(Article originally published on our sister site endurance.biz in August 2023.) Following a tender by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), MyWhoosh has been selected as the exclusive platform and the organiser of the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Originally unveiled in 2019, the UCI Esports World Championships had previously been run on the Zwift virtual cycling platform – with the first virtual cycling championships held on December 9, 2020.
Zwift had appeared to be the UCI’s preferred virtual cycling provider. It was also the platform used in the recent Olympic Esports Series 2023 Cycling Finals, held in Singapore in June 2023. Over the years, in collaboration with the UCI, Zwift has focused much attention on boosting the remit of cycling esports.
However, replacing Zwift, UAE-based virtual cycling platform MyWhoosh is now taking up the reins as host platform of UCI Esports World Championships.
A release from MyWhoosh noted that… ‘This accomplishment is a significant milestone for MyWhoosh, highlighting its commitment to advancing indoor cycling through cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, state-of-the-art graphics and groundbreaking experiences.
‘Throughout this year, MyWhoosh has hosted its inaugural Race Championship Series, unveiled its premiere virtual European routes in Belgium, and provided access to an array of advanced functionalities.’
Akhtar Saeed Hashmi, CEO/Managing Director of MyWhoosh, said “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Union Cycliste Internationale for the next three years.
“MyWhoosh and UCI will be working closely to organise the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships with firm race control mechanisms. We are committed to transforming Abu Dhabi into a truly world-class cycling hub, and look forward to providing athletes, fans, and enthusiasts with an immersive experience that combines the excitement of esports with the spirit of cycling.
“This collaboration signifies a transformative era for MyWhoosh and the realm of cycling esports, bringing 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 UCI Road World Championships in 2028 and UCI Track World Championships in 2029.”
UCI President David Lappartient said “We are delighted to welcome MyWhoosh as the new platform and organiser of the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships for the next three years, and we are convinced that they will continue to develop this exciting and popular event.
“[This] 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. The city will again welcome this event in 2024, as well as the UCI Road World Championships and the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in 2028 and the UCI Track World Championships in 2029.
“The next three editions of the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships add to Abu Dhabi’s reputation as host of top-class cycling events.”
The UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, organised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), blends virtual cycling and competitive sports. With hosting rights secured, MyWhoosh adds that it will finalize details for the three-year collaboration, aiming to transform the event into an ‘immersive, engaging global event’.