For a long time, ZWIFT was the undisputed number one among virtual cycling platforms. But recently, the free platform MY WHOOSH has been shaking up the e-sports world. But let's start slowly – what exactly are ZWIFT, WHOOSH, ROUVY, KINOMAP, SUFERFEST, and Co?
The apps mentioned above are e-cycling platforms that allow you to explore virtual worlds and routes with the help of smart trainers. This means you pedal on your rollers at home in your living room, and the created avatar rides a virtual route at the speed or power generated. The resistance of the trainer is influenced by the gradient of the route and changes depending on the selected gear on the bike. The virtual worlds are usually based on the real environment of selected regions and are designed with great variety and detail. E-cycling combines computer games with sports, turning indoor cycling into an experience.
In the following blog post, you'll learn everything you need to know about the WHOOSH platform. We'll show you all the features and activities you can expect on WHOOSH and highlight the differences to other e-cycling providers.
How the APP works
WHOOSH can be connected to all common smart trainers and heart rate monitors via ANT+ or Bluetooth. The software is completely free and available for Windows and Apple, for laptops, as well as for various tablets and smartphones. There is also a "companion app" that allows you to control the PC app via your phone. Using this tool, you can adjust your power or give your avatar instructions, such as turning or performing gestures. The app also includes a chat function for communicating with other athletes. An offline version is now available as well for those without an internet connection in their training room.
Virtual worlds and tracks.
WHOOSH offers a total of 12 virtual worlds. In addition to numerous "real-world" tracks such as Australia, California, Arabia, Belgium, Switzerland, Colombia , and many more, there's also a fantasy world. "My Whoosh World" is the counterpart to the Zwift world "Watopia" and consists of tropical islands, volcanoes, icy regions, jungle sections, and futuristic landscapes. Additionally, there's a UCI World, specially developed for the E-Cycling World Championship, which offers various race tracks.
Workouts, training plans and performance tests
As with all popular e-cycling platforms, WHOOSH offers over 350 different pre-made workouts . The selection here is extensive, ranging from easy beginner workouts and relaxed, aerobic basic exercises to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and anaerobic sprint training sessions. Live coaching sessions and on-demand coaching videos are also offered, where a trainer explains the training session and motivates and guides the participants. In addition "coffee rides," in which cycling stars like Tadej Pogacar are interviewed, are broadcasted on the platform to make the training session more interesting.
One feature that makes My WHOOSH unique and isn't offered on any other platform is the automatic generation of training plans. You select a predefined goal and specify the time available each week for training. The app calendar is then automatically filled with suitable workouts.
Community and competitions
In addition to fitness, riding on WHOOSH also promotes the social aspect. Whether in group rides or in various competitions, such as the Elimination Race , the Crit Race , the Individual Time Trial , or the Mountain Time Trial – everyone gets their money's worth. A unique feature is that particularly ambitious riders can compete for prize money in the Sunday Race Club , where strict fairness rules apply, including weight, height, and power profile tests with video evidence. The integrated chat function allows you to exchange ideas with others during your ride.
Those looking to improve their strategic skills can join a virtual team on " Bot Rides," plan attacks, or get support from computer-controlled avatars in a race. The " Bot Bunch" is ideal for targeted training. This is a computer-controlled peloton that rides at exactly the pace you want, motivating you to complete your program.
Equipment and materials
In addition to your avatar, you can also customize your in-game gear. The coins you earn in the game for kilometers ridden, elevation gain, and various challenges can be redeemed for bikes, wheels, or clothing. You can "buy" a variety of bikes from a variety of manufacturers. Some well-known brands like COLNAGO, ROSE, GIANT, VAN RYSEL, BMC, and ENVE are included. A particular highlight for us are the NAKED Optics glasses THE VOLT and THE BLADE , which have also recently became available in the shop.
In summary, MYWHOOSH is in no way inferior to paid platforms like Zwift, Rouvy, and others, and has all the necessary features for varied and high-quality indoor training. And the best part: it's still completely free! If you want to see for yourself, simply download the free MYWHOOSH app, sign up, and get started.