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.