The Virtual Velo Podcast p/b TheZommunique.com

In Part One of Episode 41 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris and Si welcome elite cycling esports racer and award-winning cycling journalist Aaron Borrill. "Captain South Africa" shares how Cycling South Africa supports their National Cycling Esports team as a unique cycling discipline and how he plans to help get his teammates ready for the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships on MyWhoosh. Aaron's deep knowledge of the sport and journalistic reputation was invaluable to the collaborative "VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2024" panel. Alongside fellow panelists Chris and Si, they explored the inspiration, process, and engagement that propelled "The List" to success. This celebration of the athletes and individuals who've made their mark on cycling esports was a genuine team effort. They also outlined their plans for further enhancements in 2025, inviting the audience to be part of the journey to make 'The List' even better. In the Second Part, Chris says an emotional bye to Si and hi to his new co-host, Emma Martin, as they usher in a new era of the Virtual Velo Podcast. She shares her background as a national-level MTB and cyclocross racer, British Cycling MTB commission member, and her early days as a virtual cyclist and women's-only event pioneer on Zwift. She transitioned to broadcasting after an academic career as an Associate Dean of Research. Her impressive list of productions includes multiple UCI World Cycling Championships and European Championships events, the Women's Tour of Iceni and Tour of Boudica on Zwift, and live commentating for the British Cycling National Crit Series. Alongside co-host Matt Payne, cycling esports fans can hear her every Sunday commentating MyWhoosh's flagship race series, the Sunday Race Club. Check out the articles cited in the episode for an even deeper dive. UCI Releases 2024 Cycling Esports World Championship Race Book Clarifying Event Details [Zommunique, May 6, 2024]UCI Tells Nations How Many Riders They Can Bring To The 2024 Esports World Championship and Other Details [Zommunique, March 31, 2024]Michael Rogers Steps Away From Role as UCI Head of Cycling Esports [Zommunique, April 3, 2024]UCI in Transition: Examining the Governing Body’s Contribution, Relevance, and Evolving Role—Does Cycling Esports Need The UCI? [Zommunique, April 10, 2024] Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode 40 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris and Si welcome former Zwift employee Flint McInnis for an insightful, forward-thinking conversation on the state of racing on the platform. Flint, a Zwift competition team member and forum moderator, played a vital role in developing the Zwift Racing Score before being affected by Zwift’s recent restructuring. During the episode, Flint shares insights into the development of the Zwift Racing Score and the challenges that hindered its implementation and delayed other platform features. He gives his opinion on the commitment to racing, cheating, the lost UCI Cycling Esports World Championship bid, and why he feels “Zwift should just pick a direction and go with it!” Following the interview, Chris and Si had an in-depth discussion about several esports breaking news stories, including: Check out the articles cited in the episode for an even deeper dive. UCI Tells Nations How Many Riders They Can Bring To The 2024 Esports World Championship and Other Details [Zommunique, March 31, 2024]Michael Rogers Steps Away From Role as UCI Head of Cycling Esports [Zommunique, April 3, 2024]Meet the 2024 AusCycling Esports National Champion Kate Trdin [Zommunique, April 3, 2024]AusCycling and the Swedish Cycling Federation Crown 2024 Cycling Esports National Champions in Live Event Finals on the Same Day [Zommunique, March 27, 2024]Danish Federation’s Cycling Esports Leadership is an Example for NGBs [Zommunique, February 28, 2024] Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

For Episode 39 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, cycling esports pioneers Lionel Vujasin and Ollie Jones join the discussion with Chris and Si. Lionel made a splash with a thrilling win at the CVR Cup live event in Vancouver in 2018, while Ollie claimed victory at Zwift Academy the same year and went on to success on the road and beyond. Reflecting on the early days of esports, they ponder why progress hasn’t been more significant since then. As two of the first professional esports specialists, they share insights into their journey and their hopes for the future of virtual racing. They recount their experiences of being annulled from a MyWhoosh Sunday Race Club event and the subsequent need to prove their performance in person in Abu Dhabi. When given the option between winning the Zwift Games Championship and participating in a MyWhoosh Sunday Race Club event, their decision reveals their priorities. Can you predict which one they opted for? Check out the articles cited in the episode for an even deeper dive. The Annulment That Changed Cycling Esports: MyWhoosh Tests Vujasin, Kaminski, and Jones in Abu Dhabi Proving World Tour Pro PowerZommunique, Feb. 19, 2024]Inaugural Zwift Games 2024: A Complete Guide to the Largest Virtual Racing Event Ever! [Zommunique, Feb. 21, 2024]Virtual Platform MyWhoosh is Changing the Cycling Esports Game Zommunique, Nov. 5, 2022 Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

