Peter Sagan, the Slovakian cycling legend, has taken on an unexpected role as an ambassador for the growing world of cycling esports. Despite his illustrious career as a three-time world road race champion, Sagan is lending his support to the fourth Cycling Esports World Championships, set to take place in Abu Dhabi this Saturday. This move highlights the evolving landscape of the sport, where traditional powerhouses are embracing the digital realm.

Exploring the Intersection of Cycling and Esports

A Multidisciplinary Superstar's Foray into Virtual Racing

In an era where cycling superstars like Tadej Pogačar, Marianne Vos, Wout van Aert, and Mathieu van der Poel have demonstrated their prowess across multiple disciplines, Sagan stands out as a pioneer. His career has been predominantly on the road, but he has never shied away from his passion for mountain biking, regularly incorporating it into his training regimen. Sagan even forewent the 2016 Olympics Road Race to pursue a cross-country gold medal, and in 2023, he stepped away from road racing to focus on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the Cross Country discipline.

The Absence of Top Talent in Cycling Esports

Despite Sagan's diverse talents, neither he nor any of the other multi-disciplinarians have been drawn to the world of esports. The Cycling Esports World Championships in Abu Dhabi boasts a field that lacks the presence of top-tier road cycling talent. The only rider with WorldTour experience on the start list is Jason Osborne, a former Alpecin-Deceuninck pro who transitioned to esports and won the inaugural championship. Two women's WorldTour riders were invited but declined to attend for unknown reasons.

Sagan's Perspective on Cycling Esports

Sagan's own experience with esports is limited. Living in the cycling-friendly environment of Monaco, he rarely has the need to ride indoors, unlike those in harsher climates or regions with extreme heat. Sagan admits he has never entered an online race, preferring to ride for the pure joy of it rather than competition. However, he is intrigued by the virtual world created for these events, curious about the attention to detail in the roads and scenery.

Sagan's Reluctance to Compete in Cycling Esports

Despite his role as an ambassador, Sagan is clear about his lack of interest in competing in cycling esports. As one of the most decorated road cyclists of all time, Sagan has no desire to extend his career in the virtual realm. He explains that he no longer wants the pressure of competition, preferring to ride for fun with friends and family. Sagan's focus has shifted to a more relaxed lifestyle, where he can fulfill sponsor obligations, spend time with his son, and explore new experiences, such as attending a recent monster truck show instead of watching the world championships road race.

The Nuances of Cycling Esports

Sagan acknowledges the nuances of cycling esports, drawing parallels to the Nissan GT Academy, which turned the best Gran Turismo racers into real-world drivers, and the online Formula One races during the pandemic, where gamers outperformed the actual Formula One drivers. He recognizes that success in cycling esports requires more than just raw power, as riders need to learn the platform and develop tactics to manage their energy effectively.

Sagan's Appreciation for the Complementary Nature of Road Cycling and Esports

Despite his reluctance to compete, Sagan appreciates the role that indoor cycling and esports play in the broader cycling landscape. He acknowledges that it is easier for professional road cyclists to transition to esports than for esports specialists to join the peloton, as the fundamental skill of pedaling a bike remains the same. Sagan believes that indoor cycling platforms like MyWhoosh can provide a more enjoyable experience for riders looking to maintain their fitness during the offseason or in inclement weather.

The Importance of Cycling Esports as a Competitive Discipline

While Sagan may not be interested in vying for the Cycling Esports World Championship title, he argues that any sport with an opportunity to win is important. He draws a parallel to the significance of winning Paris-Roubaix, a race that was important to him despite not being a priority for all cyclists. Sagan believes that the importance of a sport lies in the individual's desire to achieve success in that particular discipline, rather than being imposed from the outside.