Paris (AFP)
The first Virtual Cycling World Championships will take place on December 8 and 9, 2020, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced on Tuesday.
From their living room, garage or training camp, professional "Elite" cyclists will compete in the Worlds on Zwift, an online training and competition platform that has seen its notoriety soar during the confinement period.
"It's a great moment for cycling," said David Lappartient, the president of the UCI.
"Virtual races have been very successful during this period when the competitions were at a standstill and I sincerely believe in the potential of esport cycling to help increase the influence of our sport," added the French leader.
In this type of event, the riders move an avatar along virtual roads by pedaling on connected indoor bikes.
Already practiced in training by professionals for years, virtual cycling has experienced a rush of practitioners in recent months, confinement requires. The discipline now hopes to perpetuate this enthusiasm through the organization of world competitions like these.
As during the virtual Tour de France, contested last July over six stages, the male and female riders will have the same route, with the Arc-en-Ciel jersey as a reward.
© 2020 AFP