UCI Cycling Esports World Championships on Zwift: the second edition on February 26, 2022

It’s official: the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirms that Zwift, the online fitness platform, will host the 2022 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships on February 26, 2022. After a first edition in 2020, the title will now be contested on the virtual roads of the “New York” map.

Source: Press Release

Each in their own home, connected to Zwift, men and women vying for the Esport cycling world champion title will try to make their avatar move as fast as possible by pedaling on a course, using their indoor trainer connected to a screen.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 23 spots will be distributed among National Federations based on criteria established by Zwift and the UCI. Federations will be responsible for allocating them to professional athletes or confirmed Zwifters.
• This year, the competition is open to the Zwift community. Qualifiers will take place across five continents on November 27 and 28, 2021. The top 5 from each heat will be offered a spot in the Elite World Championships. More information here.
• The 2022 course will take place on the Zwift New York map and will notably include the famous and very demanding “Kickerbocker“. A 54.9 km course, with 944 m of elevation gain, which will give athletes a tough challenge.
• Parity will be key during the competition, as Zwift and the UCI have announced that broadcasting conditions, the number of athletes entered, and the course will be the same for both events.

On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, South African Ashleigh Moolman Pasio and German Jason Osborne made cycling history by winning the very first Esport cycling rainbow jersey. A jersey they will put back into play on February 26 at the second edition of the UCI Cycling Esport World Championships.

By moving the date from December to February, Zwift and the UCI are seeking to permanently establish this event in the cycling calendar. This period is, on the one hand, a quiet time for professional athletes, and on the other hand, very active for Esport cycling enthusiasts. It should therefore allow for a maximum number of participants.