21 Aug 2023
Zwift loses UCI esports contract to My Whoosh
BY Tom Walker
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – the world governing body for cycling – is moving its Esports World Championships onto the My Whoosh platform.
The decision brings to an end a three-year partnership with virtual racing and online fitness platform, Zwift.
Zwift hosted the first three editions of the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Virtual cycling app My Whoosh is a free-to-use, advert-supported alternative to Zwift, which boasts many similar cycling and group racing features.
UCI's deal with Abu Dhabi-based My Whoosh will cover the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
UCI president, David Lappartient, said: “We are convinced that My Whoosh will help us continue to develop this exciting and popular event."
Lappartient added that the deal "further confirms" Abu Dhabi’s commitment to cycling, after it hosted an edition of the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in 2022.
"The next three editions of the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships add to Abu Dhabi’s reputation as host of top-class cycling events,” Lappartient said.
Akhtar Saeed Hashmi, CEO of My Whoosh, said: “MyWhoosh and UCI will be working closely to organize 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 home 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.”
The loss of the esports deal is seen as a blow for Zwift, which earlier this year launched the first game controllers designed specifically for its virtual cycling workouts.
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