eSports league and national championships on Zwift

USA Cycling is thrilled to unveil its dynamic collaboration with Echelon Racing Promotions, marking the inception of an exhilarating six-race series. This series assumes a pivotal role as a qualifier for the highly anticipated USA Cycling Esports Elite National Championships. All these adrenaline-pumping races are set to unfold exclusively on Zwift, the esteemed global platform revered by cycling enthusiasts worldwide.

In an immersive partnership, USA Cycling, alongside Project Echelon, is set to orchestrate a spectacular showcase spanning December 2023 through January 2024. The initial trio of races within this series will serve as the gateway, granting access to the much-coveted 2024 USA Cycling Esports National Championship, scheduled resplendently for January 6th to 7th. Moreover, the grandeur of the Elite National Championships will also double as qualifiers for the prestigious UCI Cycling Esports World Championship. Stay tuned for the imminent revelation of the dates for this globally anticipated event.

The allure of the Echelon Racing League events lies not only in their international appeal but also in their inclusivity. Open to contenders of diverse nationalities, these events boast multiple categories tailored to accommodate racers spanning the entire spectrum of proficiency levels. However, a noteworthy criterion stands: eligibility for participation in the National Championships necessitates racers to possess a valid and current USA Cycling License.

This collaboration signifies an unprecedented opportunity for cycling enthusiasts globally to engage in an exhilarating series of races, backed by the reputable USA Cycling and bolstered by the expertise of Echelon Racing Promotions. It's not merely a series of races but a vibrant convergence of passion, competition, and camaraderie, inviting riders from all corners of the world to partake in this thrilling cycling extravaganza.

The race schedule is as follows:

Stay tuned for updates and mark your calendars for an unparalleled cycling saga that promises to set the pace for an adrenaline-charged, edge-of-your-seat experience in the world of virtual cycling. For more information on the race series, view the Echelon Racing League website, or contact echelonracingleague@projectechelonracing.com.

ABOUT ECHELON RACING PROMOTIONS

The Echelon Racing League, an innovative initiative by the UCI Continental Project Echelon Racing Team, emerged during the peak of the pandemic, pioneering a unique concept in cycling. Positioned as a pioneering force, this league unites both virtual and real-life cyclists and racers in a collaborative effort with national governing bodies. Its fundamental objective lies in bolstering the cycling community's strength and connectivity, offering a novel platform that extends the sport's influence, impact, and reach.

Established amidst the unprecedented challenges of 2020, the Echelon Racing League (ERL) was a necessity-driven response to maintain connectivity, motivation, and relevance among athletes, teams, and sponsors. Simultaneously, Project Echelon recognized esports as an avenue to elevate cycling, enhance accessibility, and expand its community engagement to new horizons.

The league's inception during such trying times symbolized a beacon of innovation and resilience, igniting purpose and optimism. Project Echelon revolutionized the esports landscape by introducing handcycle and recumbent trike bikes, coupled with adaptive avatars on the Wahoo RGT virtual platform. This groundbreaking move allowed the promotion of elite professional and amateur esports leagues, including the prestigious USA Cycling National Championships over three successive seasons (2020-2022).

For a glimpse into the captivating world of the Echelon Racing League, check out exclusive photos and past livestreams here. To delve deeper into Project Echelon's UCI Continental, visit ProjectEchelonRacing.

ABOUT ZWIFT

Born from the marriage of fitness and gaming, Zwift embodies the union of dedicated fitness enthusiasts, seasoned video game developers, and innovative thinkers. Embedded within our DNA is an inherent sense of play, understanding that fun is the catalyst that drives results.

Leveraging cutting-edge massively multiplayer online gaming technology, Zwift crafts immersive, 3D worlds ripe for exploration. Traverse bustling metropolises like London, New York, and Paris, or venture into the bespoke terrains of Watopia, joining thousands of cyclists and runners on this virtual fitness playground.

Their app seamlessly syncs with exercise equipment such as bike trainers and treadmills, translating real-world efforts into the digital realm, empowering your avatar's movements within the game.

From exhilarating races to social rides and structured training programs, Zwift serves as a unifying force, bringing together a diverse community, all sharing a common quest for a more engaging, immersive, and socially interactive fitness experience.