TheZommunique.com, The Virtual Velo Podcast, and the Si Bradeley YouTube Channel joined forces to become the Virtual Velo Network in 2023.
2023 was transformative for the Virtual Velo Network (VVN). When TheZommunique.com, The Virtual Velo Podcast, and the Si Bradeley YouTube Channel joined forces to become the multi-media VVN, it was the next step in an evolution to create a trusted and respected integrated multi-platform Central Source for Cycling Esports.
A year-long journey that’s included meaningful in-person cycling esports dialogue with Zwift Co-Founder Eric Min, USA Cycling’s Chief of Sports Performance Jim Miller, former British Pro turned charismatic commentator Matt Stephens, Twenty24’s Nicola Cramner, and elite esports athlete Kristen Kulchinsky, among other cycling esports game-changers.
Strengthened collaborative relationships with the media teams at the UCI, the IOC, Zwift, MyWhoosh, USA Cycling, ROUVY, Wahoo, TrainerRoad, and several National Governing Bodies and elite esports teams solidified our position with access to in-depth reporting alongside behind-the-scenes sources.
The pages of TheZommunique.com give a face and personality to the digital avatars of over 75 elite racers through interesting, wide-ranging interviews.
The addition of co-host Si Bradeley to The Virtual Velo Podcast added another level of charisma and credibility, making it the go-to platform for cycling esports influencers to connect with the community. indieVelo’s Dr. George Gilbert, the former Zwift Cycling Esports Commission Chairman, and MyWhoosh’s Matt Smithson made their first public statements on the podcast.
Impactful esports figures like WTRLs Martin Carew, Rocacorba Collective’s Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, and Echelon’s Eric Hill shared their perspective with the community. They joined esports influencers like Dave Towle and elite racers Lionel Vujasin, Teppo Laurio, Zach Nehr, Zoe Langham, Marc Mading, and Jenn Real, among many others.
When Denmark’s Bjorn Andreassen won the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, he picked The Virtual Velo Podcast for his first English-speaking interview. So did the first American ever to stand on an Esports World Championship podium, Jacqueline Godbe.
Over 10,000 community and elite racers made Si Bradeley’s YouTube ZRL recon videos an essential part of their pre-race routine.
Cycling esports made significant inroads into traditional media sources like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, and other mainstream cycling publications with freelance contributions.
The Virtual Velo Network experienced unprecedented growth and reach in 2023. We must do much more to achieve our mission and distinguish esports as a unique cycling discipline across the multi-platform landscape. We won’t stop until we do!
There are many exciting plans for 2024! Thank you for your support and for taking the journey with us!
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.
