Everesting, the endurance challenge in cycling, in which athletes have to conquer 8848 metres of altitude on a single route, now has digital support. With Sierra, the company behind the challenge is introducing an AI-supported virtual coach to help cyclists prepare for the challenging goal. The application creates personalised training plans and provides daily instructions directly via the WhatsApp messenger service. Sierra is aimed at cyclists who want to prepare for the full Everesting distance of 8848 vertical metres or the shorter Half (4424 vertical metres) and Quarter (2212 vertical metres) variants. According to the press release, the system adapts the training plans individually to the user's fitness level and goals. According to the manufacturer, Sierra should take personal requirements into account right from the start and continuously adapt the plans based on the athlete's performance and feedback.
AI Coach functionality
Communication with the virtual coach takes place via WhatsApp. Users can ask questions, give feedback and have their plan adjusted in real time. Sierra is available in seven languages and can be connected to training apps and devices such as Strava, Garmin and Wahoo. This should allow training data to be seamlessly synchronised and workouts to be adjusted based on current training load and recovery. The training plans typically span 12 to 20 weeks, depending on the initial fitness level and the desired goal. Sierra sends daily reminders, weekly summaries and continuously adjusts the plans based on progress. The system can also work without power meters or heart rate sensors by using the subjectively perceived effort to personalise the units. Athletes who use these measuring devices should, however, receive even more detailed plans.
Everesting as a global challenge
Since the first official Everesting Challenge a decade ago, the concept has developed into a global movement. More than 32,000 athletes from 117 countries have taken on the challenge in various forms - from cycling to running and skiing to climbing stairs. The inventors of Everesting announced the first official world championship as the next milestone. On 20 September 2025, racing cyclists from all over the world will compete on Mount Etna in Sicily. Individual starters will have to complete seven laps of a 21.9-kilometre course, each with an elevation gain of 1234 metres. Teams of four will complete two laps of a 46.3-kilometre loop, with each team member covering 2330 vertical metres to reach the finish line of 8848 vertical metres together.
Technical specifications Everesting AI
- AI-based virtual coach for cyclists
- Communication via WhatsApp
- Available in seven languages
- Integration with Strava, Garmin and Wahoo
- Training plans over 12-20 weeks
- Adaptation to fitness level and goals (Full, Half, Quarter Everesting)
- Daily reminders and weekly summaries
- Can be used with and without power meters/heart rate sensors
We cannot judge how well thought-out the AI coach is before testing it. However, TOUR already offers a Training plan for the altitude metre hunt.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
