MyWhoosh E-Cycling 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 Clubs and Chat. At the same time, Rouvy, FulGaz, Science-Based Training Plans 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.

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 rides, 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 Interactive Trainer with gradient simulation and regular Trainer Calibration is recommended – similar to the requirements of other platforms.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Related Topics

• Zwift and Virtual Platforms
• UCI Cycling Esports
• Smart Trainer
• E-Cycling as a Training Tool
• Data Transfer and Calibration

Last updated: July 4, 2026