by Liz Van Houweling
Elite esports cyclist Liz Van Houweling explores the opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges facing the evolving world of cycling esports.
It’s an interesting and changing time in cycling esports. Everywhere I turn, there seems to be more drama and differing opinions. We want positive changes to enable our sport to grow, but sometimes we all need to pause, take a breath, and simply appreciate the beauty and power of bikes.
All Cycling Disciplines are Awesome
I have ridden and raced a variety of disciplines. I love mountain biking because it’s part of what made me fall in love with my husband. He was patient with me as he taught me skills, and we went on many mountain bike trips together and saw gorgeous sights. I feel a sense of achievement whenever I ride something seemingly beyond my capabilities.
I love gravel riding because of the feeling of adventure in exploring new roads that very few other people ever travel. Traffic is light, the scenery is incredible, and the conditions constantly change.
I love road riding because of the exhilaration of going fast and flying across smooth tarmac. I struggle to hold the wheel of faster riders, sometimes ending in defeat, but it’s still a rewarding challenge.
ESports is Special
However, esports is special; it’s unique. I found Zwift at the end of 2020 and immediately got hooked. I used to loathe trainer rides in cold Iowa winters (just ask my husband!). Suddenly, I was looking forward to riding my bike nowhere.
Pushing Boundaries
Never before have I pushed my physical limits more than on an indoor trainer. You don’t have to worry about anything other than putting as much power through the pedals as possible. Suffering takes on a whole new meaning.
Structure and Control
I’ve learned to appreciate the value of structured training in my overall life quality. Feeling in control over my training provides me with stability and predictability. I don’t have to stress about the weather or if anyone can stay home with my kids. Even when the rest of my life seems chaotic and out of my control, I can ALWAYS get in a quality ride.
Greater Competition
I can race some of the strongest women in the world from my basement. I can jump into races with men much stronger than me and not worry about the risk of crashing or being in over my head ability-wise. This easy access to high-quality fields is something I never take for granted.
Stronger Relationships
I’ve virtually met people from across the world who have had profound impacts on my life. I would never have encountered these individuals without the virtual world of cycling.
I strive for excellence like in no other discipline I’ve ever tried. I’ve had to strengthen my communication skills in my marriage to continue this pursuit. I’ve become a better wife and mother because I realize I must keep my priorities in line.
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Personal and Direct Involvement
My husband used to race mountain bikes at a reasonably high level, so he knows bike racing. While he does not personally Zwift, he is very involved in the esports world as he supports me.
He can stand right beside me during a race and see the entirety of it. He can encourage me every step of the way and fully understand what I am going through and how to help me best. Meanwhile, my kids can also be in the room cheering me on!
I can be on the phone with my teammates or coach, who are quite literally all across the world, and they can also fully experience the race, guiding me and helping me adapt as the race unfolds. I can create meet-ups with teammates to suffer through workouts “together.”
The amount of support and connection you feel is overwhelming and unique to esports.
Challenges
My journey through esports has not always been smooth. I’ve certainly had difficult periods that required a lot of support from my family and a few close friends. A lot of stress, skepticism, negativity, and unhealthy personalities can be involved.
Our sport is going through trying times as well.
More money does not always make things better or bring out the best in humanity. Different draft dynamics are not automatically superior. More complicated race formats are not always more enjoyable or better.
How are we going to react to these challenges?
Your Role
While our esports community goes through this transition period, consider your part. Are your words and actions making a positive impact and growing the sport?
- Race fairly: Calibrate equipment regularly, be transparent, refrain from illegal performance enhancement, race in appropriate categories, etc.
- Share your passion with others: Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to open the eyes of a skeptic! Indoor riding can be for everyone. My parents now own two smart trainers because they’ve seen the benefits it has had for me.
- Share your story: You never know what people could be enduring and the impact you might have on someone’s life.
- Welcome new riders: A person’s initial experiences could potentially shape their entire perception of the sport. There are no stupid questions. We can all learn something. Be inviting to those who are just discovering the world of virtual cycling.
- Try different platforms: Explore and see the possibilities for each platform. Offer constructive criticism as needed to push the sport forward, but do NOT trash talk other platforms, especially in a public way. You have your preferences and opinions, but all do not necessarily share those.
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- Use kind words: Be kind-hearted in general. In-game chat, public forums, social media—these are all opportunities for you to show your class. Differing opinions are completely acceptable; tearing each other down with harsh words is not.
- Be respectful: Virtual cycling should be a safe place for everyone. Riders should never experience discomfort due to inappropriate comments or undue pressure. If someone does not show interest in your unsolicited advice or thoughts, accept that. The ability to direct message and communicate in other ways with individuals requires responsibility.
- Get Involved: There are plenty of opportunities to promote races, participate in charity rides, lead/sweep group rides, etc. These all create a positive culture and help make it about more than just riding bikes.
- Include Kids: Very few other cycling disciplines are as kid-friendly as esports. Be a positive role model as kids both actively participate and watch your every move. This can help cultivate a passion for the sport of cycling.
Conclusion
“You get out what you put in” is a common saying, and this is so true. Virtual cycling has the capacity to add a lot to our lives. Many of us have reaped these benefits. Ensure that you are giving back to the sport that offers so much.
What you value, what you hope for, what you prioritize—these will shape how you live your life. Please take a moment to make sure you are doing your part to showcase our sport in a positive light so that others can also enjoy it. Virtual cycling is going through some changes, and we each have the power to influence that. Is your influence for the betterment of the sport?
Thank you, Zwift
I’d also like to take the time to thank Zwift properly. Thank you for paving the way for all of this to happen. Thank you for all of the incredible opportunities I’ve had because of you. Thank you for the growth as a cyclist and person that I’ve undergone because of you. Thank you for all you are doing to continue growing esports and the sport of cycling as a whole. The landscape of virtual cycling is changing, but Zwift will always hold a special place in my heart!
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Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
To help make indoor cycling grow with smart trainers, there needs to be less emphasis on Zwift. Using Zwift as a verb and saying zwifting alienates people using other software platforms.
I can’t help but agree, Martty! Virtual cycling and esports are no longer a one man game.