NZ Cycling duo qualify for Virtual Cycling Championships

Share to Google Classroom

Two New Zealand cyclists have qualified for the first UCI Esport World Championships in virtual cycling.

Kate McCarthy from Waikato and Ollie Jones from Christchurch will travel to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for the event on October 26. Both are excited to represent their country in this new type of competition.

Virtual cycling gained popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, and platforms like “My Whoosh” have helped it grow. Riders race on stationary bikes in intense one-hour competitions. McCarthy and Jones will compete live in an arena, making this event different from previous races, which were done from home.

Jones is the top men’s seed, and McCarthy is ranked third among women. They see this new sport as a great opportunity, with potential to be included in the 2025 Olympic eSports Games. Jones also says it’s a good way for young cyclists to get noticed, especially in Europe.

1
Starting in the future, all new mothers in New Zealand...
1
Jade Henderson, a 32-year-old bodybuilder from Australia, has broken a...
1
In Hamilton, New Zealand, a cat named Nico the Great...
1
Katmai National Park in Alaska kicked off Fat Bear Week,...

World & National News

1
After 26 years of service, the Interislander ferry Aratere will...
1
More than 500 digital billboards around New Zealand will now...
1
Two long-running Māori news programmes, Te Karere and The Hui,...
1
A strong earthquake measuring 7.4 on the magnitude scale struck...
1
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a...