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 esports world. But let's start slowly – what exactly are ZWIFT, WHOOSH, ROUVY, KINOMAP, SUFERFEST, and the like?
The apps just mentioned are e-cycling platforms on which you can explore virtual worlds and routes using smart trainers. This means that you step into the pedals at home in the living room on your roller trainer and the avatar created drives a virtual route with the speed or power generated. The trainers resistance is influenced by the climb of the route and changes depending on the passage chosen on the bike. The virtual worlds are mostly based on the real environment of selected regions and are very varied and detailed. E-cycling combines computer games with sports and thus makes indoor cycling an extrodinary experience.
In the following blog post you will find out everything you need to know about the WHOOSH platform. We show you all the features and activities that await you at WHOOSH and shed light on the differences to other e-cycling providers.
How the app works
WHOOSH can be connected to all common smart trainers and heart rate straps via Ant+ or Bluetooth. The software is completely free and available for Windows and Apple laptops as well as for various tablets and smartphones. There is a so -called "Companion App", with which you can control the PC app via the cell phone. The performance can be adapted via this tool or giving instructions to the avatar, such as turning or performing gestures. A chat function is also integrated in the app in order to be able to communicate with other athletes. For everyone who has no internet connection in their training treasury, an offline version has recently been offered.
Virtual worlds and routes.
Overall, WHOOSH offers 12 virtual worlds to. In addition to numerous “real world”, like: Australia, California, Arabia, Belgium, Switzerland Colombia and much more, there is also a fantasy world. The "My WHOOSH World" represents the counterpart to the Zwift World "Watopia" and consists of tropical islands, volcanoes, ice areas, jungle sections and futuristic landscapes. There is also one, especially for the E-cycling World Cup Developed, UCI World, in which various race tracks are offered.
Workouts, training plans and performance tests
As with all common e-cycling platforms, WHOOSH offers over 350 different pre-built workouts. The selection is extensive, ranging from easy "beginner workouts" to relaxed, aerobic basic training sessions, to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and anaerobic sprint training. Live coaching sessions and on-demand coaching videos are also offered, where a trainer explains the training sessions and motivates and guides participants. Additionally, so-called "coffee rides," in which cycling stars like Tadej Pogacar are interviewed, are broadcast on the platform to make the training session more interesting.
One feature that makes My WHOOSH special and is not offered on any other platform is the automatic generation of training plans. You select a predefined goal and specify the time available for training each week. The app calendar is then automatically populated 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, Crit Race, Individual Time Trial, or 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, such as 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 receive 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 material
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, balance bikes, or clothing. You can "buy" a variety of bikes from a variety of manufacturers. Some well-known brands include COLNAGO, ROSÈ, GIANT, VAN RYSEL, BMC, and ENVE. A particular highlight for us are the NAKED Optics glasses The VOLT and The BLADE, which have also recently become 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.