Ep. 54: UCI's Cycling Esports Coordinator Jacob Fraser

In Episode 54 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris and Emma sit down with Jacob Fraser, the UCI's Cycling Esports Coordinator. Fraser's journey from early involvement in cycling esports with platforms like Zwift and MyWhoosh to his current role with the UCI showcases his impact on the sport's rapid evolution. His insights shed light on the UCI's commitment to advancing cycling esports, particularly in establishing a comprehensive framework that ensures credibility and engagement across the global cycling community.

Fraser discusses the UCI's vision for the future of cycling esports, emphasizing key initiatives such as performance verification and smart trainer standardization. He elaborates on the UCI's plans for an International Calendar and Ranking System, providing a structured environment for competitive cyclists worldwide.

A significant topic of conversation is the UCI Cycling Esports World Championship Tender Process, where Fraser reveals why the UCI selected MyWhoosh over Zwift as the official platform and responds to community sentiment. Fraser reflects on the UCI's intent to foster innovation and broaden engagement with National Cycling Federations, ensuring a unified approach to the sport's growth.

As cycling esports garners more attention, Fraser addresses its potential inclusion in the Olympics and the UCI's response to community sentiment surrounding this dynamic discipline. With the sport's landscape continuously evolving, the conversation offers an in-depth look at the UCI's strategic direction and commitment to nurturing cycling esports' future.

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.

• UCI in Transition: Examining the Governing Body’s Contribution, Relevance, and Evolving Role—Does Cycling Esports Need The UCI? [Zommunique, April 10, 2024]
• All of the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship Smart Trainers Will Be Tested, Standardized, and UCI-Approved [Zommunique, Aug. 6, 2024]
• Equal Treatment: Examining UCI’s Disparities in Governance for Cycling Esports [Zommunique, April 30, 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!