2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships EOIs open

AusCycling is taking expressions of interest for the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships semi-finals. 

The semi-finals on September 6 act as a precursor to the live finals in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on October 26. 

The 2024 event will be the first to be hosted on MyWhoosh, after the three previous editions were hosted on Zwift.

Points-based multi-stage races comprise the race format for the semi-finals and finals, with points to be awarded for different achievements, such as being the quickest on a route segment, the first across the finish line on a lap, or the first to crest a climb. 

150 riders per gender will compete in the semi-finals aiming for a top-20 finish that will progress them to the live finals.

The semi-finals will consist of two stages. Stage 1 (The Strategist) will see riders contest a 9km circuit that features a 1.5km climb. 

Points are available for those who reach the base of the climb first, as well as points available at the top of the climb. Points will also be awarded on rider position across the finish line. A full points breakdown can be found in the official racebook.

Stage 2 (All Out) will be raced over four laps of a 4km criterium circuit. 

Points will be available across the finish of each lap, with double points on offer on the final lap. While predominately a flat circuit, the run to the finish contains a short and sharp climb at a taxing 12% gradient. 

Further details on the live final can be found in the official racebook. 

The ARA Australian Cycling Team has achieved considerable success since the inception of the esports cycling world titles in 2020. 

Jay Vine won the virtual rainbow jersey in 2022, followed directly by teammate Freddy Ovett in the silver position. Ovett has never recorded a result outside of the top-10, finishing 8th in 2020 and sixth in 2023. Ben Hill has also been consistent with two finishes of fifth and fourth in 2020 and 2022 respectively. 

Sarah Gigante missed out on becoming the first woman to win the esports world championships by 0.064 of a second in 2020, while Bre Vine finished 10th that same year and 11th in 2022. 

Riders who wish to be considered must complete the expression of interest form by 5pm Wednesday, July 10. Use the link here or visit the Selection page to submit an EOI. 

Feature image: Flynn Hopkins/AusCycling