Virtual cyclists competing on the MyWhoosh app will now face random drug tests, as the platform introduces anti-doping measures for its weekly Sunday Race Club competition. This move aims to ensure fair play and combat so-called 'e-doping' among participants.
Testing Pool and Procedures
Around 700 riders will be part of the initial testing pool, with at least 10% tested annually. Selected riders may be notified before, during, or after a race and must remain available for up to three hours for sample collection by the International Doping Tests & Management team. Samples may include urine, blood, or dried blood spots.
Integrity Measures
The drug testing is part of a broader integrity programme to prevent cheating such as miscalibrating equipment, falsifying weight, or using bots to fake power data. Matt Smithson, director of esports and game operations at MyWhoosh, stated: 'Our goal is to protect clean riders and ensure that our global community can trust in the integrity of every podium finish.'
Additional verification includes mandatory use of specific trainers with dual power measurement, and a 'power passport test' involving a video recording to confirm identity and capture physiological data like power output and heart rate.
Background and Prizes
MyWhoosh hosts the UCI Esports World Championships and has hundreds of thousands of registered users. The Sunday Race Club offers prizes ranging from $2,170 to $20. Last year, the platform paid out $5 million in prizes.
Smithson added: 'This new policy is the next step in the evolution of what I believe will be the future of bike racing. Over the next 20 years, virtual cycling is only going to get bigger and bigger.'
The current UCI cycling esports world champion is Jason Osborne, a former professional road cyclist and Olympic rowing silver medallist.
