Industry News

Virtual bike races as hard as Tour de France, says expert

Published

4 years ago

May 13, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Virtual cycle races take place of cancelled road races
Big names like Chris Froome have been taking part
Cycling data expert says virtual races are proving to be just as hard as the real thing

Virtual cycle racing is proving to be just as hard as road races such as the Tour de France, according to professional riders and a leading sports data analyst.

Races on virtual platforms such as Zwift and ROUVY have filled the void left by the cancellation of professional road races over the past few weeks, with big-name riders like Chris Froome and Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet taking part in events such as the Digital Swiss 5, the Zwift Tour for All and the Team INEOS eRace on Zwift.

Together with a panel of cycling experts from bonusfinder.com, professional cycling coach and data scientist Philipp Diegner – who regularly analyses UCI WorldTour races – has assessed the publicly available performance data from more than 200 efforts made by pro riders in recent virtual races.

Although virtual races are up to six times shorter than road races, Diegner said they have proved to be just as difficult as road races and have caught some professionals off guard. ”The racing is short and particularly intense,” he explained. “It is 45-90 minutes of racing instead of 3-6 hours. The consequence for the riders is that there is no opportunity to save energy like they have in road races, so they have to make prolonged, all-out efforts that push them to their physical limit.

“Professionals are not necessarily used to this and it can be a shock to the system. Virtual racing is as hard as road racing; it is just that endurance is a more decisive factor in road racing, whereas virtual racing is one hour of pure, intense suffering.”

Pro rider Chris Hamilton, who rides for Team Sunweb, agreed with Diegner when he described one virtual race as “the hardest thing I have ever done”.

Diegner selected the following 10 performances as the most impressive he has seen in the professional virtual races to date.

*Rider*	*Team*	*Race*	*Time*	*Speed (avg km/h)*	*Power (avg watts)*	*W/kg (avg)*	*Ride Info Source*
Chris Hamilton	Team Sunweb	Digital Swiss 5 Race 5	01:00:13	37.7	393	6.05	Strava
Filippo Ganna	Team INEOS	Digital Swiss 5 Race 2	00:55:17	48.7	463	5.51	Strava
James Piccoli	Israel Start-Up Nation	Zwift Tour for All Stage 3	01:41:56	42.7	335	5.2	Zwift Companion
Louis Meintjes	NTT Pro Cycling	Zwift Tour for All Stage 5	01:23:40	33.3	323	5.7	Zwift Companion
Stefan De Bod	NTT Pro Cycling	Zwift Tour for All Stage 5	01:23:49	33.3	357	5.4	Zwift Companion
Nicolas Roche	Team Sunweb	Digital Swiss 5 Race 3	01:12:11	27.9	391	5.51	Strava
Pello Bilbao	Bahrain – McLaren	Zwift Tour for All Stage 3	01:42:39	42.4	330	5.5	Zwift Companion
Rohan Dennis	Team INEOS	Team INEOS eRace on Zwift	00:58:01	29.2	373	5.18	Zwift Companion
Tobias Ludvigsson	Groupama – FDJ	Digital Swiss 5 Race 4	00:48:00	46	428	5.63	Strava
Nicolas Roche	Team Sunweb	Digital Swiss 5 Race 3	00:54:17	29.4	397	5.59	Strava Advertisement

Watts per kilogram is widely recognised as the most accurate barometer of effort in pro cycling. It takes the average power a rider produces over a set period of time and divides it by their weight in kilograms. The hardest road races require the winner to produce about 4/wkg over five hours. In virtual races, the winners have been nudging 6w/kg for between one hour and 1hr 45min.

Diegner said: “Chris Hamilton only finished fourth in race five of the Digital Swiss 5 but riding for one hour at 6.05w/kg is world class. He rode the last 12 minutes at 6.58w/kg, which would win him most WorldTour mountain stages.

“James Piccoli’s win on stage three of the Zwift Tour for All was a similarly amazing effort. He rode for one and a half hours at over 5w/kg and then kicked again and rode the last six minutes 25 seconds at 6.46w/kg. That’s unimaginable for amateur riders on Zwift.”

One lesson that emerged from the analysis was that the riders who are most successful on the road, such as Froome and 2019 Tour de France winner Egan Bernal, were not necessarily as effective in virtual races.

