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As a result, Zwift’s founders hope this new form of competitive cycling will one day show up at the Olympics – which could happen if Olympic cycling organization UCI lends its support. Things are unquestionably moving in that direction. Last June, Zwift debuted at a new event called the Olympic Virtual Series, set up by the International Olympic Committee. And one of the differences between the e-bike and other elite track events is that it’s relatively easy for anyone to participate in.
“Anyone anywhere in the world can go through an eligibility process from the comfort of their own home,” says Sean Parry, Zwift’s director of strategy.
Working through ranks
This is how Easler made the cut. He failed in a qualifying round open to users in the Americas, but made it into the US national team through a separate qualifying process. He is not a complete beginner as he has participated in triathlons as a student. But virtual races are no less exciting than outdoor events. “You feel the adrenaline,” Easler says. “You know you’re dealing with people who are really strong in real life.”
Easler and his world championships rivals will all get the same smart trainer (a device that replaces the rear wheel on a stationary bike) so they can compete on a flat virtual playground. Intelligent trainers automatically increase or decrease resistance to match the feel of the virtual road surface on a Zwift track. It is even possible to simulate cobblestones.
Data plays a huge role on platforms like Zwift and drivers tend to constantly monitor their performance. His heart rate, speed, and power output in watts, among other stats, are always visible on the screen during a race. Commentators can select some of these stats live to show viewers how hard an individual competitor is working.
Easler, for example, knows he has to keep his heart rate (measured in beats per minute) below a certain level. “If my heart rate reaches 185 I can recover, but if I reach 195 I can’t,” he says. Tracing his numbers on the screen allows him to get closer to the limit without going over the edge, and it’s something he says has gotten better over time.
Real-time data on each driver’s performance will also allow Zwift and UCI officials to spot potential cheaters at championships. Unsportsmanlike opponents can use a variety of tricks that can give them a strength advantage, from lying about their weight to cheating the game.
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