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MyWhoosh and Alternative Platforms

Introduction: The Market Beyond Zwift

While Zwift long served as the synonym for virtual indoor cycling, a diverse market of alternative platforms has emerged since 2022. MyWhoosh from the United Arab Emirates stands out as a free full-featured option and is gaining importance through UCI esports partnerships and a growing community. At the same time, Rouvy Concrete Route Simulation, FulGaz, TrainerRoad and IndieVelo offer specialized approaches – from augmented reality routes to data-driven performance training.

For ambitious recreational riders, club groups and professionals who want to use indoor training in a structured way, a closer look at features, costs and compatibility is worthwhile. Choosing the right platform pays off long term through better motivation, more realistic training and seamless integration into the annual plan.

Important

MyWhoosh is currently the only major platform that offers the full feature set without a monthly subscription – a decisive factor for beginners and clubs with limited budgets.

MyWhoosh: The Rise of a Free Alternative

Background and Development

MyWhoosh was developed by a team from Abu Dhabi and launched publicly in 2022. The platform deliberately positions itself as an international alternative to established providers and invests in its own 3D worlds, structured training plans and a growing racing ecosystem. The user base is growing steadily, especially in the Gulf region but increasingly also in Europe and North America.

The close connection to the UCI Cycling Esports program underlines the ambition to be not just a leisure tool but a serious competition platform. MyWhoosh hosts official qualification races and international esports events that can feed directly into UCI rankings.

Core Features of MyWhoosh

MyWhoosh offers a complete indoor cycling experience with the following focus areas:

  • 3D worlds and routes: Fictional and partly realistic environments with varying profiles – from flat courses to long mountain climbs
  • Structured workouts: Predefined intervals, FTP tests and training plans for different performance levels
  • Live and event races: Daily racing calendar with categories by performance (ELO-based matchmaking)
  • Social features: Group Ride, clubs, chat and leaderboards
  • Dual platform: Desktop app (Windows, macOS) and mobile companion app for iOS and Android
  • Free access: No monthly subscription for the core feature set

Technical Requirements and Compatibility

MyWhoosh supports smart trainers and power meters via Bluetooth and ANT+. Supported devices include common brands such as Wahoo, Tacx/Garmin, Elite, Saris and Kickr trainers. For precise race training, a smart trainer with gradient simulation and regular calibration is recommended – similar to the requirements of other platforms.

Tip

Before your first race on MyWhoosh, be sure to perform a spin-down test and calibrate your smart trainer. Inaccurate power values lead to incorrect ELO placement and frustrating race experiences.

Alternative Platforms at a Glance

Beyond MyWhoosh, there is a broad spectrum of specialized providers. Each platform serves different training goals – from pure performance improvement to maximum immersion.

Rouvy – Augmented Reality on Real Routes

Rouvy combines video footage of real roads with an animated avatar. More than 10,000 routes worldwide enable preparation for specific races such as Alpine passes or classic routes. Particularly valuable for riders who want to train specifically on familiar competition courses in winter.

TrainerRoad – Data Instead of Graphics

TrainerRoad dispenses with elaborate 3D graphics and focuses on scientifically based training plans, adaptive FTP tests and detailed performance analysis. Ideal for riders who use indoor time exclusively for performance gains and place less value on social or gamified elements.

FulGaz – Video Realism

FulGaz relies on high-quality video footage of real routes with precise gradient simulation. The library includes famous mountain passes, Grand Tour stages and classic race courses. FulGaz suits realism enthusiasts who seek an authentic riding feel without gaming elements.

IndieVelo – Community and Fair Racing

IndieVelo (successor to the former RGT Cycling) focuses on fair, performance-based racing and an active community. The platform offers structured race formats, detailed analysis and a transparent anti-cheat philosophy – attractive for competition-oriented riders.

Wahoo SYSTM and RGT (historical)

In the Wahoo ecosystem, SYSTM (structured training with video workouts) and elements of the former RGT are bundled together. Users with Wahoo hardware benefit from seamless integration, while IndieVelo continues the community racing part of the former RGT model.

