MyWhoosh, which hosts the UCI Esports World Championships, is taking a significant step in virtual cycling by introducing random drug testing for participants in its Sunday Race Club. The initiative, set to begin next week, will require selected riders to remain on-site for up to three hours post-race for testing by the International Doping Tests & Management team. This move aims to uphold the integrity of the sport as virtual cycling continues to grow, offering cash prizes ranging from $2,170 (£1,593) to $20 (£14). Matt Smithson, director of esports & game operations at MyWhoosh, stated that approximately 700 athletes will be included in the initial testing pool, with plans to test at least 10% of them each year. The drug testing is part of a broader effort to prevent cheating, including miscalibrating equipment and using bots. MyWhoosh currently boasts hundreds of thousands of registered users and has paid out $5 million in prizes last year, indicating the increasing popularity and competitiveness of virtual cycling. With the sport attracting elite riders like current UCI cycling esports world champion Jason Osborne, MyWhoosh aims to ensure a level playing field for all participants.