MyWhoosh Introduces Random Drug Testing for Virtual Cyclists
Virtual cyclists face random drug tests to compete on MyWhoosh app
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
MyWhoosh, an online cycling platform, has announced the implementation of random drug tests for top competitors in its Sunday Race Club. This initiative aims to maintain integrity in virtual cycling, which has gained popularity and offers cash prizes, while addressing concerns over potential cheating through equipment manipulation.
- 01MyWhoosh will conduct random drug tests for top riders in its Sunday Race Club starting next week.
- 02The testing aims to ensure fair play and integrity in virtual cycling competitions.
- 03Around 700 athletes will be part of the initial testing pool, with a goal to test at least 10% annually.
- 04The platform has seen significant growth, paying out $5 million in prizes last year.
- 05Current UCI cycling esports world champion Jason Osborne is among the high-level riders participating.
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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.
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