Report by: Kabila Maniraja, MY320, 1001
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 reaction such as injury, nausea or fainting. Dehydration can also
occur if cycling indoors without sufficient intake of fluids and
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise and a highly effective way adequate air flow for cooling. These are all potential dangers if
to burn fat, improve fitness and tone muscle. Virtual cycling cycling at home without supervision or support. Data security is
enables nervous and inexperienced cyclists to participate in another issue as app users provide large amounts of data which
simulated races in large groups without fear of accidents. They are at risk from hacking.
will also not have to deal with the potentially intimidating Cheating has become an issue in
experience of traveling to an outdoor event and negotiating the virtual cycling races as prize money
start of a mass participation event. has increased the incentive to do well.
Another major benefit is safety. When riding indoors on a During competitions online platforms
stationary bike there is no traffic, dangerous roads or weather to log the data from riders via power
contend with. Heavy traffic, darkness and bad weather are often meters. Some competitors have edited
barriers to engaging in cycling. Environmental factors such as their power data logs to show a
extreme temperatures and air pollution can also be more easily substantial increase in power over the
controlled indoors. course of a race. These unrealistic data
logs have been identified as suspicious by automated control
For competing athletes this technology can replace the need to
systems. Other suspect activities have been the use of drugs to
travel to different locations to compete at major competitions. This
enhance performance, recording incorrect weight information and
saves travelling time and costs. Coaching staff can assist athletes
male riders competing in female races to earn points. Cheating is
remotely regardless of their location and the time zones involved.
a serious issue and a difficult one to control when riders are
This greater flexibility means athletes can train and compete in a
competing remotely.
greater variety of settings than would otherwise be possible.
Drawbacks Equipment
Online training platforms monitor power, speed, pace and heart
There is a danger that some cyclists may push themselves
rate using sensors on a bicycle set up as a static trainer. A smart
beyond their own safe physical limits and experience an adverse
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Report by: Kabila Maniraja, MY320, 1001
phone, tablet, computer or Smart TV are required to run the users and distract them from the boredom and suffering of a hard
player, along with a monthly subscription to a training app. The indoor workout. This can result in more prolonged or intense
most popular types of trainers are classic turbo trainers, smart cycling. Successful performance is often rewarded with points or
trainers, free-standing rollers or specially designed static indoor special currency that can be used to make purchases such as
bicycles. All devices allow pedalling whilst stationary. The pedals better bike frames. Common video game features such as power-
turn as normal but the energy that would usually be used to push ups to improve performance for a short period are also available.
forwards is transferred into the trainer itself. Turbo trainers are the Cycling app downloads and daily usage has increased
most popular and work with any bike. They vary in their level of dramatically in recent years. The largest growth of downloads and
technology and the top ones are expensive. The minimum daily usage has been seen in India.
requirement is a basic turbo trainer which clamps onto the rear
bicycle wheel. Smart bikes are dedicated to indoor cycling but are Global Cycle App Growth
very expensive. Region Daily Download Growth
Usage
Smart turbo trainers use Bluetooth technology to interact with a
India 72% 137%
virtual cycling sports app. The top trainers are direct-drive which
involves removing the rear wheel of a standard bicycle and Middle East and North Africa 26% 52%
attaching the bicycle chain directly to the trainer. These offer a Asia Pacific 23% 45%
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 Europe 10% 23%
record a wealth of performance data. Some virtual training Americas 7% 19%
platforms utilise wearable technology such as virtual reality (VR)
headsets. These fully immerse the user in the virtual environment.
Data is collected from the trainer and processed by the app. The
Virtual Cycling Apps effort the rider puts in is measured and the resistance is adjusted
to simulate cycling in the real world. The rider controls an avatar
Virtual cycling applications have become very popular. They whilst watching the game running on a computer screen. They
enable cyclists to connect and ride together through virtual must pedal hard to make their avatar move faster to beat the
worlds. The gaming nature of the app has the ability to motivate 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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Report by: Kabila Maniraja, MY320, 1001