Introduction: The Rise of Virtual Cycling During the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic halted global sporting events in early 2020, cycling enthusiasts found themselves grounded—both figuratively and literally. Social distancing mandates, event cancellations, and lockdowns created a vacuum for professional and recreational racers alike. Enter virtual cycling. Platforms like Zwift, Rouvy, and Bkool turned indoor trainers into race-ready vehicles, offering a digital experience that mimicked traditional events. Riders could compete from their living rooms, complete with elevation simulations, real-time leaderboards, and global participants. What began as a temporary solution quickly evolved into a permanent feature of the modern cycling landscape.
Virtual races not only filled a gap—they introduced a new way to compete, train, and stay connected. But now that in-person races have resumed, a fundamental question arises: can—or should—virtual events replace traditional ones? Or are we heading toward a hybrid model where both coexist and cater to different rider needs and experiences?
The Advantages of Virtual Events: Accessibility, Flexibility, and Inclusivity
One of the most compelling reasons for the rise of virtual events is their accessibility. Riders no longer need to travel long distances, take time off work, or invest in logistical planning to participate. A virtual cycling event can be accessed from anywhere with a smart trainer and a Wi-Fi connection, opening doors to thousands of cyclists previously excluded due to financial, geographical, or physical barriers.
Virtual platforms also offer unmatched flexibility. Whether it’s a 5 a.m. race in Tokyo or a midnight time trial in New York, riders can compete in their time zone without compromising their daily schedules. This flexibility has proven especially valuable for amateur cyclists with family obligations, full-time jobs, or limited access to outdoor riding terrain.
Inclusivity is another powerful attribute. Virtual events democratize participation, allowing novice riders to line up alongside seasoned professionals—digitally, of course. This mingling across skill levels can be intimidating in a real-world setting but feels safer and more encouraging online. Moreover, adaptive athletes have found virtual cycling to be a welcoming space, where custom setups and fewer environmental variables reduce many of the barriers they face in physical races.
Events like the Virtual Tour de France and UCI Esports World Championships have shown how far virtual racing has come, drawing professional teams, sponsorships, and large audiences. The technology behind these platforms continues to evolve, adding layers of realism and competitiveness that were previously unthinkable.
Expert Perspectives: What Do Event Organizers and Cyclists Think About Virtual Races?
We spoke to several stakeholders in the cycling community to understand how virtual events are perceived from multiple angles: event organizers, professional riders, amateur enthusiasts, and sports psychologists.
Event Organizers:
Luca Marini, an events coordinator for a major European cycling series, says, “Virtual racing gave us continuity when everything else was shut down. Now, it’s become a valuable tool for building brand awareness and engagement even between physical events.” Organizers are also finding that digital events can attract new sponsors from the tech sector, which sees cycling esports as an emerging market.
However, not all is rosy. Virtual platforms require significant investment in software, servers, and customer support. And the revenue model is still evolving. While ticket sales and in-person merchandising drive profits at live events, virtual races rely more heavily on subscriptions and digital marketing, which don’t always yield the same margins.
Professional Cyclists:
Opinions among elite athletes are mixed. Some embrace the digital transformation, particularly in the off-season. “Zwift keeps me sharp when I can’t get outside,” says Maria González, a top-tier road racer. “And the data it provides helps me train more efficiently.” Yet others miss the adrenaline of real-world racing. “There’s no replacing the roar of a crowd or the thrill of a final sprint with riders around you,” counters Ben Shaw, another pro racer.
Amateur Riders:
For recreational cyclists, virtual events are often more welcoming and less intimidating. “I used to avoid races because of the pressure,” says Jen Miller, a weekend cyclist from Seattle. “Now I do Zwift races with friends from around the world and it’s just fun.” The gamified elements—badges, levels, unlockable gear—make the experience engaging and rewarding beyond just fitness gains.
Sports Psychologists:
Experts in athletic performance highlight the importance of social connection, motivation, and variety. Dr. Nathan Cho, a psychologist specializing in endurance athletes, notes, “Virtual racing can reduce anxiety for some riders, but it also lacks the sensory stimulation and emotional highs of live events. Long-term, a balanced approach that includes both formats might be best for mental well-being.”
Will Virtual Replace Traditional? Not Quite—But the Lines Are Blurring
The idea that virtual racing could replace traditional races is still far-fetched for many. The logistical simplicity and inclusivity of digital platforms are undeniable, but they can’t replicate the full-body, multi-sensory thrill of real-world competition. For professional cyclists, sponsorship deals, media exposure, and career progression still depend heavily on in-person events.
What we’re more likely to see is a fusion of both formats. Some event organizers are already launching hybrid races, where riders can choose between participating on-site or remotely via synced trainers. This “phygital” (physical + digital) model offers the best of both worlds—community and competition without exclusivity.
Additionally, virtual races are proving valuable for training and qualification. Several real-world events now use virtual time trials to seed riders or serve as qualifiers. This integration makes sense in an era where data and performance tracking are essential parts of any serious training regimen.
Conclusion: Coexistence, Not Replacement
Virtual cycling events have moved beyond their pandemic-era origins. They are now an integral part of the modern cyclist’s toolkit, offering a flexible, inclusive, and engaging way to train, race, and connect. But they are not a wholesale replacement for traditional events. Instead, they complement the physical race calendar, offering more opportunities for participation and engagement across the cycling spectrum.
The future of cycling lies not in choosing between digital and physical, but in harnessing the power of both. Whether it’s a world-class road race in the Pyrenees or a midweek Zwift crit in your basement, what matters most is that the cycling community continues to grow, evolve, and pedal forward—together.
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