Engaged leadership, collaboration, and commitment are essential for cycling esports to navigate a sustainable path forward.
On April 10, 2024, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced the appointment of Nicholas Raudenski as Head of the Fight Against Technological Fraud. Raudenski’s impressive CV includes 23 years as a criminal investigator, including service in the US Department of Homeland Security, FIFA, and UEFA, where he became a leading global authority on sports integrity and ethics.
The American-born investigator joined the UCI after almost three years with the International Testing Agency (ITA), the independent body in charge of the UCI’s anti-doping operations, where he served as Head of Intelligence and Investigations.
Raudenski’s expertise will enhance the federation’s efforts to combat the use of motors and other forms of technological exploitation, aligning with UCI regulations and in collaboration with the Cycling Integrity program.
“In terms of regulations, Appendix 2 of the UCI Code of Ethics outlines prohibited behavior and actions related to competition manipulation. These rules apply to all UCI-sanctioned events, including Cycling Esports.
Regarding Cycling Esports events, the risk of technological fraud is particularly acute. A specific rule governs this type of cheating; Chapter VI of the UCI Regulations on Cycling Esports provides for specific sanctions,” says the UCI.
Before stepping down as the UCI’s Head of Innovation and Esports, Michael Rogers said, “The future of virtual cycling, and the credibility of virtual cycling, rests on the foundation of fair competition. If people feel that they are not part of something fair, then I think it is really hard for that sport to grow.”
Cycling esports is one of the most technology-dependent disciplines, and identifying and eliminating technology fraud is critical to the sport’s future.
When The Zommunique’ asked if, in addition to UCI SpeakUp and the Federation’s Cycling Integrity program, Mr. Raudenski’s role would include any other cycling esports initiatives essential to the creation of an international calendar and ranking system, such as trainer homologation, wireless protocol security, virtual platform standardization, a centralized performance verification database and digital passport, or other critical programs, the UCI said the following.
“The UCI recently announced that Nicholas Raudenski was appointed as Head of the Fight Against Technological Fraud across all cycling disciplines. He will take up his position on May 1. Meanwhile, UCI Sports Director Peter Van den Abeele will attentively monitor these aspects.”
In September 2019, the UCI and Zwift signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the governance and development of cycling esports, making it the 14th official discipline of the sport.
When The Zommunique inquired about the federation’s vision for the future of cycling esports and the replacement of Michael Rogers, the UCI responded.
“Jacob Fraser, our UCI E-cycling Consultant, will be responsible for esports activities, working closely with the other units of the UCI Sports Department.
Additionally, the UCI is currently seeking to fill the position of Equipment Manager within the Innovation Unit of its Sports Department. The Equipment Manager will play a crucial role in monitoring technical innovations across cycling, updating rules and procedures for equipment, and ensuring their proper implementation and understanding among stakeholders, while also liaising with the cycling industry.
As stated previously, the UCI will communicate any updates in due course.”
A scan of the UCI’s Organization Chart updated in January 2024 illustrates representation for most, if not all, of the recognized disciplines, but not cycling esports. Furthermore, each discipline receives guidance from UCI Commissions.
According to the UCI, their task is to put strategic or regulatory propositions to the Management Committee concerning the specific discipline or field they are in charge of.
Cycling Esports doesn’t have one.
For the sport to move forward, there needs to be a table everyone can get around.
The UCI has the potential to encourage collaboration among cycling esports stakeholders, including teams, organizers, and technology providers. This cooperative effort can drive innovation, establish best practices, and foster industry growth. This approach will result in standardized equipment, fair competition formats, and improved spectator experiences, benefiting all parties involved.
Above all, it’s crucial for the platforms to unite and chart a common course for the sport’s benefit. As long as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lacks an alternative for global governance, the UCI remains influential in persuading stakeholders.
Engaged leadership from the UCI is vital for the sustainable progression and potential Olympic recognition of cycling esports. The current marginalization of cycling esports underscores its disparate treatment compared to other cycling disciplines.
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.
