Cycling Canada is set to launch its highly anticipated 2024-2025 Esports season from November 4, 2024, to April 7, 2025. This exciting season will unfold on popular virtual cycling platforms, Zwift and MyWoosh, ensuring that a diverse range of participants has accessible riding opportunities while fostering a unique connection with National Team athletes.
Participants can look forward to a variety of engaging events. These include the weekly Monday rides featuring different courses—perfect for cyclists of all skill levels—Wednesday Team Canada Rides led by National Team athletes for an immersive experience, and Saturday Fundo Rides offering multiple distance options alongside the chance to join a Cycling Canada club community. Additionally, the highly competitive Canadian Esports Championships will take place.
Cycling Canada Weekly Rides
Returning this year due to popular demand, our Monday rides will introduce multiple time zone options, making it easier than ever for participants spread across the country to join in the riding fun. Following a rotating schedule, the courses will vary each week, offering cyclists a mix of training opportunities suited for all abilities. Recommended paces will be set between 1.5-2.0 w/kg to create a welcoming atmosphere for social rides.
Wednesday Team Canada Rides
Every three weeks, participants can join a National Team athlete, enjoys a relaxed and social riding experience on a flat course, perfect for engaging in conversation. This is a unique opportunity to join truly interactive group rides with some of Canada’s best athletes. Riders can connect with their favorite athletes through peer-to-peer voice chats via Discord, enhancing the experience.
The first Wednesday Team Canada Ride of the season promises to be particularly special, featuring the talented Jenn Jackson leading the ride at 8:00 p.m. ET on November 13. Don’t miss your chance to train alongside elite cyclists and enhance your skills! More details are available here.
Saturday Fundo Rides
Beginning at 12:05 p.m. ET each Saturday, riders will embark on a journey through various courses offered on Zwift, with ride distances ranging from 20 to 50 km. Participants are encouraged to ride at their preferred pace, or they can opt to challenge their fellow riders to a spirited race at the front.
Canadian Esports Championships
The fourth edition of the Canadian Esports Championships is slated to take place on MyWhoosh and will be supported by Echelon Racing Promotions on February 8-9, 2025. New this year, all interested participants wishing to compete in the Championships will be required to compete in at least one (1) Echelon Racing League event, hosted on MyWhoosh. These qualification events for the Echelon Racing League will take place from December 7, 2024, to January 18, 2025. Click here for more information.
More information regarding the technical guide, qualification criteria, and registration will soon be available on the Cycling Canada Events webpage in the upcoming weeks.
**Interview with Cycling Canada’s Esports Coordinator, Jane Doe**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today, Jane! We’re excited to hear more about the upcoming 2024-2025 Esports season. Can you start by telling us what inspired Cycling Canada to expand its virtual cycling programs?
*Jane Doe:* Absolutely! We saw a significant growth in interest in esports among cyclists over the past few years, especially during the pandemic. Virtual platforms like Zwift and MyWoosh have become incredibly popular, allowing cyclists of all skill levels to engage with the sport from home. Our aim is to make cycling more accessible and enjoyable while also providing a unique opportunity for fans to interact with our National Team athletes.
*Interviewer:* That sounds fantastic! Can you elaborate on the different types of events participants can expect this season?
*Jane Doe:* Of course! We have a variety of weekly events planned. Every Monday, participants can join our rides that cater to all abilities with varying courses, which will allow riders from different time zones to participate. The Wednesday Team Canada Rides are particularly special, as they are led by our National Team athletes, offering a more relaxed environment where cyclists can connect with their heroes and socialize while riding. On Saturdays, we’ll have Fundo Rides, which are designed to include multiple distance options and foster community involvement through Cycling Canada clubs. Plus, we are thrilled to host the Canadian Esports Championships, which promises to be a highlight of the season.
*Interviewer:* That’s an impressive lineup! What measures are in place to ensure that the rides are welcoming to cyclists of all levels?
*Jane Doe:* Inclusivity is our top priority. For the Monday rides, we’re recommending paces between 1.5-2.0 w/kg to ensure that everyone can keep up and feel comfortable. We also encourage riders to communicate their skill levels so we can further tailor the experience. Our rotating schedule adds variety, allowing riders to experience different challenges each week without feeling overwhelmed.
*Interviewer:* It sounds like there’s something for everyone! Jane, what do you hope participants take away from the 2024-2025 Esports season?
*Jane Doe:* We hope riders will not only enhance their cycling skills but also feel a genuine sense of community and connection through these virtual rides. Engaging with National Team athletes can be inspiring and motivational, and we want everyone to feel they are a part of something bigger – cycling in Canada. Our goal is to promote fitness, fun, and camaraderie among cyclists nationwide.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Jane! It sounds like an exciting and inclusive season ahead. We can’t wait to see how it unfolds!
*Jane Doe:* Thank you for having me! We’re looking forward to it too!
