The Virtual Velo Podcast p/b TheZommunique.com

Project Echelon co-founder Eric Hill returns to the Virtual Velo Podcast to share an announcement that he believes could reshape the future of cycling esports.From leading the top American UCI Continental team to empowering veterans through sport, Eric has built a movement grounded in purpose and performance. Now, through a new partnership with USA Cycling and TrainingPeaks, he’s bringing that mission into the cycling esports space for the 6th edition of the Echelon Racing League.Hosts Chris Schwenker and Emma Martin dig into the details—why is he moving from MyWhoosh to TrainingPeaks Virtual, how the partnership will impact racers and the broader esports community, and what it means for the legitimacy and accessibility of virtual cycling.What is the significance of the first USA Cycling Esports National Series and the plans for the 2026 National Championships?They ask what the community wants to know about the league details, explore the value-proposition, and ask if cross-over events are the vision of “true cycling esports.” Is this the moment where technology and tradition meet to create a new kind of racing experience? Or does it blur the lines defining cycling esports as a unique discipline?Tune in for an inside look at how Eric Hill and Echelon Racing Promotions are bridging the gap between real and virtual worlds—one season at a time.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.Listen to ep. 32 with Eric here and ep. 59 with Eric here.TrainingPeaks Virtual to Host USA Cycling Esports National Championships Through 2028 [USA Cycling]RGT leads the charge for inclusion of disabled athletes in virtual cycling [CyclingNews, Feb. 7, 2022]“USA Cycling Embraces Cycling Esports and the Olympics Would be a Game-Changer,” Says the Chief of Sports Performance [Zommunique, June 2023]USA Cycling Awards 20 Stars and Stripes Jerseys at the 2025 Cycling Esports National Championships [Zommunique, Feb. 2025]Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

The 2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship finals are set for Abu Dhabi, and once again, Jacquie Godbe is on the start list—continuing her streak of qualifying for every World Championship since the sport began.The multi-time USA Cycling Esports National Champion, bronze medalist at the 2023 Worlds, and practicing physician returns to The Virtual Velo Podcast to share a deeply personal story of resilience, balance, and purpose.Hosts Chris Schwenker and Emma Martin talk with Jacquie about juggling life as an elite esports racer, cancer researcher, and medical doctor, her remarkable comeback from brain surgery, and the mindset that carried her through recovery. She reflects on the evolution of women’s health in endurance sport, the new UCI weigh-in and hydration protocols, and how integrity and athlete welfare must shape the future of cycling esports.With humor, heart, and intellect, Jacquie offers an unfiltered look at what it means to compete, heal, and lead by example—both on the bike and in life.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, host Chris Schwenker is joined once again by Jacob Fraser, the UCI’s Cycling Esports Coordinator, for an in-depth conversation ahead of the 2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.Jacob reflects on last year’s groundbreaking Worlds—the first live final on MyWhoosh—and shares insights into what worked, what didn’t, and how lessons learned are shaping this year’s event. The discussion covers everything from race format changes and qualification controversies to weigh-in protocols, anti-doping measures, and the ongoing push for hardware standardization.Looking ahead, Jacob offers a candid look at the UCI’s long-term vision: athlete health safeguards, a sanctioned event calendar, international rankings, and how broadcast innovation can capture new audiences. With Zwift stepping back from elite racing and TrainingPeaks Virtual entering the scene, the landscape is shifting fast, and Jacob provides clarity on where cycling esports is heading next.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.Listen to ep. 54 with Jacob here [Spotify]When ‘close enough’ isn’t good enough: Inside cycling esports’ hardware crisis [Escape Collective, Aug. 19, 2025]We need to talk openly about weight in cycling esports too [Escape Collective, Aug. 25, 2025]The UCI’s rocky roadmap for cycling esports [Escape Collective, Mar. 21, 2025]The UCI takes important measures to protect rider safety and health, and approves 2026 UCI calendars for several disciplines [UCI, Sept. 25, 2025] Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