Platform
Focus
Pricing Model
Smart Trainer
Esports/UCI
MyWhoosh
3D worlds, free racing
Free
Bluetooth, ANT+
Yes (UCI partner)
Zwift
Gamification, community
approx. €15/month
Bluetooth, ANT+
Yes (UCI partner)
Rouvy
Real routes in AR
approx. €10–15/month
Bluetooth, ANT+
Partially
TrainerRoad
Structured performance training
approx. €20/month
Bluetooth, ANT+
No
FulGaz
Video routes, realism
approx. €12/month
Bluetooth, ANT+
No
IndieVelo
Fair racing, community
Free / Premium
Bluetooth, ANT+
Partially

Choosing a Platform: A Five-Step Decision Guide

The choice of the right platform depends on training goals, budget and personal preferences. The following numbered sequence helps with a structured decision:

  1. Define your training goal: Performance improvement, competition preparation, social group rides or esports ambitions?
  2. Clarify your budget: Monthly subscription costs vs. free alternatives such as MyWhoosh or IndieVelo
  3. Check your hardware: Smart trainer compatibility, power meter availability, PC or tablet performance
  4. Use a trial period: Most paid platforms offer a 7–30 day free trial
  5. Evaluate the community: Racing calendar, club integration and rider density at your usual training times

Who Is MyWhoosh Particularly Suitable For?

MyWhoosh is ideal for:

  • Beginners who want to try indoor cycling without a financial entry barrier
  • Clubs and groups organizing joint training and racing sessions
  • Esports enthusiasts with UCI ambitions
  • Riders in regions with a growing MyWhoosh community and regular racing calendar

MyWhoosh is currently less suitable for riders who expect maximum route variety from years of content or who are deeply invested in an established ecosystem (Zwift partner events, granular training plan integration).

Setup Checklist for Getting Started

Before your first workout on MyWhoosh or an alternative, the following points should be completed:

  • Smart trainer or roller trainer with power meter available
  • ANT+ dongle or Bluetooth-capable PC/tablet set up
  • Platform app installed and account created
  • Spin-down test and trainer calibration completed
  • Power profile (FTP) set – via test or manual entry
  • Fan, towel and sufficient fluids provided
  • First workout completed before participating in demanding races

Warning

Never train without proper ventilation. Indoor training generates significantly more body heat than outdoor rides – overheating impairs performance and health.

MyWhoosh vs. Zwift: The Key Alternative

The direct comparison between MyWhoosh and Zwift is the first question for many riders. Zwift offers the larger community, more established partner events and a more mature gamification system. MyWhoosh scores with being free, a growing UCI esports portfolio and an emerging international user base.

2014
Zwift launch
2018
Rouvy AR routes
2020
COVID boom
2022
MyWhoosh launch
2023
UCI Esports World Championships
2024
IndieVelo
2025
Multi-platform ecosystem

For clubs, a dual setup is often recommended: MyWhoosh for free group training sessions and esports qualifications, supplemented by Zwift or TrainerRoad for specific training periodization in pre-season preparation.

Esports Perspective and Future

The UCI has officially recognized virtual cycling racing and holds world championships on certified platforms. MyWhoosh as a UCI partner enables participation in qualification races without subscription costs – a significant advantage for talented riders from countries with less established esports access.

Indoor Cycling Sport Growth 2020–2025

Strong increase in 2020–2021 due to COVID, stabilization in 2022–2023, renewed growth in 2024–2025 through MyWhoosh and esports. The esports sector continues to show an upward trend.

In the long term, the market is likely to continue fragmenting: specialized providers for training, realism and racing coexist alongside all-round platforms. Riders benefit from more choice but must decide more consciously which platform serves which training goal.

Practical Tips for Everyday Use

  1. Seasonal rotation: In winter, focus on structured training (TrainerRoad) and racing (MyWhoosh/IndieVelo); in summer, prioritize outdoor riding
  2. Data consistency: Retest FTP regularly – all platforms use different algorithms
  3. Club events: MyWhoosh clubs are excellent for joint winter training sessions with a fixed weekly rhythm
  4. Anti-cheat awareness: In esports races, dual recording and verified setups are standard – familiarize yourself with current rules
  5. Hardware quality: A precise smart trainer is the most important investment – platform choice is secondary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MyWhoosh really free?

Yes – the core feature set is available without a monthly subscription.

Which trainer is compatible?

All common ANT+ and Bluetooth smart trainers from brands such as Wahoo, Tacx/Garmin, Elite and Saris.

Can I race UCI esports?

Yes – through official MyWhoosh qualification races as a UCI partner platform.

MyWhoosh or Zwift?