For Episode 38 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris and Si journeyed over 8,000 miles to Long Beach, CA, the birthplace of Zwift Cycling Esports, to record live together for the first time. They had the opportunity to interview Brian Duffy, the 2024 USA Cycling Esports National Champion from NeXT eSports pb Enshored, and share a ride and insightful conversation with Jacob Fraser. Jacob, who has served as Zwift’s Senior Manager of Brand Experience for over three years, was the first Director of Esports at MyWhoosh and currently holds the position of Esports Coordinator for the UCI. With his unique perspective on the origin and evolution of cycling esports, Jacob led the guys on a ride through Palos Verdes, including the climb that inspired the Zwift KOM. Brian shared his journey from champion triathlete to indoor cycling esports specialist and discussed the unique training and riding style that has contributed to his success. He also delved into the philosophy behind Zwift Team NeXT eSports pb Enshored and the team strategy that put him in the Stars and Stripes. The 2024 USA Cycling Esports National Champion offered his insights on the challenges within the racing community regarding self-policing, his plans to explore other platforms like MyWhoosh, and much more. Zwift Games Overall Champion or UCI Cycling Esports World Championships? What would he choose? Brian provides his answer, and Chris and Si head to a coffee shop outside Zwift HQ to reflect on his insightful and unique perspective until rain cuts their conversation and time together short. Check out the articles cited in the episode for an even deeper dive. Elite Esports Racer Brian Duffy Tells All it Takes to be Great!Zommunique, Nov. 11, 2021]Inaugural Zwift Games 2024: A Complete Guide to the Largest Virtual Racing Event Ever! [Zommunique, Feb. 21, 2024]Virtual Platform MyWhoosh is Changing the Cycling Esports Game Zommunique, Nov. 5, 2022 Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode 37 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Si and Chris invite freelance cycling writer and multi-platform elite esports star Zach Nehr to a roundtable discussion. Don’t let the length of this episode scare you off. It’s packed full of exciting cycling esports news and inside information. Zach has jet-setted worldwide, competing in live esports events, including the La Vuelta Virtual ’23 in Madrid on ROUVY, the Olympic Esports Series in Singapore, and recently in Abu Dhabi for the MyWhoosh Sunday Race Club. He brings a unique perspective from the pointy end as an elite racer and his insight as a writer to react to Chris’ recent interviews with UCI President David Lappartient and Head of Innovation and Esports Michael Rogers. Chris asks Rogers why the UCI awarded the Esports World Championships to MyWhoosh, not Zwift. Zach explains why he feels the Zwift Academy isn’t about Zwift anymore and needs a rebranding. He tells why he thinks MyWhoosh is at the forefront of cycling esports and doing all the right things to take the sport to the next level. Chris gives an update on the MyWhoosh in-house testing of Lionel Vujasin and Michal Kaminski in Abu Dhabi. Si asks Zach if he could only win one more race in his life, would it be the Zwift Games or the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships on MyWhoosh? Please tune in to find out his answer and so much more! Check out the articles cited in the episode for an even deeper dive. It builds bridges and brings many opportunities’: UCI announces deep partnership with the UAE for years to come Cycling Weekly, Jan. 26, 2024]Virtual Platform MyWhoosh is Changing the Cycling Esports Game Zommunique, Nov. 5, 2022“The Olympic Esports Games will start in 2025 and will include cycling esports” —says UCI PresidentZommunique, Jan. 31, 2024Smart Trainer Standardization is Only Months Away, according to the UCIZommunique, Feb. 14, 2024Will Virtual Platform MyWhoosh’s Millions Sway Racer Loyalty and Forge a Path to Professional Cycling Esports? Zommunique, Apr. 19, 2023 Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode 36 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, MyWhoosh's