The official smart trainer of the UCI Cycling eSports World Championships has been announced! On December 8 and 9, all Worlds competitors will race remotely on the Garmin Tacx Neo 2T.
In the below video, Shane Miller lists several reasons why he thinks the UCI and Zwift chose the Neo 2T:
- Existing commercial arrangements with the UCI: Likely the biggest reason, according to Shane. Garmin Tacx already partners with the UCI for the Road World Championships.
- Availability of direct-drive smart trainers: They needed a supplier that could handle the distribution of 200+ units to racers around the world in 2020.
- The Neo 2T’s tech specs, including:
- +/- 1% power accuracy
- No spindown or calibration necessary (or even possible!)
- Up to 25% gradient simulation
- Maximum of 2200 watts, so it can handle pro-level sprints
- Quick-release and through-axle compatibility
- Compact shipping, especially compared to a smartbike
These are also the reasons he predicted that the Neo 2T would be chosen back in September. Good call, Shane!
UCI Cycling Esports World Championships: Official Smart Trainer Announced
The news is tucked into the General Information Bulletin in the UCI’s official documents about the event:
“Zwift are delighted to confirm that Garmin Tacx have been awarded the trainer sponsor category for the 2020 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships. The public announcement of this partnership will follow.
Garmin Tacx will be providing each rider in the event with a Tacx Neo 2T smart trainer and all of the associated accessories required to enable each athlete to compete on the same model of hardware, wherever they are in the world. Once National Federation squads have been confirmed on the 16th October, Garmin Tacx will begin the process of distributing the hardware to riders. Garmin Tacx will cover all costs associated with delivering and collecting the smart trainers from riders, subject to riders signing Garmin Tacx’s standard trainer acceptance form.”
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