The Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI) and Zwift have partnered for a new Olympic Virtual Series; an event launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). A total of five sports will be part of the Olympic Virtual Series (OVS): rowing, sailing, baseball-softball, motorsport and cycling. The cycling series takes place between Jun. 1-27 and are free for cyclists around the world. Towards the end of May there will be more information available on how to register and on the different event formats.
“The OVS aims to bring the broader cycling and sporting communities together for four exciting weeks of mass participation focused on inclusion and sharing of the Olympic values and spirit,” says David Lappertient, UCI President and head of the IOC Esports and Gaming Liaison Group.
With the introduction of the UCI Esports World Championships in December last year, the UCI and Zwift have already shown their interest in the development of virtual cycling and racing. “A discipline that is currently booming among people of all levels, from beginners to professionals, virtual cycling enables cyclists to train and participate in competitions from the comfort of their homes, regardless of outside conditions. A veritable sport, challenging for competitors and exciting for fans, virtual cycling also contributes to good health. Having already enjoyed worldwide popularity for several years, cycling esports exploded during the coronavirus pandemic with the restrictions on outside activities and travel in many countries,” the UCI states.
