Author: Chris Schwenker

Who is Chris? Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice located in New York, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—cycling esports and journalism. Chris' position as the only independent cycling esports journalists shines through in his writing, featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. He has interviewed the most influential individuals in the sport, including UCI president and IOC Esports Chairman David Lappartient, UCI Cycling Esports Head Michael Rogers, USA Cycling’s Head of Performance Jim Miller, DCU’s Esports Director Martin Hjørngaard, multiple virtual cycling platform competition directors, and countless elite athletes. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship. TheZommunique.com, which he created in June 2021, holds the distinction as the only site dedicated to exploring the emerging discipline of cycling esports. More than 300,000 athletes, enthusiasts, virtual cycling platforms, and sport governing bodies have utilized the site's over 800 news and op/ed articles and in-depth reporting as a trusted resource since its inception. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast with cycling commentator Prof. Emma Martin. Together, they engage with influential figures from the cycling esports community to discuss and debate the sport’s future, including the UCI Esports Coordinator, NGBs, virtual cycling platform leaders, and multiple World Champions, offering a platform for impactful conversations that drive the trajectory of the developing discipline. His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring the burgeoning and rapidly growing discipline. The Mission! Chris' mission to promote cycling esports with a forward-thinking and impactful approach lies at the heart of his work. As an early adopter of virtual cycling, he quickly identified the sport's immense potential as a unique discipline and the hurdles it must overcome to achieve broader recognition as an International and Olympic Medal sport. Combining his healthcare expertise with extensive cycling knowledge, Chris approaches every story motivated to uncover the details that matter most, providing a perspective that resonates with the community and drives the sport forward. With deep connections in the cycling esports community, including the UCI and National Governing Bodies, virtual cycling platforms, athletes, and community leaders, Chris has established himself as a trusted voice, delivering insightful stories that explore the sport’s nuances and give athletes’ avatars a personality and a voice.