Depends on budget and community needs: MyWhoosh for free racing and esports, Zwift for an established ecosystem and larger community.

Do I need a power meter?

A smart trainer is sufficient; an additional power meter increases measurement accuracy.

Conclusion

MyWhoosh has sustainably changed the market for virtual cycling platforms: free access, UCI esports integration and growing functionality make the platform a serious alternative alongside Zwift. Rouvy, FulGaz, TrainerRoad and IndieVelo complement the spectrum with specialized strengths. Those who consciously align training goals, budget and hardware will find the right platform in 2025 – and benefit from indoor training that can be structured, motivating and competition-ready.

Last updated: July 4, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions about MyWhoosh and Alternative Platforms

Question
Answer
Is MyWhoosh really free, or are important features locked behind a subscription?
According to the page, MyWhoosh currently offers its full core feature set without a monthly subscription. That includes 3D worlds and routes, structured workouts with FTP tests and training plans, live and event racing with ELO-based matchmaking, plus social features such as group rides, clubs, chat and leaderboards. The article highlights MyWhoosh as the only major platform that delivers this complete package free of charge, which makes it especially relevant for beginners and clubs with limited budgets.
Which smart trainers work with MyWhoosh, and do I also need a power meter?
MyWhoosh connects smart trainers and power meters via Bluetooth and ANT+. Common brands named on the page include Wahoo, Tacx/Garmin, Elite, Saris and Kickr trainers. A smart trainer alone is sufficient to ride and race; an additional power meter mainly improves measurement accuracy. For precise race training, the article recommends a smart trainer with gradient simulation and regular calibration, including a spin-down test before your first race so inaccurate power does not distort ELO placement.
How should I decide between MyWhoosh and Zwift?
Zwift is described as offering the larger community, more established partner events and a more mature gamification system, typically at around €15 per month. MyWhoosh scores with free access, a growing UCI esports portfolio and an emerging international user base, especially in the Gulf region and increasingly in Europe and North America. The choice therefore depends on budget and community needs: MyWhoosh suits free racing and esports ambitions, while Zwift remains stronger if you want an established ecosystem and denser social racing.
Can I take part in UCI cycling esports races through MyWhoosh?
Yes. The page explains that MyWhoosh is a UCI partner platform and hosts official qualification races and international esports events that can feed into UCI rankings. The UCI has officially recognized virtual cycling racing and holds world championships on certified platforms. Because MyWhoosh allows qualification without subscription costs, talented riders from regions with less established esports access can compete without a paid platform barrier. In esports races, dual recording and verified setups are presented as standard, so riders should learn the current anti-cheat rules.
What are the main differences between Rouvy, TrainerRoad, FulGaz and IndieVelo?
Each alternative serves a different training goal. Rouvy combines video of real roads with an animated avatar and more than 10,000 routes worldwide, which helps winter preparation for specific races such as Alpine passes. TrainerRoad skips elaborate 3D graphics and focuses on scientifically based plans, adaptive FTP tests and performance analysis for pure fitness gains. FulGaz emphasizes high-quality video routes with precise gradient simulation for realism without gaming elements. IndieVelo, the successor to former RGT Cycling, concentrates on fair performance-based racing, structured race formats and a transparent anti-cheat philosophy for competition-oriented riders.
Who is MyWhoosh particularly suitable for, and when might another platform be better?
MyWhoosh is ideal for beginners who want indoor cycling without a financial entry barrier, for clubs organizing joint training and racing, for esports enthusiasts with UCI ambitions, and for riders in regions with a growing MyWhoosh community and regular race calendar. It is currently less suitable if you expect maximum route variety built up over many years of content, or if you are deeply invested in an established ecosystem such as Zwift partner events and granular training-plan integration. Clubs are often advised to run a dual setup: MyWhoosh for free group sessions and esports qualifications, plus Zwift or TrainerRoad for specific pre-season periodization.
What should I set up before my first workout or race on MyWhoosh?
The setup checklist covers hardware, connectivity and race readiness. You need a smart trainer or roller trainer with power measurement, an ANT+ dongle or Bluetooth-capable PC or tablet, and the platform app with an account. Complete a spin-down test and trainer calibration, set your FTP via test or manual entry, and prepare a fan, towel and fluids. Complete at least one workout before demanding races. The page also warns never to train without proper ventilation, because indoor sessions generate more body heat than outdoor rides and overheating harms both performance and health.