Sweden’s Mika Söderström is a rare cycling talent. A two-time Swedish Road Race Champion and multiple-time Cycling Esports National Champion, she’s one of the only athletes to hold and defend both jerseys simultaneously—yet she still identifies first and foremost as an esports racer.In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, Mika joins hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker to share how her introduction to cycling—beginning on her father’s smart trainer on Zwift—when coupled with a data-driven strategy, has carried her from the forest paths north of Stockholm to a top-ten finish at the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships and a sprint jersey at the MyWhoosh Championships. Despite these palmares, she balances elite competition with life as a Ph.D. researcher in brain wave biomedicine, where the precision of science complements the discipline of elite sport.Mika offers unique insights into the nuances between road and esports racing, from strategy and preparation to the mental and physical demands of each. She explains why, despite her road victories over some of Sweden’s best Women’s WorldTour pros, she feels more motivated to defend her esports national title. She also opens up about navigating weigh-ins, balancing studies with training, and why she believes the future of esports lies in embracing its own identity rather than imitating the road.And true to her competitive spirit, Mika insists that to be the best you have to beat the best—welcoming all challengers, road pros included.Join Emma and Chris for a wide-ranging conversation with one of esports’ most compelling athletes, bridging intellect, versatility, and passion both on and off the bike, as Mika shares her perspective from the upper echelon of road and esports competition.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.AusCycling and the Swedish Cycling Federation Crown 2024 Cycling Esports National Champions in Live Event Finals on the Same Day [Zommunique, Mar. 27, 2025]Procycling Stats: Mika SöderströmThe voice of the peloton: TCA has released its annual rider survey [Escape Collective, Sep. 2, 2025]VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2025 [Zommunique, Apr 8, 2025] Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, join hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker as they welcome back Dr. George Gilbert for his fifth appearance. In this episode, Dr. Gilbert, now the Vice President of Virtual Platforms at TrainingPeaks, offers an exclusive look at the rapid evolution of the platform since its acquisition and transition to TrainingPeaks Virtual, just 10 months prior.Gilbert opens up about the massive improvements, including a brand-new user interface and a vibrant 3D world, as well as new roads, graphics, and training modes. He discusses how the platform’s vision evolved from the TrainingPeaks philosophy of helping purpose-driven athletes achieve their goals through “deliberate practice”. You’ll hear about how the company measures success not by peak concurrent users or flashy marketing, but by its ability to empower coaches and make athletes faster.The conversation dives deep into the platform’s focus on realistic racing physics, the strategic role of its 10,000 unique bots, and its stance on elite-level competition. Dr. Gilbert emphasizes that TrainingPeaks Virtual is not here to compete with event organizers but to provide the world’s best tools and infrastructure for them to utilize.Finally, get an exclusive sneak peek at a feature that promises to be a game-changer for purposeful training: GPXplore. This new feature will enable athletes to upload any GPX file and instantly ride a fully auto-generated virtual version of any course worldwide. From famous climbs like the Stelvio and Sa Calobra to the punishing cobbles of the Koppenberg, GPXplore promises to transform course recon and race-specific training.Tune in to this compelling episode to discover how TrainingPeaks Virtual is setting itself apart in the world of cycling esports and a new vision of what’s possible for athletes and coaches.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.New Virtual Cycling Platform indieVelo is Defining the Future of Esports [Zommunique, June 6, 2023]Cycling Esports Platform indieVelo Moves to Open Beta—What it Means For Virtual Cycling Users [Zommunique, June 30,2025]Find the 4 other episodes featuring Dr. Gilbert here [Zommunique]VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2025 [Zommunique, Apr 8, 2025] Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

Power, process, and the pursuit of a World Title. In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, Cycling Canada National Esports Champion Tiffany Penner joins co-hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey in cycling esports—from her early days in sport to lining up in Abu Dhabi for the 2024 UCI World Championship final.Tiffany shares what life looks like off the bike, how she trains, and what it means to carry the maple leaf into competition. She reflects on the current state of cycling esports in Canada, her goals for the 2025 Worlds, and how she approaches some of the more sensitive aspects of elite-level racing, including weigh-ins and athlete well-being.A thoughtful and powerful presence in the virtual peloton, Tiffany offers a glimpse into what drives her—and where she believes the sport is headed.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship: Public Qualifier, Semi-Finals, and Finals Details [Zommunique, July 12, 2025]Revamped format revealed for the 2025 Cycling Esports World Championships [Escape Collective, Aug 14, 2025]UCI Releases National Federation Quotas and Preliminary Format for 2025 Cycling Esports World Championships [Zommunique, June 13, 2025]USA Cycling 2025 Esports World Championship Selection Criteria Clarified [Zommunique, July 25, 2025]VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2025 [Zommunique, Apr 8, 2025] Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In a landscape dominated by virtual cycling giants like Zwift, MyWhoosh, and Rouvy, why would anyone launch a grassroots platform from scratch? In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, we sit down with Matt Gibbs, the quietly determined founder of Biketerra—a browser-based, community-powered alternative that’s carving out space in a sport already defined by consolidation.We explore the origins of Biketerra, its unique approach to user-generated routes, the surprising way it’s bringing fans closer to events like the Tour de France, and whether there’s a future for independent platforms in a landscape ruled by million-dollar budgets. Matt also opens up about business realities, growth goals, and where he hopes Biketerra will be in a year—and beyond.Is Biketerra a bold vision ahead of its time, or virtually a niche within a niche? Tune in and decide for yourself.