Virtual cyclists now face random drug tests to compete on the MyWhoosh app, as the platform introduces anti-doping measures for its weekly Sunday Race Club competition. The move comes after a boom in virtual cycling, where thousands compete globally, and cash prizes have become common.
New Testing Policy
MyWhoosh, which hosts the UCI Esports World Championships, has announced that top riders in its Sunday Race Club will be subject to random drug tests after competing. The event offers prizes ranging from $2,170 to $20, attracting serious cyclists and beginners who mostly race from home or garages.
Under the new policy, selected riders will be notified before, during, or after racing that they must remain in place for up to three hours to be tested. A representative from the International Doping Tests & Management team will then collect urine, blood, or dried blood spot samples.
Testing Pool and Integrity Measures
Matt Smithson, director of esports & game operations at MyWhoosh, stated that around 700 athletes will be in the initial testing pool, with a goal to test at least 10% annually. The drug testing is part of a broader integrity programme to prevent "e-doping" through equipment miscalibration, weight falsification, or bot usage.
"Our goal is to protect clean riders and ensure that our global community can trust in the integrity of every podium finish," Smithson said. He highlighted the challenge of comparing riders in different locations and noted that mechanical cheating is a primary concern. Riders must use specific trainers and undergo a power passport test, including a film test and physiological profiling.
"This drug testing, the first of its kind, helps level the playing field," he added.
Growth of Virtual Cycling
While Zwift remains the largest platform, MyWhoosh now has hundreds of thousands of registered users and paid out $5 million in prizes last year. Smithson believes virtual cycling is the future of bike racing, with continued growth expected over the next two decades.
The current UCI cycling esports world champion is Jason Osborne, a former professional road cyclist and Olympic rowing silver medalist, highlighting the high level of competition in the sport.
