Zwift, a large online platform designed to physically prepare people for cycling and running, has been reported to be gathering some of its most dedicated cyclist users for yet another virtual competition. And if you go into details, then on February 26, the second UCI World Cycling Championship in history will be held on the above-mentioned training platform.
And it will take place on a track set in a virtual version of Central Park in New York. Riders will have to complete two laps of the 22.5km Knickerbocker route, as well as several additional obstacles, in order to complete a full 54.9km lap. It should be noted that New York Course has several glass walkways that are suspended above the park to add more height and sci-fi feel to the ride. Particular attention should also be paid to the fact that during the entire race, participants will be able to see even flying cars. One way or another, without exception, all participants will use the company’s smart trainers called Wahoo Kickr V5, so that everyone is on an equal footing.
It should also be noted that Zwift also claims that the choice in favor of this particular simulator was made for the reason that it reasonably reacts to the slopes of the ascent, and is also able to simulate traction while riding with extremely high quality. But be that as it may, since this is a virtual event, Zwift can shake up traditional road racing a little. Racers, by the way, will have seven chances to get Mario Kart-style PowerUps during the race, a regular feature found on many Zwift circuits. Competitors will be able to use them at strategic moments to temporarily increase traction, increase aerodynamic efficiency or reduce the weight of their bike. About 180 riders will take part in the men’s and women’s races in total.
Each winner will receive a physical and digital championship jersey that they can wear to participate in sanctioned esports races and events, and while their avatar is active on Zwift. The event will be streamed on Eurosport in Europe, as well as on GCN+ and the official Zwift YouTube channel worldwide. And in general, this is really good news, because even though quarantine measures significantly limit our capabilities, modern technical means, fortunately, allow athletes not to give up cycling.
