Zwift has confirmed plans to build an entirely new virtual world specifically for the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.
Launching in February, Zwift’s new Scotland map will take inspiration from Glasgow and the Scottish landscape and has been designed specifically for the new multi-format 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.
The city of Glasgow, alongside other venues across Scotland, will play host to the real-world inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in August next year. The new virtual map will first be made available to ride for Zwifters next year on stage eight of the Tour de Zwift.
The new special stage will feature the full course branding of the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.
As a new Zwift world there will be three distinct courses designed to animate the new multi-format UCI Cycling Esports World Championships that will take place on February 18, 2023.
‘Designed to further differentiate Cycling Esports as a cycling discipline, and to further improve fan engagement, the event will feature three short and explosive events – The Punch, The Climb and The Podium.’
The new Scotland world builds on Zwift’s status as the Official Virtual Fitness Platform of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland from August 3-13, 2023.
Zwift adds that this is the first time a virtual destination has been created specifically for a cycling esports competition. The virtual world will act as an extension of the host country of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Scotland, and the City of Glasgow. It will further serve to showcase Scotland as a key cycling destination.
Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive Officer of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said “Having Zwift take inspiration from Glasgow and Scotland’s awe-inspiring scenery to create its next all-new online map will inspire current and would-be cyclists from around the world to immerse themselves in Scotland’s stunning landscapes.
“By joining forces with Zwift and putting Glasgow and Scotland on the world map in an innovative way, will further strengthen our ambition to reach a global and engaged audience to share our vision about the power of the bike being a catalyst for change.”
The City of Glasgow will also play host to nominated participants where five men and five women will be located as they take part in the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, bridging the gap between the real-world physical efforts of the riders and the virtual race.
The race broadcast will feature the Glasgow event as a key hybrid feature, further focus on the e-sports format and fan engagement. Details and ticketing for this event are due to be shared in January 2023.
