UCI Cycling Esports World Championships on Zwift on February 26: everything you need to know

On February 26 at 7 PM, the 180 best esport cyclists will launch into Knickerbocker, a virtual replica of New York with challenging terrain. A selective course that guarantees a thrilling competition from the very first lap. Start time, profiles of the 4 French competitors, course profile – here’s everything you need to know about the second edition of the Esport Cycling World Championships.

Source: Press Release

WHERE TO FOLLOW THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS?

The World Championships will be broadcast live from 7 PM to 10 PM (French time) on February 26 on Eurosport.
Live broadcast on GCN+ and the Zwift YouTube channel. 

• The Elite Women’s race will start at 7:15 PM (French time).
• The Elite Men’s race will start at 8:45 PM (French time).

4 THINGS TO REMEMBER…

Knickerbocker, a demanding course

This second edition of the Esport Cycling World Championships will take place in Zwift’s virtual New York. A 54.9 km circuit with 944 m of elevation gain on which athletes will alternate rolling sections and steep climbs. A demanding course that promises a great show.

Be strategic…

Virtual world means “gamification”. Athletes will have access to PowerUps, strategic bonuses available under the arches. Used wisely and at the right time, they can change the course of the competition.

The rainbow jersey at stake

Just like road cycling, track, mountain bike, BMX Freestyle, BMX Racing, indoor cycling, trial, and cyclo-cross, esport cycling is now one of the 9 sports governed by the UCI. This is why UCI regulations apply. At the end of the two races held on February 26, the two next World Champions will receive a rainbow jersey (virtual and physical) which they can wear during Esport events throughout the year.

Gender equality in events

Same broadcast duration, same course, same number of athletes, same prize money… In these World Championships, men and women are placed on an equal footing. A guideline that Zwift does not deviate from.

4 FRENCH ATHLETES TO WATCH…

Sandra Lévénez
4th in the French ITT (individual time trial) Championship in 2020, level 25 on Zwift, the athlete who wears the Cofidis team colors in professional competitions will use all her road experience to represent France in this new kind of competition. A fan of hilly courses, Sandra has every chance to shine on Knickerbocker.

Alban Puech
Alban was born and raised in Morocco. It was after moving to France and to train despite much less clement temperatures that this former triathlete started on Zwift. Today level 41 on Zwift, he ranks 56th in the world ranking on Zwift Power and 7th in U23 (under 23 years old). His favorite course? Epic KOM on Watopia. No doubt, the New York KOM is made for him.

Hugo Viort
Hugo started cycling in 2012. After proving himself in Elite at Martigues, then at the Vélo Club de La Pomme in Marseille, he discovered Zwift during the first lockdown and got hooked. He quickly joined the Punchers Club, the first e-cycling team registered in France. With his 23rd place in the Zwift Power ranking and the experience gained to reach level 41 on the platform, Hugo is ready to defend France’s colors next Saturday.

Adrien Vuillier
Cyclist, triathlete, duathlete, runner, Adrien Vuillier is at the top of the French Zwift Power ranking. He will have every chance to shine in Zwift’s virtual New York.