Zwift, a virtual online indoor training platform for cyclists, has announced the formation of the first professional esports cycling league. The league is called the KISS Super League and its members will represent professional cycling teams from the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
Competition will be held exclusively on Zwift, an online fitness game that allows cyclists on indoor bikes to compete against each other via virtual avatars. The league unveiled its first four teams last week, all of which belong to the International Cycling Union (UCI). The teams are Team Wiggins Le Col, Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes, Hagens Berman Axeon and Team Dimension Data.
“Our team is super excited about joining the KISS Super League.” said Axel Merckx, owner of Hagens Berman Axeon, in a press release. “Professional cycling needs a shake up from time to time, and Zwift is certainly capable of adding an extra dimension to bike racing. This is something both professional riders and cycling fans should be taking a good look at.”
Zwift and KISS, a company that organizes racing events for Zwift, expect additional men’s pro teams to join the KISS Super League in the coming weeks. It also plans to create an elite women’s league, and amateur leagues. The Super League’s first live race will take place in London on Jan. 23.
“We have big plans for Zwift and esports.,” said Eric Min, Zwift CEO and co-founder. “We’ve been consulting with the cycling industry and there’s a lot of excitement around what we have planned for next year.”
SportTechie Takeaway
A question now for pro cycling teams in the KISS Super League will be how to balance real and virtual competition. Should they scout for talent and add the best virtual cyclists already on the Zwift platform, or race their existing real-world pros? And would Zwift riders be able to make the transition the other way to the road? Unlike other esports leagues such as the NBA 2K League or FIFA esports competitions, KISS Super League players with need exceptional athleticism and physical fitness, given that Zwift is less a video game than an online cycling platform.