From Local Startup to Global Success: MyWhoosh’s Inspiring Journey
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Cycling is more than just a means of transportation or a hobby; it’s a pathway to better health. Studies have shown that regular cycling can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 52%, improve mental well-being, and help in weight management. The trend of virtual cycling is taking these benefits to a new level, allowing people to enjoy these health advantages from the comfort of their homes. MyWhoosh, a pioneering company in this field, has turned virtual indoor cycling into a thrilling global adventure.
Providing a free virtual cycling platform open to all riders, MyWhoosh bridges the gap between professional and amateur cycling enthusiasts. Through visually engaging landscapes, professional training, and the spirit of community, riders experience an unforgettable ride.
From Simple Beginnings to Big Dreams
What began as a modest startup in Abu Dhabi in 2019 has blossomed into a leading global player in virtual cycling. With its commitment to innovation, community building, and quality, MyWhoosh’s success story is a rich lesson in vision, resilience, and strategic planning.
Akhtar Saeed Hashmi, the CEO of MyWhoosh, expressed the core of the company’s vision: “We wanted to create an app that would make professional cycling fun and accessible for
everyone,” he states. “Our virtual worlds and real challenges have connected with users all over the globe.”
MyWhoosh’s exponential growth can be attributed to a series of innovative strategies:
1. Technological Excellence: Emphasizing unique graphics, realistic virtual landscapes, and competitions, MyWhoosh carved a niche in a market filled with generic fitness apps. Groundbreaking cycling championships with substantial prizes underscored their commitment to a thrilling and fair user experience.
2. Building a Global Community: By offering a free virtual cycling app that connects riders worldwide, MyWhoosh promotes an engaging sense of community. High-profile events, collaborations, and an emphasis on global connection built an inclusive culture that appealed to cyclists at all levels.
3. Partnerships and Collaborations: Aligning with significant cycling events and professionals expanded MyWhoosh’s reach and credibility. Strategic partnerships continue to solidify its place among industry giants further.
Understanding How The App Works
After downloading the app, users can explore visually stunning virtual worlds replicating real-world routes, spanning over 1157 kilometers across five regions: AlUla, Arabia, Australia, Colombia, and Belgium. The app provides tailored workouts, training plans, and competitive races designed by professional cycling coaches. Users can engage in weekly competitive races like the Sunday Race Club, pushing themselves to their limits while connecting with a community of like-minded riders.
MyWhoosh’s standout feature is its commitment to realism, using high-spec graphics to develop lifelike worlds rather than relying on real videos of routes. The app ensures a seamless experience by focusing on up-to-date technologies and artificial intelligence. With more than 730 workouts developed by world-class cycling coaches, it also introduces innovations such as the Power Passport Test to ensure better monitoring of one’s fitness levels and optimize and personalize overall training. Additionally, the app employs a rigorous rider verification process and extensive pre- and post-event verification protocols to maintain the integrity of the virtual cycling experience and fair play.
Creating Something New
Not content to follow the crowd, MyWhoosh organized a cycling competition with a USD 1 million championship prize pool, equally split between female and male groups.
More than just an app, MyWhoosh fosters a global community. With intriguing races and attractive prizes, it appeals to a broad audience. “Our vision extends beyond the platform.
A New Chapter in Virtual Cycling
So, what’s next for MyWhoosh?
In August, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and MyWhoosh announced a three-year partnership for the organization of the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships from 2024 to 2026. The partnership will make MyWhoosh the exclusive platform and organizer of the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, with qualifying rounds and the final to be held on-site in Abu Dhabi. CEO Akhtar Saeed Hashmi said, “This collaboration signifies a transformative era for MyWhoosh and the realm of indoor cycling, bringing all the benefits and excitement of competitive cycling into homes across the world.”
MyWhoosh’s journey illustrates how innovation and determination transform a simple idea into a global sensation. It’s not merely a cycling platform but a community that unites people, promotes health, and reshapes indoor cycling. From a local startup to a significant competitor, MyWhoosh is only at the start of its journey, with the anticipation steadily growing.