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship: Public Qualifier, Semi-Finals, and Finals Details [Zommunique, July 12, 2025]UCI Releases National Federation Quotas and Preliminary Format for 2025 Cycling Esports World Championships [Zommunique, June 13, 2025]USA Cycling 2025 Esports World Championship Selection Criteria Clarified [Zommunique, July 25, 2025]VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2025 [Zommunique, Apr 8, 2025] Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, Matt Smithson, Director of Esports and Game Operations at MyWhoosh, joins co-hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker for a wide-ranging conversation on the $1 million MyWhoosh Championship and the 2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.We delve into the vision behind the platform’s flagship events, explore how the race formats are evolving, and examine what it takes to deliver world-class esports competition.Matt shares behind-the-scenes insights on hardware verification, weigh-in procedures, broadcast learnings, growth ambitions, and what’s next for MyWhoosh in the rapidly developing virtual racing landscape.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship: Public Qualifier, Semi-Finals, and Finals Details [Zommunique, July 12, 2025]UCI Releases National Federation Quotas and Preliminary Format for 2025 Cycling Esports World Championships [Zommunique, June 13, 2025]All of the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship Smart Trainers Will Be Tested, Standardized, and UCI-Approved [Zommunique, Aug 6, 2024]VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2025 [Zommunique, Apr 8, 2025] Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, co-hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker welcome Matthew Lefthand—the newly crowned world-record holder for the greatest virtual cycling distance in 24 hours—and Larry Oslund, Records Chair of the World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA).Lefthand’s transformation from 280 pounds to elite ultra-cyclist is nothing short of inspirational. Just two years after discovering cycling, he became one of only a handful of athletes to surpass the 500-mile mark in 24 hours on the road—eclipsing it on his first attempt, and then followed it up with 658.31 certified record-setting miles on Zwift. Along the way, he’s crushed course records at the Hoodoo 500 and Race Across the West, beating not only solo competitors but entire relay teams.With his blend of mental resilience, untapped physiological potential, and scientific precision, Lefthand may just be getting started. As Oslund puts it, he has the potential to rewrite the ultra-cycling record books.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.The anatomy of a record-setting 24-hour virtual ride [Escape Collective, May 16, 2025] Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar.Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In a space dominated by gamified worlds and high-profile competition, one platform has quietly carved out its own lane—grounded in realism, driven by innovation, and growing on its own terms.In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, co-hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker sit down with Rouvy CEO Petr Samek for a rare, wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about the platform’s origins, its distinctive vision, and the bold decisions that continue to shape its path.Craving numbers? We ask Samek point-blank about subscriber counts, year-on-year growth, and whether an IPO is on the horizon. Curious about tech? We get into the bold decision to retrofit Zwift’s Cog, Click, and Play hardware for virtual shifting, plus the Rouvy Route Creator that turns your GoPro footage into a user-generated rideable course.Money on your mind? Samek explains the logic behind Rouvy’s price hike, the $6 million Pale Fire Capital injection, and how Lidl-Trek, Visma | Lease-a-Bike, IRONMAN, and LifeTime Grand Prix partnerships fit the long game.And because racing matters, we dig into FulGaz integration, amateur and elite cycling esports plans, and whether Rouvy will throw its hat back in the ring to host the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships…AGAIN!Realism, strategy, and big-picture vision—all straight from the source. Hit play and ride along.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.ROUVY and Lidl-Trek Tech Partnership Could Change The Way Pro Cycling Teams Prep Races [Zommunique, Jan. 8, 2024]ROUVY Acquires FulGaz and Partners With IRONMAN [Zommunique, Jan. 21, 2025] Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar.Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, guest co-host award-winning cycling journalist Aaron Borrill and Chris Schwenker sit down with Ross Burrage, co-founder of Uganda’s Masaka Cycling Club Foundation. Ross shares how a grassroots cycling initiative in rural East Africa is transforming lives — breaking generational poverty, challenging gender norms, and unlocking elite-level talent.We explore the club’s innovative scholarship model, its partnership with the UCI, and how Zwift cycling esports has become a vital tool for talent development in a country with limited infrastructure. From virtual training rooms in Masaka to international World Championship podiums and beyond, this is the powerful story of how a bicycle — and a global cycling community — can change everything.Visit the Masaka Cycling Club to become a supporter and change the life of a kid through the power of the bicycle.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.The Ugandan Zwift Team [ZwiftInsider, Mar 3, 2021]VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2025 [Zommunique, Apr 8, 2025] Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar.Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, co-hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker sit down with grimpeur extraordinaire Illi Gardner—multi-time British and European Hill Climb Champion, two-time Everesting world record holder, and the 2024 Zwift Games Climb Champion.With over 10,000 climbing QOMs to her name, including iconic climbs like Ventoux, Tourmalet, Galibier, Zoncolan, Stelvio, and Madone, Illi has redefined what it means to be a pure climber in both the real and virtual worlds.Illi tells us which climb is harder—Alpe d’Huez or Alpe du Zwift—whether she was relieved when Demi Vollering didn’t take her crown during the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, and if she’s worried her Col de la Madeleine record will fall on this year’s queen stage.We break down the life and process of the world’s pre-eminent summit sniper—and contemplate whether her dominance on the steepest slopes puts her in the conversation as the best pure climber of the modern era, or if the lack of a pro palmarès closes the door on that debate.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.Elite Eracer Illi Gardner—No Special Effects Required in Her Stunning Performance [Zommunique, Apr 24, 2022]A True QOM—Former Professional Cyclist Illi Gardner Breaks Down What It Takes To Win the Zwift Games! [Zommunique, May 29, 2024]How are Indoor Specialists Using Esports-Specific Training to Push the Boundaries of Performance? [Zommunique, Mar 11, 2025]VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2025 [Zommunique, Apr 8, 2025] Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar.Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, co-hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker welcome Australian Cycling Esports National Champions Kate Trdin and Josh Harris to discuss their standout seasons and dive into the highs and lows of the 2025 AUS Cycling Esports National Championships.Kate and Josh share candid reactions to the move to MyWhoosh, the innovative hybrid racing format, and the live-event broadcast coverage from QUT’s “The Cube.”Plus, they offer insights on training adaptations, esports credibility, and what the future holds for cycling esports in Australia and beyond.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.AusCycling Announces 2025 Cycling Esports National Championships Will Be in April on MyWhoosh [Zommunique, Mar 11, 2025]Deciphering How Indoor Specialists Can Push World Tour Power [Zommunique, Feb 19, 2025]How are Indoor Specialists Using Esports-Specific Training to Push the Boundaries of Performance? [Zommunique, Mar 11, 2025]VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2025 [Zommunique, Apr 8, 2025] Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar.Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, co-hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker welcome Neal Fryett—one of the fastest finishers in elite cycling esports and a rider who’s quietly built one of the sport’s most impressive palmarès.A standout for Team USA, Neal has paired raw sprint power with sharp tactical instincts to claim the Sprint Stage at the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships and win the Sprint, Epic, Climb, and Overall titles at the Zwift Games—becoming the only racer, male or female, to win all four.Fresh off the final race of the Zwift World Series, Neal reflects on his breakout season, the strategy behind his biggest wins, and what it’s like to succeed without the spotlight. We dig into his origin story, sprint technique, weigh-in controversy, evolving race formats, and where he sees the sport heading next.Quietly dominant and always calculated, Neal’s story is one every cycling esports fan won’t want to miss.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.Early Details Reveal Key Zwift Games Changes for 2025 [Zommunique, Nov 11, 2024]Who Will Win the Zwift Games 2025 Overall Championship? [Zommunique, Mar 17, 2025]Zwift Games Finale: What the Hell Just Happened?!? [proecycling, Mar 25, 2025]VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2025 [Zommunique, Apr 8, 2025] Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar.Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

