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