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Zwift is taking its virtual reality program to the next level.
After teasing a professional e-sports cycling league in November, the online training platform officially unveiled the KISS Super League on Friday, according to a press release.
This is the first of its kind in the world of cycling. Four UCI Continental teams—Team WIGGINS LeCol, Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes, Hagens Berman Axeon and Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka U23—were announced as the first ones to officially sign on.
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“Our team is super excited about joining the KISS Super League,” said Axel Merckx, Hagens Berman Axeon team owner, in a release. “Zwift supporting domestic pro cycling in the U.S., Europe and Australia is fantastic news for our sport. Axeon has a track record of unearthing world class young talent, so I’m optimistic that e-sports on Zwift will help amplify this focus. 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.”
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More information is expected in the coming weeks. The release also stated that event organizer, KISS, will reveal additional men’s pro teams, an elite women’s league, and amateur leagues shortly.
The first live contest for the league is expected to take place in London on January 23.
“We have big plans for Zwift and e-sports,” 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. I can’t wait for people to know everything we have planned but for now, you’ll just have to wait and see.”
Drew covers a variety of subjects for Runner’s World and Bicycling, and he specializes in writing and editing human interest pieces while also covering health, wellness, gear, and fitness for the brand. His work has previously been published in Men’s Health.
