The popularity of esports has skyrocketed in recent years, not just capturing the attention of video game fans, but also the traditional sports landscape.
Cycling is no exception to this esports revolution. With the advancement of technologies like indoor training apps, esports cycling platforms, virtual reality, and more, esports and cycling have become more closely intertwined. Even the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has seen more potential in cycling as an esport.
UCI President David Lappartient recently confirmed introducing virtual courses for cycling and other sports, with cycling likely being included in the Olympic Esports Games in 2025. Tech integration into famous tournaments like the Tour De France is also being eyed, potentially creating a unique blend of sports simulation with physically accessible virtual activities.
The esports cycling world is still developing, but there’s much opportunity for advancement as technology and interest in the digital frontier grow. Here’s how cycling is evolving as an esport:
The growth of esports teams
Teams are a major aspect of both cycling and esports, and esports cycling is also seeing the growth of teams in the virtual sport. What makes esports a game-changer for cycling teams is that riders can participate in competitions and tournaments regardless of where they live, allowing esports cycling teams to have a global reach. Regular and lesser-known riders also have a chance to ride alongside experienced or professional cyclists.
As such, renowned cycling teams like Movistar Team seek to expand the community in the digital space. To grow the e-team, the Movistar Team Challenge was held on the cycling platform Zwift in 2021. The digital format made it possible to invite 300 of the best-ranked racers on the platform to compete for a spot on the team and allowed any rider to qualify, opening up opportunities for both rookie racers and skilled riders to join. By recruiting the best riders on the platform, they can grow team prowess in esports like they have in the real world.
Esports and sports betting technologies
Betting has long been a major part of sports, both for traditional sports and esports. Cycling is also a part of the betting world, increasing fan participation. With increased integration into esports, there may be more betting opportunities and new ways to wager ahead. Betting platforms have evolved to offer bettors easy access to odds on all kinds of sports in one place. Thunderpick showcases how diverse the options are, from esports tournaments like League of Legends and Call of Duty to traditional sports like football and hockey. For esports, betting is not just available for video games, but also for esports versions of traditional sports like soccer and basketball. Moreover, platforms like Thunderpick allow users to make bets using cryptocurrency, ensuring secure transactions.
As cycling branches into esports, it may also encourage the growth of esports cycling betting, offering cycling fans and spectators new opportunities to bet on the sport. Aside from long-time in-person tournaments, fans can also bet on virtual competitions for potentially more winning opportunities.
Virtual cycling tournaments
Like any esports game, esports cycling has its share of tournaments, which are quickly expanding into global phenomena. The UCI Cycling Esports World Championships is set to be a major cycling event in 2024, especially with on-site competitions. The UCI partnered with the indoor training platform MyWhoosh to become the exclusive platform and organizer of the event from 2024 to 2026. For the 2024 World Championships, the top-ranking riders from the qualifying rounds will be competing on-site for the first time in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This provides a unique and immersive opportunity for fans to enjoy the sport in a new light, combining the thrill of esports with the community and spirit of cycling by bringing the two onto the world stage.
The tournament being held in Abu Dhabi also showcases how massive the esports cycling ream has become, as the location is quickly emerging as a top spot for prestigious cycling events like the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships, the 2028 UCI Road World Championships, and more. With on-site esports cycling tournaments, there are more opportunities for the space to grow and attract new fans interested in esports or cycling and eager to see how the two intertwine.
Cycling’s evolution as an esports is one that is still in progress and has much room for growth, but is already gaining momentum and traction among esports and cycling fans. By combining the digital and real worlds, esports cycling can provide a global platform for cyclists and fans looking to immerse themselves in the sport in new and exciting ways.
