Report by: Muhammad Maaz, sa144, 0072

Virtual Cycling
Virtual cycling is a growing fitness trend which is proving to be the best development in cycling for many years. It has created a new way in
which the sport can be enjoyed by everyone and participation has nearly tripled since 2019. Much of this interest has been driven by technology
which tracks performance and provides instant feedback to motivate the cyclist.
Virtual cycling, along with social media, has increased interest in the sport of cycling. New online platforms enable cyclists to play games, train,
race and socialise with people around the world, all from the comfort of their home. In recent surveys, virtual cycling ranked in the top 6
worldwide fitness trends.

Benefits beyond their own safe physical limits and experience an adverse
reaction such as injury, nausea or fainting. Dehydration can also
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise and a highly effective way occur if cycling indoors without sufficient intake of fluids and
to burn fat, improve fitness and tone muscle. Virtual cycling adequate air flow for cooling. These are all potential dangers if
enables nervous and inexperienced cyclists to participate in cycling at home without supervision or support. Data security is
simulated races in large groups without fear of accidents. They another issue as app users provide large amounts of data which
will also not have to deal with the potentially intimidating are at risk from hacking.
experience of traveling to an outdoor event and negotiating the
start of a mass participation event.
Another major benefit is safety. When riding indoors on a
stationary bike there is no traffic, dangerous roads or weather to Cheating has become an issue in virtual
contend with. Heavy traffic, darkness and bad weather are often cycling races as prize money has
barriers to engaging in cycling. Environmental factors such as increased the incentive to do well.
extreme temperatures and air pollution can also be more easily During competitions online platforms log
controlled indoors. the data from riders via power meters. Some competitors have
edited their power data logs to show a substantial increase in
For competing athletes this technology can replace the need to power over the course of a race. These unrealistic data logs have
travel to different locations to compete at major competitions. This been identified as suspicious by automated control systems.
save’s travelling time and costs. Coaching staff can assist Other suspect activities have been the use of drugs to enhance
athletes remotely regardless of their location and the time zones performance, recording incorrect weight information and male
involved. This greater flexibility means athletes can train and riders competing in female races to earn points. Cheating is a
compete in a greater variety of settings than would otherwise be serious issue and a difficult one to control when riders are
possible. competing remotely.
Drawbacks Equipment
There is a danger that some cyclists may push themselves

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 Report by: Muhammad Maaz, sa144, 0072

Online training platforms monitor power, speed, pace and heart worlds. The gaming nature of the app has the ability to motivate
rate using sensors on a bicycle set up as a static trainer. A smart users and distract them from the boredom and suffering of a hard
phone, tablet, computer or Smart TV are required to run the indoor workout. This can result in more prolonged or intense
player, along with a monthly subscription to a training app. The cycling. Successful performance is often rewarded with points or
most popular types of trainers are classic turbo trainers, smart special currency that can be used to make purchases such as
trainers, free-standing rollers or specially designed static indoor better bike frames. Common video game features such as power-
bicycles. All devices allow pedalling whilst stationary. The pedals ups to improve performance for a short period are also available.
turn as normal but the energy that would usually be used to push Cycling app downloads and daily usage has increased
forwards is transferred into the trainer itself. Turbo trainers are the dramatically in recent years. The largest growth of downloads and
most popular and work with any bike. They vary in their level of daily usage has been seen in India.
technology and the top ones are expensive. The minimum
Global Cycle App Growth
requirement is a basic turbo trainer which clamps onto the rear
bicycle wheel. Smart bikes are dedicated to indoor cycling but are Region Daily Download Growth
very expensive. Usage
Asia Pacific 23% 45%
Smart turbo trainers use Bluetooth technology to interact with a
virtual cycling sports app. The top trainers are direct-drive which Europe 10% 23%
involves removing the rear wheel of a standard bicycle and India 72% 137%
attaching the bicycle chain directly to the trainer. These offer a Middle East and North Africa 26% 52%
more realistic feel and are capable of simulating conditions such Rest of the World 22% 40%
as hill climbs, drafting and changes in the road surface. They also
Americans 7% 19%
record a wealth of performance data. Some virtual training
platforms utilise wearable technology such as virtual reality (VR)
Data is collected from the trainer and processed by the app. The
headsets. These fully immerse the user in the virtual environment.
effort the rider puts in is measured and the resistance is adjusted
Virtual Cycling Apps to simulate cycling in the real world. The rider controls an avatar
whilst watching the game running on a computer screen. They
Virtual cycling applications have become very popular. They must pedal hard to make their avatar move faster to beat the
enable cyclists to connect and ride together through virtual competition. New routes and training environments are being
developed continuously.
Nothing can beat cycling outside in a social environment surrounded by nature and the elements. It is an invigorating and healthy experience
and has many physical, mental and social benefits. It can have a calming effect and alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety. Virtual cycling
is set to complement outdoor cycling but not replace it. Time on a turbo trainer paired with a gaming experience is an ideal alternative when
time is limited or the weather prevents riding outside.

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