Virtual cycling is the latest "e" phenomenon taking the sporting world by storm – and at the centre of it are two highly-regarded Kiwi riders who have qualified for the first UCI Esport World Championships.
"If you'd told me my first time representing New Zealand and wearing the fern would come from riding my bike in the garage..." joked Kate McCarthy.
But that's the reality for the Waikato-based rider, who will be joined by Christchurch's Ollie Jones in Abu Dhabi.
The Kiwi duo will leave for the capital of the United Arab Emirates in just over a fortnight, with racing set to take place on October 26.
Jones said: "I'm really excited to race live – in the past, World Champs have been from your garage, but this is different 'cause the top 20 are flown to Abu Dhabi, lined up in an arena, racing next to each other on our trainers. I think it'll be quite a spectacle."
The former Bolton Equities Black Spoke rider goes into the event as the top men's seed, while McCarthy, who also has a road racing background, is ranked third among females.
"On the road, you have long races, a lot of stages are 180-200 kilometres in a day. This is a lot faster. Racing lasts an hour but it's much harder 'cause it's more intense," Jones said.
"It's racing full gas start to finish."
The sport became hugely popular during the Covid-19 pandemic but has gone to a whole new level with the introduction and development of "My Whoosh".
The UAE-based platform, which strictly monitors riders, now has UCI status.
"It's making sure everyone's verified, and everything's legit, and you're not cheating on your weight by saying you're lighter than you are," said McCarthy.
E-cycling is also a viable career option now, too.
For Jones, it's a full-time job, training upwards of 14 hours a week on his trainer in the shed as he competes weekly for prize money.
Another draw card is the fact the sport is set to be included in the 2025 Olympic eSports Games.
Jones said: "I think it's a great opportunity for any young riders coming through.
"It's only getting harder and harder to get noticed in Europe for road cycling especially, and this is a great way if you want to get talent ID'd."
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