Ep. 49: Mt. Washington Record Holder & Cycling Esports Star Kristen Kulchinsky w/Coach Josh Lipka

In Episode 49 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris and Emma welcome Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY24's Kristen Kulchinsky and Coach Josh Lipka. The reigning US National Cycling Esports Champion is on a barnstorming campaign in her first year as a real world cyclist, crushing the course record on every hill climb she entered, including an epic victory atop the toughest hill climb in the US, if not the world.

Kristen shares the dramatic account as she conquered the 22% pitches of Mt. Washington's upper slopes with a puncture and muscle cramps to win its 51st edition alongside Team Saris' Cameron Cogburn.

Her Coach, Josh Lipka, shares his insight into balancing the physiological demands of multiple disciplines and what it will take for his rider to make it to the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships live final in Abu Dhabi and keep form for the upcoming Zwift World Series and Zwift Games.

They also delve into the recent announcement that supertri E has partnered with MyWhoosh and discuss why this partnership could be more impactful than the UCI's involvement. Additionally, they shine a spotlight on the federations that fully support cycling esports, those that don't, and the one that is prohibiting athletes from participating.

Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode. We’ve curated a selection of articles that inspired our conversation, providing you with exclusive insights.

• From Virtual to Real World Victory—Elite Cyclist Kristen Kulchinsky [Zommunique, Sept. 28, 2023]
• 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships Semi-Finals Details Revealed [Zommunique, Aug. 28, 2024]
• Zwift Reveals 2024/25 Elite Community Racing Season Plans [Zommunique, June 24, 2024]
• Cycling Esports Will Be In The Olympics, But Is The Foundation Strong Enough? [Zommunique, Aug. 12, 2024]

Join us for a conversational ride where we not only lend a voice to the digital athlete but also bridge the gap between athlete and avatar. We invite you to be part of this exciting exploration of the future of virtual sport and digital athlete engagement!