Perceptions of Cheating and Doping in E-Cycling

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Digital Sports Technology
• Competitive Cycling Analytics

Background:

• E-cycling, particularly on platforms like Zwift, is rapidly growing in popularity among competitive cyclists and fitness enthusiasts.
• The virtual racing environment, despite its accessibility, faces challenges with cheating, hacking, and doping, impacting competitive integrity.
• High-profile cases of rule violations have led to bans, highlighting the need to address these issues within the e-cycling community.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the perceptions and concerns of e-cyclists regarding cheating, hacking, and doping in virtual cycling.
• To understand the emotional and behavioral responses of e-cyclists who have encountered unfair practices.
• To gauge support for regulatory measures and penalties for misconduct in e-cycling.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed via social networking sites over seven weeks.
• Data was collected from 1,467 participants (337 female, 1130 male).
• The survey assessed experiences with cheating and attitudes towards rule enforcement in e-cycling.

Main Results:

• Forty-four percent of respondents reported experiencing cheating in e-races, causing negative emotions.
• Fifteen percent of those who experienced cheating expressed indifference, viewing e-racing as a game or training tool.
• Eighty-seven percent favored banning cheaters from e-cycling, with 34% supporting bans in traditional cycling events as well.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of the e-cycling community has encountered cheating, desiring enhanced rule clarity and enforcement.
• There is strong support for implementing bans and penalties to ensure fair competition in virtual cycling.
• Addressing cheating is crucial for maintaining the integrity and growth of competitive e-cycling.