indieVelo and MyWhoosh: A New Era in Anti-Cheating Measures

Recognizing this challenge, indieVelo and MyWhoosh have taken decisive steps to redefine digital doping identification and prevention. Both platforms, designed specifically for cycling esports, utilize the Unity Gaming Platform, allowing for efficient updates and a global workforce familiar with the software.

Performance Verification Teams

MyWhoosh’s Race Control and Events Manager, Matt Smithson, revealed their dedicated BI and AI team working on performance verification. indieVelo, though smaller in team size, boasts the expertise of Dr. George Gilbert, a UCI-trained commissaire and the brains behind the global 911 emergency call system software. Gilbert’s team includes Bjoern Ossenbrink, former head of Zwift’s Accuracy and Data Analysis team, to manage indieVelo’s performance verification service.

Game Architecture and DNA

Both platforms employ a Server-Authoritative architecture, ensuring consistent game states for all players and accurate race results. This approach contrasts with the Client-Side game architecture used by some platforms, which can lead to discrepancies in game perception due to network latency.

Pre-Race Verification and Real-Time Flagging

indieVelo and MyWhoosh have implemented stringent pre-race verification processes. indieVelo requires racers to sync two power meters during high-profile events, while MyWhoosh introduced the MyWhoosh Power Passport, a comprehensive performance analysis tool. Both platforms have also developed systems for automatic real-time flagging and disqualification of racers who provide unreliable or unrealistic data.

Live In-Person Verification

MyWhoosh is pioneering live verification at its headquarters, inviting riders under suspicion to complete stages in person. This method has already exposed several cases of fraud.

High Stakes Responsibility

The responsibility of these platforms is immense, especially in high-stakes events like the MyWhoosh Championship series, which offered a record USD 1 million payout in April 2023. indieVelo and MyWhoosh are committed to maintaining fairness and integrity in their events.

The Dark Side of Cycling Esports

Cheating in cycling esports is not always intentional, but it creates a toxic environment within the community. Platforms that fail to prioritize anti-cheating protocols contribute to this issue, leading to a culture of distrust and negativity.

An Obligation to Clear Expectations

indieVelo and MyWhoosh set clear expectations for their events, with indieVelo offering ranked and unranked events with varied equipment requirements and validation tiers. MyWhoosh requires the Power Passport only for prize money events.

Future Vision

By prioritizing credibility and genuine performance, indieVelo and MyWhoosh are laying a foundation for the future of cycling esports. Their efforts in establishing safety and credibility benchmarks are crucial for the sport’s recognition and respect as a distinct discipline.

As the landscape of esports continues to evolve, platforms like indieVelo and MyWhoosh play a pivotal role in shaping its future, ensuring fairness, and promoting a healthy competitive environment.

To read the study by Andrew Richardson, Nicolas Berger, and Phillip Smith, follow this link: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/11/10/201