SINGAPORE – Street bicycle owner Darren Lim has by no means donned the Singapore jersey in a global race since he joined the nationwide coaching squad in August 2019.
However on Sunday (Nov 28), he put one on and competed within the Asian qualifier for the 2022 UCI Biking Esports World Championships – from the consolation of the OCBC Area.
Whereas he didn’t meet any of his opponents from different international locations in-person, Lim, 23, mentioned it was an excellent expertise racing in opposition to different cyclists within the continent albeit behind a display screen.
“It is a completely totally different expertise (from racing in particular person). You do not have to focus a lot on the place you are positioned or your environment. It is extra about controlling your energy in your legs,” he added.
He was joined by nationwide mountain bikers Arfan Faisal and Mun Yong Liang within the 59.5km occasion hosted on Zwift. It was their first time racing in a global e-sports biking competitors.
Lim completed thirteenth in 1hr 28min 56sec whereas Mun (1:30:44) and Arfan (1:33:28) have been sixteenth and seventeenth respectively. Japan’s Takato Ikeda gained in 1:24:15. He and his compatriots stuffed the highest 5 spots, qualifying them for February’s world championships.
Biking e-sports, which sees riders competing in digital races on indoor coaching platforms reminiscent of Zwift, was accredited by the Worldwide Biking Union (UCI) as an official biking self-discipline in 2018.
The primary UCI Biking Esports World Championships occurred final December, with 132 riders from 22 nations taking part.
Arfan, 21, mentioned: “I gave it my finest shot however I could not sustain. The Japanese are actually quick however I’ll watch the video, replicate and see what they’re doing to determine how I can enhance.”
On the digital racing format, he added: “Personally, I am extra of an outdoor particular person. I benefit from the feeling of seeing and experiencing my environment. If you’re in a pack, you possibly can really feel the strain and also you get to make use of all of your senses, not simply your leg energy.
“However it’s good that we did this collectively in the identical venue as a result of that actually helped with the atmosphere. I relish this chance as a result of it isn’t each day that you simply get to signify the nation.”
Mun, 28, thought the digital format was extra intense as knowledge reminiscent of their speeds and coronary heart charges have been there for everybody to see.
The general public servant mentioned: “You may see everybody’s knowledge and you recognize when somebody is attacking so you need to be alert always.
“That is additionally an excellent alternative to place indoor biking within the highlight as a result of it’s extremely accessible and extra folks can do the game in a secure surroundings.”
In the meantime, the ladies’s staff of Tsalina Phang, Lyn Ahmad and Faye Foo certified robotically for the world championships after their opponents confronted technical difficulties and have been unable to arrange in time. The outcomes are pending ratification by UCI.
Phang, 41, mentioned: “It is a bit disappointing to not have the competitors as a result of I used to be excited for it and hoping to finish my 12 months on a excessive with the race. However it’s cool that every one three of us are on the planet championships.”