Burgeoning Growth of eCycling as an eSport

Introduction To Cycling

In the last 25 years of the 20^th century, the innovative desire and the physicality of traditional cycling stakeholders added numerous new cycling disciplines for recreational and competitive purposes that appeal to a global audience. The infrastructure of continuous product innovation and event platforms promote a cyclist’s engagement and motivation to consume products and event participation. Traditionally, road and track style bicycles, commonly referred to as a ’speed bike’, ‘race bike’, and ‘fixie’, were the standard for bicycles since the late 1800s. In the early 1970s, BMX and mountain bikes (MTBs) were in the research and development phase and then introduced to the consumer market in the late 1970s. As bicycle technology and innovative developments were realized throughout the 1980s and into the new millennium, new subcategories emerged and bicycle material technologies such as lightweight aluminum and carbon further advanced. For example, due to the popularity of triathlons and the Ironman, road bike manufacturers developed triathlon bikes that were light and aerodynamic and subcultures of road cycling created cyclo-cross (CX), time trial (TT) and gravel bikes had ride comfort and handling characteristics. The MTB category developed into niche markets such as downhill (DH) and Fat bikes that offer multiple formats of product options and associated events that require those bike specifications for optimum performance and enjoyment. The gravel riding subcategory is derived from road cycling and this discipline has become appealing to both professional and amateur cyclists looking to explore their endurance limits and sense of adventure through explorations of lightly traveled roads and gravel paths. The gravel events are known for a fun and encouraging event atmosphere and can exceed over hundreds of miles in length. Over the past decade, many bicycle models have been fitted with power assisted battery and motors. Lithium-ion batteries and wireless technology have evolved and manufactures and cyclists have found new ways to use technology to pedal further with electric assist and to use wireless technology to accurately monitor physical exertion, physiological recovery, and cycling efficiency. For instance, wattage, heart rate and distance are now easily tracked. Electronic bicycles (ebikes) have created new opportunities for all cyclists to heighten their cycling enjoyment and explore longer distance. Specifically, ebikes have been marketed towards to an inclusivity and to ‘levelling the playing field’ for people of all abilities to enjoy the sport of cycling.