Diegner believes this was because successful road riders did not adjust to the nuances of virtual racing as well as others, but he expects them to start replicating their road success in virtual races with time and experience.

“Take Egan Bernal in the Team INEOS eRace on Zwift,” Diegner added. “He wasn’t competitive. That may be because he did not go all-out and was treating it as a training effort. But ultimately, once a rider with his capability gets used to the intensity, he will start winning like he does on the road.

“It is similar with sprints. Someone like [former three-time world champion] Peter Sagan might not get virtual racing right to begin with, but when he learns when and how to expend his power, he will start winning with the same regularity as on the road. Knowing when to start the sprint and how to reach max power in online races is a skill that has to be developed.”

Industry News

Mohegan Appoints Joseph J. Hasson as Interim COO

Published

1 day ago

April 19, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

mohegan-appoints-joseph-j.-hasson-as-interim-coo

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, known globally for its renowned integrated entertainment resorts, has appointed Joseph J. Hasson as interim Chief Operating Oﬃcer. Jody Madigan, the current COO, has resigned effective August 1, 2024, and will be taking a leave of absence pending his departure.

Joseph J. Hasson will serve as interim COO and retain his current role as General Manager of Mohegan Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, subject to necessary regulatory filings or approvals. Mr. Hasson was an obvious choice for the Management Board, given his prior experience as the former Chief Operating Officer of Station Casinos LLC and Red Rock Resorts Inc. Joe brings considerable expertise to the executive team with a consistent track record of operating excellence and success over more than 40 years’ experience in the gaming and hospitality industry. Mr. Hasson will report to Ray Pineault, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan.

“Joseph J. Hasson’s deep understanding of the gaming and hospitality industry makes him exceptionally qualified to maintain our high service and operational excellence standards. We are confident that Joe’s extensive experience and proven leadership will ensure continuity in our operations and guest experience,” Ray Pineault, President and CEO of Mohegan, said.

Industry News

Jennifer Shatley Joins ROGA as Executive Director

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

jennifer-shatley-joins-roga-as-executive-director

Jennifer Shatley, a recognized expert in the field and a highly sought speaker and advisor, has joined the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) as Executive Director.

Shatley has had 25+ years worth of experience, working closely with the treatment community, academics, researchers, government bodies, state councils, and gaming industry representatives to promote responsible gaming.

“Many of America’s largest legal mobile gaming operators will be establishing a framework that helps to aid in responsible gaming education and awareness. By coming together with a clear set of objectives, ROGA and our members will work to enhance consumer protections and help provide easier and more efficient access to responsible gaming tools for consumers to enjoy the entertainment of online gaming,” Shatley said.

Industry News

Europe Sports Betting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2024-2030 Featuring Bet365, William Hill, Betfair, Paddy Power, 888sport, Bwin, Unibet, Ladbrokes, MGM, and Betsson

Published

3 days ago

April 17, 2024

Peter Tolan

europe-sports-betting-market-size,-share-&-trends-analysis-report-2024-2030-featuring-bet365,-william-hill,-betfair,-paddy-power,-888sport,-bwin,-unibet,-ladbrokes,-mgm,-and-betsson

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The “Europe Sports Betting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type, Platform, Sports Type (Football, Basketball, Baseball, Horse Racing, Cricket, Hockey, Others), Country, and Segment Forecasts, 2024-2030” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

The Europe sports betting market size is anticipated to reach USD 65.54 billion by 2030 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2024 to 2030

The globalization of sports and the integration of international leagues and tournaments into European betting markets have fueled the growth of sports betting. Major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, Wimbledon, and the Olympics attract widespread attention and betting interest from European consumers, driving significant betting volumes and revenues for sports betting operators, thus driving the growth of the sports betting market in Europe.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the European sports betting market. The cancellation or postponement of sports events during the pandemic restrained the market growth. With major tournaments, leagues, and competitions either suspended or canceled outright, the absence of live sports events severely diminished consumer betting opportunities. It led to a significant decline in betting volumes and revenues for sports betting operators.

The presence of favorable betting policies in the region is driving the growth of the sports betting market in the region. Many European countries, such as the UK, Ireland, Denmark, and France, have progressive policies promoting a competitive and well-regulated betting market. It facilitates the entry of new operators into the market and encourages competition, leading to innovation, improved services, and better value for consumers.

