Ibrahim Ali, XE0114, 1978

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

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earn points. Cheating is a serious issue and a difficult one to Virtual cycling applications have become very popular. They
control when riders are competing remotely. enable cyclists to connect and ride together through virtual
worlds. The gaming nature of the app has the ability to motivate
users and distract them from the boredom and suffering of a hard-
indoor workout. This can result in more prolonged or intense
Equipment cycling. Successful performance is often rewarded with points or
special currency that can be used to make purchases such as
Online training platforms monitor power, speed, pace and heart better bike frames. Common video game features such as power-
rate using sensors on a bicycle set up as a static trainer. A smart ups to improve performance for a short period are also available.
phone, tablet, computer or Smart TV are required to run the Cycling app downloads and daily usage has increased
player, along with a monthly subscription to a training app. The dramatically in recent years. The largest growth of downloads and
most popular types of trainers are classic turbo trainers, smart daily usage has been seen in India.
trainers, free-standing rollers or specially designed static indoor
bicycles. All devices allow pedalling whilst stationary. The pedals Global Cycle App Growth
turn as normal but the energy that would usually be used to push
Region Daily Usage Download Growth
forwards is transferred into the trainer itself. Turbo trainers are the
most popular and work with any bike. They vary in their level of India 72% 137%
technology and the top ones are expensive. The minimum Middle East and North Africa 26% 52%
requirement is a basic turbo trainer which clamps onto the rear Asia Pacific 23% 45%
bicycle wheel. Smart bikes are dedicated to indoor cycling but are
Rest of the World 22% 40%
very expensive.
Europe 10% 23%
Smart turbo trainers use Bluetooth technology to interact with a Americas 7% 19%
virtual cycling sports app. The top trainers are direct-drive which
involves removing the rear wheel of a standard bicycle and
attaching the bicycle chain directly to the trainer. These offer a Data is collected from the trainer and processed by the app. The
more realistic feel and are capable of simulating conditions such effort the rider puts in is measured and the resistance is adjusted
as hill climbs, drafting and changes in the road surface. They also to simulate cycling in the real world. The rider controls an avatar
record a wealth of performance data. Some virtual training whilst watching the game running on a computer screen. They
platforms utilise wearable technology such as virtual reality (VR) must pedal hard to make their avatar move faster to beat the
headsets. These fully immerse the user in the virtual environment. competition. New routes and training environments are being
developed continuously.
Virtual Cycling Apps
Nothing can beat cycling outside in a social environment surrounded by

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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.