Report by: Ismail Eryilmaz UG009 1111
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 money has increased the incentive to do well. During
competitions online platforms log the data from riders via power
Another major benefit is safety. When riding indoors on a meters. Some competitors have edited their power data logs to
stationary bike there is no traffic, dangerous roads or weather to show a substantial increase in power over the course of a race.
contend with. Heavy traffic, darkness and bad weather are often These unrealistic data logs have been identified as suspicious by
barriers to engaging in cycling. Environmental factors such as automated control systems. Other suspect activities have been
extreme temperatures and air pollution can also be more easily the use of drugs to enhance performance, recording incorrect
controlled indoors. weight information and male riders competing in female races to
earn points. Cheating is a serious issue and a difficult one to
For competing athletes this technology can replace the need to
control when riders are competing remotely.
travel to different locations to compete at major competitions. This
saves travelling time and costs. Coaching staff can assist athletes Equipment
remotely regardless of their location and the time zones involved.
This greater flexibility means athletes can train and compete in a Online training platforms monitor power, speed, pace and heart
greater variety of settings than would otherwise be possible. rate using sensors on a bicycle set up as a static trainer. A smart
phone, tablet, computer or Smart TV are required to run the
Drawbacks player, along with a monthly subscription to a training app. The
most popular types of trainers are classic turbo trainers, smart
There is a danger that some cyclists may push themselves
trainers, free-standing rollers or specially designed static indoor
beyond their own safe physical limits and experience an adverse
bicycles. All devices allow pedalling whilst stationary. The pedals
reaction such as injury, nausea or fainting. Dehydration can also
turn as normal but the energy that would usually be used to push
occur if cycling indoors without sufficient intake of fluids and
forwards is transferred into the trainer itself. Turbo trainers are the
adequate air flow for cooling. These are all potential dangers if
most popular and work with any bike. They vary in their level of
cycling at home without supervision or support. Data security is
technology and the top ones are expensive. The minimum
another issue as app users provide large amounts of data which
requirement is a basic turbo trainer which clamps onto the rear
are at risk from hacking.
bicycle wheel. Smart bikes are dedicated to indoor cycling but are
Cheating has become an issue in virtual cycling races as prize very expensive.
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Report by: Ismail Eryilmaz UG009 1111
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise and a highly effective way special currency that can be used to make purchases such as
to burn fat, improve fitness and tone muscle. Virtual cycling better bike frames. Common video game features such as power-
enables nervous and inexperienced cyclists to participate in ups to improve performance for a short period are also available.
simulated races in large groups without fear of accidents. They Cycling app downloads and daily usage has increased
will also not have to deal with the potentially intimidating dramatically in recent years. The largest growth of downloads and
experience of traveling to an outdoor event and negotiating the daily usage has been seen in India.
start of a mass participation event.
Global Cycle App Growth
Smart turbo trainers use Bluetooth technology to interact with a
Region Daily Usage Download Growth
virtual cycling sports app. The top trainers are direct-drive which
involves removing the rear wheel of a standard bicycle and Asia Pacific 23% 45%
attaching the bicycle chain directly to the trainer. These offer a
more realistic feel and are capable of simulating conditions such Europe 10% 23%
as hill climbs, drafting and changes in the road surface. They also India 72% 137%
record a wealth of performance data. Some virtual training
platforms utilise wearable technology such as virtual reality (VR) Middle East and 26% 52%
headsets. These fully immerse the user in the virtual environment. North Africa
Rest of the World 22% 40%
Virtual Cycling Apps
Data is collected from the trainer and processed by the app. The
Virtual cycling applications have become very popular. They effort the rider puts in is measured and the resistance is adjusted
enable cyclists to connect and ride together through virtual to simulate cycling in the real world. The rider controls an avatar
worlds. The gaming nature of the app has the ability to motivate whilst watching the game running on a computer screen. They
users and distract them from the boredom and suffering of a hard must pedal hard to make their avatar move faster to beat the
indoor workout. This can result in more prolonged or intense competition. New routes and training environments are being
cycling. Successful performance is often rewarded with points or 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.