Race Control and Events Manager Matt Smithson gives the first look into the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship. The format, courses, dates, qualifications, and all the specifics the community has been anxiously awaiting. The MyWhoosh platform is the home of the World Championship for the next three years, and Matt lets us know why and what to look forward to. Plus, Matt shares insight into the developing news surrounding multiple high-profile annulments in the Sunday Race Club. Chris is on the ground in Abu Dhabi while attending a press tour with MyWhoosh and gives his first-hand perspective on the UAE's investment in cycling infrastructure. And a preview into interviews he had with UCI President David Lappartient, the head of Innovation and Esports Michael Rogers, and 2-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar. For an even deeper dive, check out the following articles cited in the episode. It builds bridges and brings many opportunities': UCI announces deep partnership with the UAE for years to come Cycling Weekly, Jan. 26, 2024]Virtual Platform MyWhoosh is Changing the Cycling Esports Game Zommunique, Nov. 5, 2022MyWhoosh and UCI’s World Championship 2024-2026 Partnership is an Investment in Cycling Esports Zommunique, Aug. 25, 2023Zommunique, Nov. 9, 2023Will Virtual Platform MyWhoosh’s Millions Sway Racer Loyalty and Forge a Path to Professional Cycling Esports? Zommunique, Apr. 19, 2023 Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In episode 35 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris and Si chat with Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio. She took time away from training camp with her UCI Women’s Continental AG INSURANCE – SOUDAL TEAM (AGS – BEL) to share what being the first UCI Cycling Esports World Champion on Zwift still and always will mean to her. Ashleigh is a purpose-driven athlete with goals and objectives that transcend cycling despite having a list of Palmares longer than your arm. She embraces her role model status as a pioneer in the space to empower female cyclists and forge a connection between the community and elite racers in the virtual and real world through the Rocacorba Collective. She shares her perspective on the turning point for Women’s cycling following her victory in the Queen stage of the Virtual Tour de France, the momentous cycling esports moment that paved the way for parity in real-world road racing, and her unfinished business at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Plus Cycling Shorts, a complete rundown of cycling esports headlines, insider information, investigative reporting, and industry trends. Another way that the Virtual Velo Network is your Central Source For Cycling Esports! We want to hear from you! Let’s get the conversation started. Comment below! For an even deeper dive, check out the following articles cited in the episode. Cycling Esports Platforms indieVelo and MyWhoosh are Taking Anti-Cheating Seriously: Shedding Light on a Dark Issue Zommunique, Dec. 2, 2023MyWhoosh Enhances Route Selection and Introduces App Upgrades Zommunique, Nov. 13, 2023Zwift Levels Up With a Long List of New FeaturesZommunique, Dec. 12, 202312 Months of Zwift For the Price of 10 With New Yearly MembershipZommunique, Nov. 20, 2023]Wahoo and Zwift Bundles Now Across Full KICKR Range With New Pricing [Zommunique, Nov. 21, 2023] Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

The Zwift Racing League is quite possibly the largest community-based racing league in the world. Does it also have the most cheaters, cruisers, and sandbaggers? WTRL’s Martin Carew is here to say he’s doing things on his end, but can he and is Zwift doing enough? In episode 34 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris and Si ask those questions and more! Martin explains the built-in anti-cheating system he has in place, the challenge of finding the perfect balance between credibility and inclusivity, and the limitations he faces. Plus, the guys introduce a new recurring feature they call “Cycling Shorts.” A complete rundown of cycling esports headlines, insider information, investigative reporting, and industry trends. Another way that the Virtual Velo Network is your Central Source For Cycling Esports! Chris also shares insight from his conversations with Eric Min, USAC’s Jim Miller, Matt Stephens, and other cycling dignitaries while covering the Star Track Benefit for Cycling Weekly. We want to hear from you! Let’s get the conversation started. Comment below! For an even deeper dive, check out the following articles cited in the episode. The “Met Gala of US Track Cycling” draws stars and dignitaries in support of the sport’s youth Cycling Weekly, Nov. 13, 2023MyWhoosh Enhances Route Selection and Introduces