Pro riders's union raises concerns over ‘sensitive health data’ amid rise of e-racing
The CPA wants to protect ‘freedom of choice’ for riders when it comes to their data


The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to The Pick. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
The pro riders union has raised concerns over the sharing of “sensitive health data” amid the rise of e-racing.
Cycling e-sports have grown rapidly in recent seasons, with riders from the professional peloton getting involved and the UCI planning to hold a Zwift World Championships in 2020.
But the international rider’s union, the Cyclistes Professionnels Associés (CPA), says it should be up to the individual how their data is used.
Rider details like heart-rate power and watts per kilogram are one of the main attractions of e-sports, as they allow fan to compare their own numbers.
Retired Italian pro and CPA president Gianni Bugno said: “We believe protecting the riders’ freedom of choice concerning the sharing of their sensitive data – heart-rate, height, weight, watts per kg – is a matter of paramount importance.
“Riders must be free to decide individually whether to let the teams release their data - and if so at what cost - or to use their data personally for promotional reasons, or even to keep them entirely private.”
In September, the UCI and online training platform Zwift confirmed the first ever Cycling E-Sports World Championships would be held in 2020, with the international governing body also announcing a new rulebook for the discipline is in the works.
The CPA is joining the new UCI working group on e-racing to set down regulations for the discipline.
Pros have been getting involved in the emerging world of online racing, with Zwift launching the first pro cycling league earlier this year, followed by ‘Zwift Classics’ races.
>>> Jim Ratcliffe says he’ll pull Ineos out of cycling if there is evidence of cheating
Bugno added: “Sensitive data is the individual rider’s exclusive property and cannot be shared without their permission.
“The use of rider’s data in the e-sports context has broad legal and commercial implications that must be dealt with by the governing body of cycling, alongside all stakeholders, as soon as possible.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Best long sleeved cycling jerseys 2023 for fall and spring riding, reviewed and rated
A long sleeved cycling jersey is a riding wardrobe staple, providing protection against cooler temperatures
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
‘Infectious positivity’ helped Jack Rootkin-Gray earn his first WorldTour ride with EF Education-EasyPost
Brit to make WorldTour debut in 2024 with Jonathan Vaughters managed American team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2023: Everything you need to know
Information about the route, start list and how to watch the women's Tour de France
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
UCI launches investigation into massive men's Tour of Flanders pileup
World governing body also investigating road-blocking team tactics used by DSM in the race as well as by Trek-Segafredo at Dwars door Vlaanderen
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lefevere suggests UCI is 'short of cash' after fining Alaphilippe
Soudal Quick-Step rails against the ruling body after his French team leader is penalised for removing his helmet while racing
By Peter Cossins Published
-
Lava in the metaverse - Five things we want to see from a virtual Track Champions League
The competition is becoming more and more immersive, so here are a few suggestions
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tailwind heaven: Moroccan one-day race tops 56km/h average speed
Strong Saharan winds propel riders at Grand Prix Sakia El Hamra
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Don't miss these three stages of the 2023 Tour de France Femmes
The eight-stage route promises high drama, no more so than on these three days
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Cycling Weekly Club 10 time trial winner makes it through to Zwift Academy finals
Will Lowden is the cousin of Uno-X pro Joss Lowden
By Vern Pitt Published
-
Nairo Quintana to leave Arkéa-Samsic, six weeks after signing new contract
The Colombian is currently appealing his Tour de France disqualification
By Tom Davidson Published