Cycling News

MyWhoosh takes over from Zwift to host UCI esports world championships

Disgraced Zwift cheater enters a MyWhoosh race…and is promptly chucked

On Thursday, the virtual cycling platform MyWhoosh announced that it had been selected as the exclusive cycling platform and organizer of the UCI cycling esports world championships. The deal is in effect for 2024, 2025, and 2026.

In 2023, the Abu Dhabi-based company successfully launched its inaugural race championship series. The company also introduced new routes in Belgium, along with upgrades to its features and capabilities.

Three-year collaboration

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the UCI for the next three years. MyWhoosh and the UCI will be working closely to organize the esports worlds Championships with firm race control mechanisms,” Akhtar Saeed Hashmi, CEO and managing director of MyWhoosh, said. “This collaboration signifies a transformative era for MyWhoosh and the realm of cycling esports. It brings all the benefits and excitement of competitive cycling into homes across the world. We are also excited to welcome the cycling community to Abu Dhabi for the road worlds in 2028 and track worlds in 2029.”

Shifting away from Zwift

The esports world championships began in 2020, with the initial editions hosted by Zwift. In May, the international cycling body issued a call for tenders for the 2024-2026 events.

“We are delighted to welcome MyWhoosh as the new platform and organizer of the cycling esports world championships. We are convinced that they will continue to develop this exciting and popular event,” UCI president David Lappartient said. “Today’s announcement further confirms Abu Dhabi’s commitment to our sport after it hosted a magnificent edition of the UCI urban cycling world Championships in 2022.”

According to the statement, MyWhoosh is now working to finalize details for the three-year collaboration.  The goal is to transform the event into, “an immersive, engaging global event.”

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