What can a small, densely packed island nation teach the rest of the world about the future of virtual cycling?

In Episode 91 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris Schwenker and Emma Martin speak with Yi Jun, founder of Virtual Cycling Singapore (VSG), about building a structured, community-driven virtual cycling program in one of the most space-constrained places on earth. With limited room to ride, a modest road racing tradition, and unique barriers to athlete development, Singapore presents a challenge that may also be an opportunity.

Yi Jun explains the why and how of VSG, who it serves, and what it takes to run a program built around training, racing, and community. The conversation explores the realities of cycling in Singapore, the prospects for ambitious young riders, the role virtual cycling can play in talent development, and whether VSG could become a model for similar programs in other cities and countries.

This is a conversation about more than one program. It is about what becomes possible when limitations force innovation.

The Virtual Velo Podcast is back for 2026, and we’re kicking off the new year with one of cycling esports’ rising talents: Team USA’s Nicole Meyer.

In Episode 90, co-hosts Chris Schwenker and Emma Martin sit down with Nicole to explore her rapid climb from her first races in 2024 to top performances in the Zwift World Series, MyWhoosh Sunday Race Club, and a hard-earned spot representing the USA at the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships live final in Abu Dhabi.

Nicole shares what life looks like off the bike, how she balances elite-level racing with real-world family responsibilities, what it takes to compete from the US West Coast at “ungodly” hours, and how she’s developed her gritty racing style into elite success.

We also dive into the shifting landscape of multi-platform racing, the move of USA Cycling Nationals to TrainingPeaks Virtual, the challenges facing the Cycling Esports World Cup, and where Nicole hopes cycling esports goes next.

A fun listen to kick off the fourth year of the Virtual Velo Podcast.

Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.

• Osborne and McCarthy repeat as cycling esports world champions [Escape Collective, Nov. 2025]
• Cycling esports has a bunch of new rules in 2026: Will the UCI’s gamble pay off? [Escape Collective, Feb. 2026]
• This is what it takes to win a cycling esports World Championship [Escape Collective, Jan. 2026]
• The story of cycling esports’ most dominant season yet [Escape Collective, Feb. 2026]

Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.

Paweł Ścierski didn’t coast into cycling esports. He arrived at full speed, beating established names and forcing the community to take notice.

In Episode 89 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris Schwenker sits down with the young Polish rider to trace his path from national-level mountain bike racing to the sharp end of elite cycling esports competition, unpack the rapid performance gains that raised debate, and revisit his illness-impacted ride at the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

It’s an honest, wide-ranging conversation about raw talent, unassuming temperament, perspective, and what it takes to rise in a sport still learning how to trust.

Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.

• Preview: Can the favorites repeat at the 2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships? [Escape Collective, Nov. 2025]
• Osborne and McCarthy repeat as cycling esports world champions [Escape Collective, Nov. 2025]
• Did the UCI’s Cycling Esports World Championship weigh-in policy work? [Escape Collective, Dec. 2025]

Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.