The virtual training platform Zwift has this week announced that it will be launching the first esports pro cycling league. Zwift leads the way as the pioneer online training & racing platform, so it’s great to see them pushing the boundaries and now offering the KISS Super League.
— ZWIFT – THE VIRTUAL TRAINING WORLD —
In most countries, winter training is cold, bleak and dangerous. So it’s no surprise that we’re seeing a boom in etraining and the online training world. With Zwift moving into running how long before we see a full online triathlon take place?!
Following a partnership with British cycling which will be see early 2019 bring us the “inaugural British Cycling eRacing Championships, powered by Zwift”. All eyes are beginning to turn to the platform. Now, nearly 3 years old, the KISS platform as organised some of the biggest racing events and series on Zwift. The Tour de Zwift, the first ever Virtual Cycling World Championships, KISS Chase and even a Pretzel race in support of the Canyon Bike Mission.
Now bringing us the KISS Super League. The first four teams have been lined up to join the fun and they’re as follows:
- UCI Pro Continental Team Hagens Berman Axeon
- UCI Continental Team – Team WIGGINS Le Col
- UCI Continental Team – Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes
- UCI Continental Team – Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka U23
We first caught wind of the KISS Super League in November. But the first live race will be taking place in London on the 23rd January at the Zwift launch event. Zwift and KISS, the Zwift event organizer, plan to reveal additional men’s pro teams, an elite women’s league, and amateur leagues over the coming weeks.
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Axel Merckx, the Hagens Berman Axeon team owner, has made a statement to Zwift this week. “Axeon has a track record of unearthing world class young talent so I’m optimistic that esports on Zwift will help amplify this focus.” says Hagens Berman Axeon team owner, Axel Merckx. “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.”
Could this be the future of winter racing as we know it? Make sure you tune in to watch.