Sweden is setting the bar for national federations in cycling esports—and at the center of it all is Conny Björnehall, Chairman of Ecycling for the Swedish Cycling Federation.In this episode of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Conny shares how Sweden has quickly become a global force in the discipline, from sending eight riders to the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship Final in Abu Dhabi, to hosting a groundbreaking live national championship during SM-veckan (Sweden’s Winter National Championship across all sports) that was broadcast to over 500,000 homes via Swedish Public TV.We dig into the inner workings of Sweden’s cycling esports program, including:The launch of a national ecycling license.Youth development through the Scandinavian Cup, a cross-border initiative with Denmark and Norway.What made their MyWhoosh-hosted live National Championship a standout event.The roadmap to the 2025 World Championships and beyond!Conny also shares his motivation to push for greater UCI involvement, including the creation of a dedicated esports commission to bring international leaders to the table for meaningful progress. Plus, we discuss why the Olympic Esports Games could be a gamechanger—not just for visibility, but for securing national-level funding and recognition for athletes in the discipline.This is a must-listen episode for anyone invested in the growth and future of cycling esports.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.Danish Federation’s Cycling Esports Leadership is an Example for NGBs [Zommunique, Feb. 28, 2024]AusCycling and the Swedish Cycling Federation Crown 2024 Cycling Esports National Champions in Live Event Finals on the Same Day [Zommunique, Mar. 27, 2024]AusCycling Announce 2025 Cycling Esports National Championships Will Be in April on MyWhoosh [Zommunique, Mar. 11, 2025]The UCI’s rocky roadmap for cycling esports [Escape Collective, Mar. 21, 2025] Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar.Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, co-hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker welcome Michael Vink, a rider who’s made his mark on the WorldTour and the virtual world of cycling esports. After a successful stint with UAE Team Emirates, Michael’s journey to the pro ranks was anything but conventional—he broke into the pros racing on MyWhoosh, and his decision to embrace cycling esports has now brought him full circle back to virtual racing.This episode explores Michael’s unique path, from racing in New Zealand to riding alongside Tadej Pogacar at UAE Team Emirates. We discuss the challenges he faced as a rider from a Pacific nation, his unique perspective on the growth of cycling esports, and why he chose to focus on esports over continuing in the WorldTour.Michael shares his insights on the evolution of virtual racing, the differences between road and esports racing, and why he believes cycling esports is a unique, legitimate, and evolving discipline.Please enjoy the insightful look into this rider’s unique career and how it will impact the future of cycling esports.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.MyWhoosh Uses Proprietary Performance Verification and Prioritizes Esports Racing to Pave a Path to the Pros [Zommunique, Dec. 15, 2022]Newly Crowned World Champion Jason Osborne Walks Away From WorldTour Alpecin–Deceuninck For Full-Time Cycling Esports Career [Zommunique, Nov. 4, 2024]Virtual Velo Podcast-Ep. 55: Cycling Esports’ First Men’s World Champion Jason Osborne [Zommunique]Online bike racers are earning more than you might think [Escape Collective, Feb. 14, 2025] Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar.Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, co-hosts Emma Martin and Chris Schwenker welcome cyclist, nutrition coach, and influencer Kate MacLeod. With her diverse athletic background, spanning road cycling, gravel, and esports, Kate brings invaluable insights into the evolving world of cycling esports.Tune in as Kate shares her expertise on performance nutrition, highlighting key differences between fueling for intense cycling esports events like the Zwift Games Sprint Championship vs. endurance-focused MyWhoosh Sunday Race club races and how they compare to road racing. She discusses her unique approach to coaching elite athletes—including high-profile clients such as Hayden Pucker—and how their training and nutrition strategies differ significantly from amateur cyclists and traditional road racers.The conversation also delves into pressing esports cycling topics, from managing athlete burnout and health concerns around weigh-ins to specialized training techniques, including low cadence–high torque sessions, weight training, and plyometrics. Additionally, Kate explores the importance of personal branding, social media influence, sponsorship strategies, and the financial pressures esports athletes face to maintain peak performance continuously.Don’t miss this engaging discussion packed with practical advice, thought-provoking insights, and inspiring stories from one of cycling esports’ prominent voices. Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.A Recent Study Shows Virtual Cyclists Don’t Meet Their Nutritional Needs [Zommunique, June 3, 2022]The Confusion With Exercise Addiction, Overtraining, and RED-S in Cyclists and Endurance Athletes [Zommunique, Mar. 25, 2022]Under-Fueling is A Man Cycling Thing Too! [Zommunique, Dec. 27, 2022]Female Cyclists Are At Risk of Eating Disorders and Know It! [Zommunique, Jan. 9, 2023] Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar.Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, we sit down with Dean Cunningham, an elite cycling esports racer for Restart pb Alex Coh Coaching, event organizer, and outspoken leader in the community. Known for his no-nonsense approach and deep passion for the sport, Dean isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.We dive into his cycling esports journey, his motivations for stepping into team management and event organization, and the creation of the Restart Invitational Elite Series—launched shortly after Zwift decided to hit a pause on elite racing. Dean shares his vision for the series, the challenges of race organization, his approach to performance verification, and how he feels now about Zwift putting the brakes on racing.But that’s not all—Dean is also at the forefront of the effort to form a cycling esports riders’ union. We explore what that means for the future of the sport, why racers need a stronger voice, and how major stakeholders like the racers, platforms, and the UCI are responding.We round out the conversation with a deep dive into esports performances vs. World Tour pros, the explosive reaction to Ewan Mackie’s viral Instagram post, and the ongoing debate around power numbers, weight verification, and esports legitimacy.Is cycling esports on the verge of something great, or are we stuck in an endless cycle of hardware doubts, skepticism, and uncertainty? Dean doesn’t hold back.Tune in for an unfiltered, insightful, and passionate discussion about the present and future of cycling esports!Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode. Get to Know Zwift Grand Prix 2023/24 Elite Cyclist Dean Cunningham [Zommunique, Dec. 20, 2023] 2024/25 Restart Invitational Elite Cycling Esports Series on Zwift Begins December 14th [Zommunique, Dec, 1, 2024] Zwift Games 2025 Greenlighted After Hardware Fixes and Ruleset Revisions [Zommunique, Feb, 11, 2025] Get to Know Elite Cyclist Ewan Mackie—293 lbs to 445W-plus FTP [Zommunique, Apr. 9, 2023]Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar.Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

Cycling esports is evolving fast, and national federations are working to define their role in the sport. In this episode of The Virtual Velo Podcast, we sit down with Josh Peacock, Cycling Canada’s Director of Marketing and Events, to explore how the federation navigates this dynamic space.We discuss Cycling Canada’s philosophy on virtual racing, its strategic plan to leverage Canada’s long winters, and the challenges of growing participation. How does the federation measure success—through membership growth or race participation? What role does value proposition play in engaging new riders?We also break down the 2024 Esports National Championships held on MyWhoosh, diving into the thrilling victories of Tiffany Penner and Thom Thrall and the impact of strict verification requirements and license fees on participation. Was the switch to MyWhoosh a factor? How did Cycling Canada allocate its performance verification budget this year?Looking ahead, we ask Josh about World Championship qualification plans for 2025, Cycling Canada’s resource allocation for esports, and whether the UCI should take a more active role in standardizing competition rules. Plus, we discuss the Olympic Esports Games delay to 2027—what could it mean for the future of cycling esports?Join us for an insightful conversation about where cycling esports is headed and how Cycling Canada is positioning itself in the global landscape.Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode. USA Cycling Awards 20 Stars and Stripes Jerseys at the 2025 Cycling Esports National Championships [Zommunique, Feb. 2, 2025]Catch the Cycling Canada Esports Nationals on Inside Cycling World here!Check out Virtual Velo News for stories, updates, and trends, including the IOC's decision to delay the Olympic Esports Games until 2027.Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar. Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

How does a women’s cycling esports team grow from just five members to dominating at both the elite and community levels in a few short years while remaining true to the inclusive motto: We are stronger together?  In episode 65 of The Virtual Velo Podcast, hosts Chris and Emma sit down with Karla Williams, co-founder of Aeonian Race Team, along with committee members Berdien Driscoll and elite racer Arielle Verhaaren, to uncover the secrets behind their success. Aeonian isn’t just winning races—it’s leading the charge in women’s cycling esports. With World Championship titles, Zwift Academy finalists, and a strong commitment to inclusion and empowerment, the team has built a unique culture fostering elite and grassroots development. But their momentum was recently halted by the unexpected pause of the Zwift World Series, a competition they were leading at the time. We discuss how this decision has impacted the team, their mixed feelings about it, and what comes next. We also take a deep dive into the future of cycling esports with Arielle VanHaren, an Olympian BMX rider who brings a unique perspective to the conversation. She shares the parallels between BMX and cycling esports as emerging disciplines and what lessons esports racing can take from BMX’s journey toward legitimacy. From managing an international team to supporting riders on and off the bike, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a look at what’s ahead for women’s cycling esports. Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar. Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.