Moreover, established responsible gambling initiatives and regulatory bodies in Europe, such as the European Gaming & Betting Association, help build trust and confidence among consumers by promoting responsible gambling practices, ensuring fairness and transparency in betting operations, and providing avenues for dispute resolution, to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the betting market, thus driving the growth of sports betting market in the region.

Europe Sports Betting Market Report Highlights

Based on the type of betting, the fixed odd wagering segment accounted for the highest revenue share of 27.7% in 2023 due to the stability and predictability of the payouts
Based on platform, the online segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2024 to 2030. It can be attributed to the collaborations between sports teams, leagues, and betting companies, thus increasing the visibility of sports betting and attracting a larger customer base.
In terms of sports type, the football segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023. It can be attributed to the popularity of football in Europe due to popular football clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool FC, FC Barcelona, and Manchester United.
The UK held a significant share of 34.6% in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Favorable gambling policies in the country drive the market’s growth.

Company Profiles

Bet365
Ali William Hill
Betfair
Paddy Power
888sport
Bwin
Unibet
Ladbrokes
MGM Resorts International
Betsson

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute	Details
No. of Pages	80
Forecast Period	2023 – 2030
Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023	$33.75 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030	$65.54 Billion
Compound Annual Growth Rate	9.9%
Regions Covered	Europe

Key Topics Covered:

Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope

Chapter 2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Outlook
2.2. Segment Outlook
2.3. Competitive Insights

Chapter 3. Europe Sports Betting Market Variables, Trends & Scope
3.1. Market Lineage Outlook
3.1.1. Parent market outlook
3.1.2. Related/ancillary market outlook
3.2. Market Dynamics
3.2.1. Market driver analysis
3.2.1.1. Increasing number of sport events
3.2.1.2. Growing number of sporting events and leagues in Europe
3.2.2. Market restraint analysis
3.2.2.1. Lack of unified regulations
3.2.3. Market opportunity analysis
3.2.3.1. Growth in E-sports audience
3.3. Europe Sports Betting Market Analysis Tools
3.3.1. Industry Analysis – Porter’s
3.3.2. PESTEL Analysis

Chapter 4. Europe Sports Betting Market: Platform Estimates & Trend Analysis
4.1. Platform Market Share, 2023 & 2030
4.2. Segment Dashboard
4.3. Europe Sports Betting Market by Platform Outlook
4.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2018 to 2030
4.4.1. Offline
4.4.2. Online

Chapter 5. Europe Sports Betting Market: Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
5.1. Type Market Share, 2023 & 2030
5.2. Segment Dashboard
5.3. Europe Sports Betting Market by Type Outlook
5.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2018 to 2030
5.4.1. Fixed odds wagering
5.4.2. Exchange Betting
5.4.3. Live/In Play Betting
5.4.4. eSports Betting
5.4.5. Others

Chapter 6. Europe Sports Betting Market: Sports Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
6.1. Sports Type Market Share, 2023 & 2030
6.2. Segment Dashboard
6.3. Europe Sports Betting Market by Sports Type Outlook
6.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2018 to 2030
6.4.1. Football
6.4.2. Basketball
6.4.3. Baseball
6.4.4. Horse Racing
6.4.5. Cricket
6.4.6. Hockey
6.4.7. Others

Chapter 7. Europe Sports Betting Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis
7.1. Regional Market Share Analysis, 2023 & 2030
7.2. Regional Market Dashboard
7.3. Regional Market Snapshot
7.4. Market Size, & Forecasts Trend Analysis, 2018 to 2030
7.4.1. UK
7.4.2. Germany
7.4.3. France
7.4.4. Italy

Chapter 8. Competitive Landscape
8.1. Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, By Key Market Participants
8.2. Company/Competition Categorization
8.3. Vendor Landscape
8.3.1. List of key distributors and channel partners
8.3.2. Key customers
8.4. Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit researchandmarkets.com

The post Europe Sports Betting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2024-2030 Featuring Bet365, William Hill, Betfair, Paddy Power, 888sport, Bwin, Unibet, Ladbrokes, MGM, and Betsson appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.