App Upgrades Zommunique, Nov. 13, 2023Zommunique, Nov. 12, 2023Zommunique, Nov. 11, 2023Cycling Canada Returns to Zwift for 23/24 Esports Season, National Team Selection on MyWhoosh [Zommunique, Oct. 31, 2023] Wahoo and Zwift Bundles Now Across Full KICKR Range With New Pricing [Zommunique, Nov. 21, 2023] To support the great work they do over at Star Track Cycling, visit. http://www.StarTrackCycling.org/benefit Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode Thirty-Three of the Virtual Velo Podcast, on the day that virtual platform MyWhoosh and the UCI released details about the 2024 Live Cycling Esports World Championship Final in Abu Dhabi, Race Control and Events Manager Matt Smithson chose the Virtual Velo Podcast to speak publicly for the first time and make the announcement. Chris and Si ask the questions the community has been wondering since the news that MyWhoosh won the bid for the next three years shocked the cycling esports world. Matt shares his perspective on MyWhoosh’s past, present, and future and responds to the naysayers. Massive prize purses, performance verification and authenticity, hardware and device specs, platform stability, race dynamics, and draft mechanics, it’s all out there. Why did the UCI choose MyWhoosh? You may have a better idea after listening to Matt lend a voice to the cycling esports community. Plus, Chris and Si give the rundown on The Zwift Games. Do you have what it takes to be the best Zwifter in the World? The Zwift Games are your chance to find out. The Zwift Games Will Crown World’s #1 Across Three Championship Races. Zwift announces the inclusive community event to discover the World’s top Zwifter in a multi-format competition poised to set new participation records. For an even deeper dive, check out the following articles cited in the episode. Virtual Platform MyWhoosh is Changing the Cycling Esports Game Zommunique, Nov. 5, 2022MyWhoosh and UCI’s World Championship 2024-2026 Partnership is an Investment in Cycling Esports The Zommunique, Aug. 25, 2023Zommunique, Nov. 9, 2023Will Virtual Platform MyWhoosh’s Millions Sway Racer Loyalty and Forge a Path to Professional Cycling Esports? Zommunique, Apr. 19, 2023 Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode Thirty-Two of the Virtual Velo Podcast hosts Chris and Si sit down with Project Echelon Racing’s Eric Hill. USA Cycling has just unveiled the plans for its third-annual Cycling Esports Nationals, and Project Echelon is returning to Zwift to put on the event. Eric has reached out to the cycling esports platform indieVelo for performance verification. USA Cycling’s Big Announcement: Echelon Racing Promotions is spearheading this event, and it’s all happening on the virtual cycling platform, Zwift. However, what makes this year unique is the introduction of independent third-party indieVelo to verify every athlete’s performance, regardless of their competition level. We’re delighted to have Eric Hill, the driving force behind these developments, as our guest. Eric shares his insights and enthusiasm for this upcoming Zwift showdown. Additional Talking Points: 🌟 Zwift Grand Prix Round One Controversy – We delve into the details and get the perspective of the racers themselves. It’s an intriguing discussion. 🌐 USA Cycling Esports World Championship Qualification – Learn how the top US esport racer can secure a spot on the global stage. 🚀 Steps Toward the USA National Esports Team – Explore the exciting progress towards the formation of a top-tier esports team representing the USA. 🏅 The IOC’s Esports Olympic Aspirations – Discover why cycling esports is well-positioned for a potential Olympic inclusion. Closing Point: 🎤 But wait, there’s more! In a special announcement, Chris and Si reveal their collaborative venture – The Virtual Velo Network. This platform promises to bring a fresh perspective to the world of cycling esports. Stay tuned! In Episode 33 the guys sit down with MyWhoosh and give the UCI’s platform a chance to share their voice with the community! For an even deeper dive, check out the following articles cited in the episode. USA Cycling Announces Plans For 2024 Cycling Esports Nationals and Qualifiers Zommunique, Oct. 23, 2023RGT leads the charge for inclusion of disabled athletes in virtual cycling Cycling News, Feb. 7, 2022IOC Announces Plans For Olympic Esports Games Zommunique, Oct. 16, 2023“USA Cycling Embraces Cycling Esports and the Olympics Would be a Game-Changer,” Says the Chief of Sports Performance Zommunique June 10, 2023 Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar! Correction: US World Championship Team Selection Criteria - Any athlete placing in the top three (3) at the prior year’s World Championships in the same event and category will be nominated to the Team. Not the top three (3) US finishers.

