MyWhoosh's recent update revamps the AlUla map, streamlines Strava exporting, and includes a host of engaging user experience upgrades.
MyWhoosh, the free-to-use virtual cycling platform chosen by the UCI to host the 2024 through 2026 Cycling Esports World Championships, has rolled out significant upgrades aimed at improving user experiences. The focal point of these updates is the AlUla map in Saudi Arabia, which has received comprehensive enhancements.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
AlUla Map Revamp
MyWhoosh has leveraged advanced technology to overhaul the AlUla map, covering a vast 174km area. This historical city in the Arabian Peninsula has been a part of MyWhoosh since February 2022, and over time, the platform has introduced more sophisticated routes, resulting in improved scaling.
This update enhances the visual experience and streamlines the process of exporting rides to external services, including Strava.
Diverse Terrain Exploration
The renewed AlUla map now allows cyclists to traverse a diverse range of terrains. From expansive flat desert plains to rugged sandstone valleys, riders can expect a varied and challenging cycling experience. Notable regions within the map, such as Hegra, Old Town, and Future City, are now accessible, providing exciting routes through these captivating areas.
Check out the new routes!
| Route Name | Length (km) | Length (miles) | Peak Elevation (m) | Peak Elevation (ft) | Cumulative Gain (m) | Cumulative Gain (ft) | Max Grade (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad Trail | 18.48 | 11.49 | 20 | 65 | 128 | 420 | 6.6 |
| Culture Ride | 17.37 | 10.79 | 19 | 62 | 147 | 482 | 6.8 |
| Canyon Pass | 31.28 | 19.47 | 332 | 1,089 | 438 | 1,436 | 13.3 |
| Nabatean Trail | 15.97 | 9.92 | 113 | 371 | 215 | 705 | 11.7 |
| Heritage Climb | 38.91 | 24.17 | 332 | 1,089 | 679 | 2,230 | 13.5 |
| Valley of Tombs | 4.91 | 3.05 | 2 | 7 | 14 | 46 | 2.2 |
| Alula Adventure Loop | 31.4 | 19.55 | 138 | 452 | 332 | 1,089 | 11.7 |
| Tour Of Hegra | 15.44 | 9.60 | 15 | 49 | 54 | 177 | 4.7 |
Rotational Worlds Schedule
MyWhoosh has introduced a new feature that allows riders to access different virtual worlds on a rotational basis during free rides and workouts.
This scheduling change enables users to vary their training programs from week-to-week, enhancing the overall user experience.
App Enhancements
MyWhoosh’s commitment to improving the user experience is reflected in some of the recent updates:
- Enhanced iOS Device Support: The latest update ensures smooth performance on lower-end iOS devices, catering to a broader user base.
- Full-Screen Mode: The next update will introduce a full-screen mode, offering users a cleaner, more immersive screen experience with minimal distractions.
- New Training Plans and Workouts: Cyclists can explore MyWhoosh’s Beginner FTP program, which is ideal for newcomers or those looking to boost their FTP. Additionally, the “Little Pebble” workout is perfect for gravel enthusiasts. Two new workouts are also in the pipeline to aid users in their race preparation.
- New Garage Items: The MyWhoosh Garage will soon feature new jerseys from Look, Wahoo Le Col, and Zycle, expanding users’ customization options.
MyWhoosh continues to evolve as it makes a push toward the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships by providing an engaging virtual riding experience for cyclists. The app is accessible on various platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows, with more options to come.
Expanded App Availability For Lower-End Devices
| iPhone | Release Year | iPad | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone X | 2017 | iPad Pro 12.9 (1st gen) | 2015 |
| iPhone XR | 2018 | iPad Pro 12.9 (2nd gen) | 2017 |
| iPhone XS | 2018 | iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd gen) | 2018 |
| iPhone XS Max | 2018 | iPad Pro 12.9 (4th gen) | 2020 |
| iPhone 11 | 2019 | iPad Pro 12.9 (5th gen) | 2021 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 2019 | iPad Pro 11 (1st gen) | 2018 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | 2019 | iPad Pro 11 (2nd gen) | 2020 |
| iPhone 12 mini | 2020 | iPad Pro 11 (3rd gen) | 2021 |
| iPhone 12 | 2020 | iPad Pro 11 (4th gen) | 2023 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 2020 | iPad Pro 10.5 (1st gen) | 2017 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 2020 | iPad Air (3rd gen) | 2019 |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen) | 2020 | iPad Air (4th gen) | 2020 |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | 2022 | iPad Air (5th gen) | 2022 |
| iPhone 13 mini | 2021 | iPad 10.2 (7th gen) | 2019 |
| iPhone 13 | 2021 | iPad 10.2 (8th gen) | 2020 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 2021 | iPad 10.2 (9th gen) | 2021 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 2021 | iPad 10.2 (10th gen) | 2022 |
| iPhone 14 | iPad Mini (5th gen) | 2019 | |
| iPhone 14 Plus | iPad Mini (6th gen) | 2021 | |
| iPhone 14 Pro | |||
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | |||
| iPhone 15 | |||
| iPhone 15 Plus | |||
| iPhone 15 Pro | |||
| iPhone 15 Pro Max |
Race Control and Events Manager Matt Smithson speaks about MyWhoosh’s future vision. Click the image to learn more about MyWhoosh directly from the source.
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.
MyWhoosh’s computer scientists should first make the platform compatible with as many computers as possible.
To date, MyWhoosh is unstable for many users, with very low FPS <15, even on recent machines. On the one hand, MyWhoosh requires a super-powerful computer, and on the other, it requires around 20 GB of space on the SSD… And worst of all, you have to download everything with every update. There are no partial updates at launch, as with indieVelo, Zwift & co… With each update, you have to download at least 20 GB (!). In short, outdated, obsolete, overly complex software.
The physics and animation of the cyclists are poor and unrealistic. Only the scenery is worked on – overworked and overloaded, which contributes to the software's low FPS and cumbersome nature.
MyWoosh is not yet optimized, so there's still a lot of work to be done… Perhaps they should review everything and switch to Unity?
I appreciate the comment, Cyclist. Your feedback is well-taken. I have a few questions. When was the last time you used MyWhoosh? There have been several recent updates said to address the issues you mentioned. Also, are you certain that the platform isn’t built on Unity? My sources in the company tell me it is.
Hi, recently tested, with last update. Software is too heavy.
It seems to me that MyWhoosh runs under Unreal Engine.
But the main problem is the heaviness of the software, its 20 GB and RAM requierements.