A sweaty world premiere

Three days of digital cycling at the highest level. Three days of sweating and suffering professionals. Three days that everyone involved will not forget in a hurry. The Digital Swiss 5 was taken to the next level.

On a bumpy road

No one could really imagine The Digital Swiss 5 Vol. 2 before last weekend. Joko Vogel, co-CEO of the organiser Cycling Unlimited, said before the first race: “Maybe it will be cool, maybe not.” But isn’t that often the case when you start a pioneer project? You just have to try! This pioneer mentality was shown by the organisers, all partners and service providers and especially the athletes from 19-21 November 2021. The first hybrid digital cycling event on the Rouvy platform was a success.

World Champion means WORLD CHAMPION

Around 40 professional cyclists and triathletes competed for victory either in the Saalsporthalle or from all over the world. The five digital races through the cities of Lucerne, Lugano, Lausanne, Basel and Zurich demanded everything from the athletes. The first statement: the rainbow colours of the world champion’s jersey are on the right chest. The German UCI E-Sports World Champion Jason Osborne dominated the competition. A demonstration of power that deserves the highest respect. All race victories are down to Osborne. The second statement: his hairstyle was just as untouchable as his digital cycling skills.

Swiss Power

From the many Swiss athletes, on in particular was in the spotlights. Olympic time trial silver medallist, Marlen Reusser. “Digital cycling was completely new for me,” said Reusser before the first race. But you didn’t notice any of that during the weekend. She was in no way inferior to Jason Osborne. With five victories out of five races, she ensured clear conditions in the women’s field. Not only that. She often left lots of men behind her. Once even in a direct sprint with triathlete Adrien Briffod. An impressive performance!

Exciting team ranking

All the individual results were added up to a team classification. Neither Team Zurich with Reusser nor Team Basel with Osborne could prevail in this ranking. No, it was Team Lugano around Hayden Wilde, third in the Olympic triathlon in Tokyo, who won with a seven-point lead.

Taking the next step

“Once E-sports also started with 100 spectators,” says Joko Vogel. During the three days, a lot of experience was gained. Experiences that will take the event one step further. Now a first basis has been created that has a lot of potential. “This potential alone is motivation enough to take the event to the next level,” says Joko Vogel.