UCI and MyWhoosh launch the first e-sports world championships for juniors and masters

The UCI is expanding its e-sports programme and, for the first time, awarding world championship titles outside the elite category. MyWhoosh is organising the event, in which riders can represent their national federations. Participants must hold a valid licence or membership with their national federation, including a UCI ID, and meet the eligibility and verification requirements.

Riders aged between 19 and 39 are excluded from this event and will continue to compete in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships Elite. UCI President David Lappartient explains that esports cycling has grown significantly in recent years. Following five successful elite editions, he is delighted to give juniors and masters the chance to compete for the rainbow jersey.

MyWhoosh Terms and Conditions

The Junior category comprises riders aged 17 and 18. The Masters category starts at the age of 40 and is divided into five-year age groups. At least ten verified entrants in each category are required for a UCI World Championship title to be awarded.

Matt Smithson, Director of Esports & Game Operations at MyWhoosh, describes the launch of the first UCI Junior and Masters Cycling Esports World Championships as an important step. The championships offer juniors and age-group athletes a clear opportunity to represent their national federations and compete for an official UCI world title. Participants are set to experience the same high standards in racing and verification as at elite level.

Track profile and race format

The route replicates the course of the 2026 Road World Championships in Montréal, where Brandon McNulty and Demi Vollering won the elite titles. The virtual course is 13.3 km long and features 247 metres of elevation gain per lap. The route features a series of short climbs, undulating terrain and a fast home straight.

Juniors and Masters aged 60 and over will complete two laps totalling 26.6 km. Masters aged between 40 and 59 will complete three laps totalling 39.9 km. The race follows the ‘First Across the Line’ format. The rider who crosses the finish line first is declared the winner, subject to the completion of performance testing and UCI approval.

MyWhoosh verification

Participants must use a verified MyWhoosh account, complete the Power Passport test and undergo pre-event verification. Approved equipment and dual power recording are mandatory. Riders must complete three MyWhoosh Sunday Race Club events by 1 December 2026.

MyWhoosh utilises a verified esports environment that checks racing and training history, verifies riders’ height and weight, and monitors approved equipment. Live monitoring of dual power output, cadence and heart rate is included, as are streaming and identity checks. After the race, primary and secondary performance data are compared. Additional tests or evidence are provided where necessary.

All results remain provisional until the MyWhoosh performance review has been completed and the classification has been approved by the UCI and the appointed international commissaire. Riders must comply with the UCI Cycling Esports Regulations, the current MyWhoosh Cycling Esports Rules & Regulations and all applicable anti-doping requirements.

Preparation and support

MyWhoosh works with national federations to support riders ahead of championships through training rides and test events. The aim is for participants to gain an understanding of the platform and its racing dynamics. National federations can use MyWhoosh to organise branded community rides and promotional activities that encourage participation in and the development of e-sports cycling.

Final confirmation of categories, start times, registration details and riders’ instructions will be issued to national federations and participants prior to the event. The UCI Junior and Masters Cycling Esports World Championships will take place one week after the 2026 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships Elite Final, which is scheduled for 5 December 2026.

MyWhoosh Background

Doping tests MyWhoosh