Ep. 84: Echelon’s Eric Hill — USA Cycling Esports National Series and 2026 National Championships

Project Echelon co-founder Eric Hill returns to the Virtual Velo Podcast to share an announcement that he believes could reshape the future of cycling esports.

From leading the top American UCI Continental team to empowering veterans through sport, Eric has built a movement grounded in purpose and performance. Now, through a new partnership with USA Cycling and TrainingPeaks, he’s bringing that mission into the cycling esports space for the 6th edition of the Echelon Racing League.

Hosts Chris Schwenker and Emma Martin dig into the details—why is he moving from MyWhoosh to TrainingPeaks Virtual, how the partnership will impact racers and the broader esports community, and what it means for the legitimacy and accessibility of virtual cycling.

What is the significance of the first USA Cycling Esports National Series and the plans for the 2026 National Championships?

They ask what the community wants to know about the league details, explore the value-proposition, and ask if cross-over events are the vision of “true cycling esports.”

Is this the moment where technology and tradition meet to create a new kind of racing experience? Or does it blur the lines defining cycling esports as a unique discipline?

Tune in for an inside look at how Eric Hill and Echelon Racing Promotions are bridging the gap between real and virtual worlds—one season at a time.

Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.

• Listen to ep. 32 with Eric here and ep. 59 with Eric here.
• TrainingPeaks Virtual to Host USA Cycling Esports National Championships Through 2028 [USA Cycling]
• RGT leads the charge for inclusion of disabled athletes in virtual cycling [CyclingNews, Feb. 7, 2022]
• “USA Cycling Embraces Cycling Esports and the Olympics Would be a Game-Changer,” Says the Chief of Sports Performance [Zommunique, June 2023]
• USA Cycling Awards 20 Stars and Stripes Jerseys at the 2025 Cycling Esports National Championships [Zommunique, Feb. 2025]

Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.