In Episode Thirty-One of the Virtual Velo Podcast, hosts Chris and Si sit down with elite cyclist and Indoor Specialist Kristen Kulchinsky and her coach, Josh Lipka, to discuss her recent triumphs on the road. Kristen’s victories are not just a personal milestone but also a legitimization of the impact of indoor specialists in real-world cycling competitions. Key Highlights: Kristen’s Real-World Victories: Kristen and Josh delve into the training regimen, mental preparation, and tactical decisions that led to her recent wins on the road. Indoor Specialists Making Waves: Chris and Si explore the broader implications of indoor specialists like Kristen proving their mettle in real-world races. Will it silence the critics? $100,000 2023/24 Zwift Grand Prix Scoop: Get the inside track on the upcoming Zwift Grand Prix, featuring a whopping $100,000 prize pool. What can we expect from this high-stakes virtual race? UCI’s Future Plans for Cycling Esports: Exciting news from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) about the future of cycling esports. What does this mean for the sport and for athletes like Kristen? For an even deeper dive, check out the following articles cited in the episode. One Woman’s Journey from Newbie Zwift Rider to Gravel Pro in Two Years Cycling Weekly, November 5, 2022]

In Episode Thirty of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris and Si dive into some hot topics following attendance at the “This Season on Zwift” press conference. Here’s a quick rundown of what they discuss: Zwift is All-In on RacingZwift and Wahoo Make PeaceZwift and indieVelo PartnershipNew Features in “This Season on Zwift” Tune in to get an insider’s perspective on all the latest Zwift news and what it means for the virtual cycling community. For an even deeper dive, check out the following articles cited in the episode. MyWhoosh and UCI’s World Championship 2024-2026 Partnership is an Investment in Cycling EsportsThe Zommunique, Aug. 25, 2023Competitors challenge Zwift’s dominance in virtual cycling as UCI accepts bids for future Esports World ChampionshipsCycling Weekly, May 17, 2023Zwift and indieVelo’s Partnership Leads the Way For Legitimization of Cycling Esports [The Zommunique, Sept. 6, 2023] Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode Twenty-Nine of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Si and Chris discuss the news that hit like a bomb, sending waves of shock and “wuh?” reverberating through the virtual cycling and esports community. On August 17, 2023, the Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI) announced that it awarded the Cycling Esports World Championships to the cycling esports platform MyWhoosh for the next three years. There’s international intrigue, corruption, politics, and significant ramifications for the future of cycling esports. The guys take an in-depth look at the past and current history of MyWhoosh, Zwift, the UCI tender process, the decision, and what it means for the sport. For an even deeper dive, check out the following articles cited in the episode. MyWhoosh and UCI’s World Championship 2024-2026 Partnership is an Investment in Cycling EsportsThe Zommunique, Aug. 25, 2023Competitors challenge Zwift’s dominance in virtual cycling as UCI accepts bids for future Esports World ChampionshipsCycling Weekly, May 17, 2023What is MyWhoosh and is it a legitimate free alternative to Zwift?Cycling News, May 13, 2022 Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode Twenty-Eight of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Si and Chris sit down with cycling esports nice guy James Joseph Barnes. James’ passion for Zwift and cycling esports is palpable as he describes his ideals for elite racing, community integration, engagement, and the vision for the future. James shares insight through the perspective of an athlete who witnessed the birth of online racing and is vested in its evolution and success. The NeXT pb Enshored Esports rider is a prolific winner at Zwift’s highest level. He lifted an inaugural Olympic Esports Series trophy and explained why he feels elite esports is the driving force behind moving virtual cycling forward. Is Zwift Play steering the next evolution in racing? The Zwift Racing League, the upcoming Zwift Grand Prix, and the importance of competition from other platforms to move the bar higher, James, Chris, and Si touch on it all. Plus, a deep dive into a few other cycling esports rabbit holes! Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode Twenty-Seven of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Si and Chris sit down with cycling esports platform indieVelo’s founder, Dr. George Gilbert. indieVelo’s recent game update included Fully Customizable User Interface Functionality Support through Modding. Zwift’s former Cycling Esports Commission Chairman explains the technical foundation built from the ground up to set the framework for the revolutionary upgrade. In addition, as a service provider partnering with other virtual cycling platforms, international organizations, and governing bodies, he proclaims, “We’re at an inflection point in the way that online cycling will happen in the future, and the industry will evolve.” Chris and Si spoke about these articles he wrote during the discussion. Zwift’s Cycling Esports Commission Chairman and ZADA Lead Move On From the CompanyNew Virtual Cycling Platform indieVelo is Defining the Future of EsportsThe UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, the Olympics, and What the Future May HoldindieVelo—Lessons Learned From My First Three Races Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode Twenty-Six of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Si and Chris pull back the curtain on the Olympic Esports Series with elite racer Zach Nehr. NeXT p/b Eshored’s Nehr was one of 16 athletes chosen to compete in the inaugural event in Singapore, June 22-25, 2023, etching his mark on cycling history. Rock Star treatment, autographs, media, rider (de)selection, technology, equipment, photo finishes, and more! Was it a success for the future of cycling esports? Stay tuned for reaction following the interview from Chris and Si! Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode Twenty-Five of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Si and Chris sit down with cycling esports platform indieVelo’s founder, Dr. George Gilbert. Dr. Gilbert shares his background as a foremost astrophysicist, the coder of the global telephone network, and the health challenges that almost stole his life and athletic career. He gives the plain truth about his time at Zwift and the circumstances behind his decision to move on to indieVelo. In addition to the why, what, how, and who that powers indieVelo in its evolution of cycling esports and defines the future of the sport! Will cycling esports ever be a medal sport? You’ll be surprised to hear what he had to say. Chris spoke about these articles he wrote during the discussion. Zwift’s Cycling Esports Commission Chairman and ZADA Lead Move On From the CompanyNew Virtual Cycling Platform indieVelo is Defining the Future of Esports Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode Twenty-Four of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Si asks Chris what he learned about the Zwift Play Controller and Beta Gaming Experience while attending the Zwift press conference announcing the new hardware. What does it say about the company’s path and the general state of virtual cycling and esports? The two explore the question while bringing up the recent departure of several members of Zwift’s Esports Division to form indieVelo, what the heads of National Cycling Governing Bodies worldwide think of esports, a recent interview with USACs Jim Miller, and what it will take to legitimize esports at the international level. Chris spoke about the articles he wrote during the discussion. Zwift says About New Zwift Play Controller and Beta Gaming Experience, “Indoor Cycling is About to Get More Interesting”New Virtual Cycling Platform indieVelo is Defining the Future of Esports“USA Cycling Embraces Cycling Esports and the Olympics Would be a Game-Changer,” Says the Chief of Sports Performance Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode Twenty-Three of the Virtual Velo Podcast, host Ken and Joy interview the DIRT 66-Day Nutrition Challenge winner, Shawn McAfee. Joy Murphy is a USA Tri-Level 1 Certified Coach, EnJoy Fitness founder, a regular contributor to The Zommunique, and the guest host of The Virtual Velo Podcast. The DIRT 66-Day Nutrition Challenge is a team-based contest focused on three daily values: There were two members of each team to ensure accountability and camaraderie. Shawn McAfee, the challenge winner, is a long-time Zwifter and one of the original members of Team DIRT. Shawn is an active race organizer on the DORBA: Dallas Off Road Bicycling Association board. What motivated Shawn to eat sensibly and make healthy life choices daily? Nutrition seems simple (it isn’t); however, it isn’t easy to stay motivated. It requires determination and commitment to make lasting lifestyle changes. Listen as we get an in-depth look at the 66-day challenge and the struggles Mac overcame to win. Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!

In Episode Twenty-Two of the Virtual Velo Podcast, another installment of “Bridging the Gap Between Athlete and Avatar,” Chris and Si sit down with Zwift team NeXT Esports pb Enshored's Cyclist Richard Barry. Richard has toed the line as an elite cyclocross racer alongside big-time names like Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock. Yet he considers competing in the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship live event for Team Ireland in Glasgow, Scotland, a career highlight. He tells why live in-person arena events HAVE TO BE the future of esports and what he and Si spoke about while raising a pint together during the post-race bash! To learn more about Richard, check out this wide-ranging interview entitled "Elite Cyclist Richard Barry is Taking Esports Into His Hands." Please contribute to Team Innovation Glenn Utteridge's fundraiser for Bowel Research and support an impactful member of the virtual cycling community. Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!