual cycling is like an opportunity for people to ride bikes when they can't," Fraser explained. Whether it's due to early sunsets, busy city environments, inclement weather, or safety concerns, virtual cycling offers a solution. It allows cyclists to enjoy the sport when outdoor riding isn't feasible.
"I think it's an excellent tool for every type of cyclist to have at home, and we're starting to see some people who only ride virtually, who only ride at home," Fraser added. He himself incorporates indoor cycling into his routine, riding indoors two or three times a week, alongside one or two outdoor rides. It's simply a more convenient way to cycle for many.
The World Championships showcase three race types—mountain, puncher, and sprinter—for both genders. However, the MyWhoosh app offers users a diverse range of experiences, including road races, hill climbs, group rides, free rides, and even a unique zombie-chasing race!
"I still love going outdoors and riding my bike," Fraser emphasized. "Virtual cycling is a unique racing structure and an engaging way for fans of both esports and sport to come together. It's also, at the end of the day, a way to get more people riding bikes."
Fraser further noted that while the World Championships represent the pinnacle of competition, virtual platforms allow everyone to participate at their own level. "The World Championships is the elite. It is the highest of the highest competition level. I could never ride here personally. But every week at home, I ride on my road bike on a trainer to race twenty strangers from around the world," he said.
And this is the part most people miss... Remote competition significantly boosts grassroots fan engagement while substantially cutting event organization costs. "That means organizing the tournament could be very cheap. We don't have to incur the cost of travel and accommodation and things like that," Fraser stated. He also pointed out the value of virtual cycling as an alternative to traditional in-person events.
"I think human beings love coming together and love celebrating sport in an arena, but virtual cycling is another option. Instead of coming all the way to Abu Dhabi, you could go to your local racing center, or throw a party at your local bike shop. There are a lot of options available to us when it comes to event structures like this," he added.
Fraser drew a parallel to the Paris Olympic Games, where the surfing competition took place in Tahiti. "You can have people competing all over the world. So I think not only can you get more people as part of the Olympic Movement, but you get people from everywhere," he explained.
With cycling apps gaining popularity, the UCI plans to expand Esports categories to include masters and juniors. MyWhoosh is leading the way, offering a comprehensive calendar of events for riders of all skill levels, developing both elite and everyday participation.
"The Olympics want to get more people engaged. They want to grow their audience both in terms of size but also age, demographics and diversity. I think cycling sports can help them do that," Fraser concluded.
But here's where it gets controversial... Could virtual cycling eventually overshadow traditional outdoor cycling? Or will it always remain a complementary activity? What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments below!
