MyWhoosh, the free-to-use virtual cycling platform based out of Abu Dhabi, UAE, has announced a first-of-its-kind anti-doping and integrity testing initiative for virtual racers.
The programme, designed to protect clean athletes and strengthen trust in elite virtual racing, will become active on May 10, 2026. The first round of testing is scheduled to begin on May 17, 2026.
MyWhoosh will use the WADA Prohibited List as the reference for prohibited substances and methods. The initiative operates under the MyWhoosh Cycling E-sports Rules and Regulations, with the aim of establishing a private contractual and sporting integrity framework.
In collaboration with International Doping Tests & Management (IDTM), selected riders will be notified remotely and must remain at their declared location for up to three hours post-event. Testing personnel will collect urine, blood, or dried blood spot samples for analysis.
Matt Smithson, Director of Esports & Game Operations at MyWhoosh, said “The introduction of anti-doping and integrity testing is about protecting fair competition and rider trust. As our Sunday Race Club grows, the standards around fairness must match the seriousness of the event. Our goal is to protect clean riders and ensure that our global community can trust in the integrity of every podium finish.”
Riders are selected for testing based on random selection, podium finishes, performance data, or intelligence-led targeting. To ensure transparency, participants must provide an accurate declared location during registration.
Failure to comply with testing instructions, including refusal or tampering, may result in sanctions such as disqualification, prize money claw-backs, and suspension from the platform.
The new measures complement MyWhoosh’s existing integrity systems, which monitor hardware, software, and performance data verification.
Founded in 2019, MyWhoosh provides virtual cycling experiences including over 730 tailored workout plans and weekly competitive races such as the Sunday Race Club (SRC) and MyWhoosh Championship (MWC).
