UCI targets pre-race sauna tactics with new hydration checks at Esports Worlds

The federation wants to prevent risky behaviour and make sure everyone starts on equal terms. The described procedure explains that every athlete must provide a urine sample that is tested with a refractometer. The device measures urine specific gravity. A value below 1.020 counts as a normal hydration level and gives riders immediate clearance for the weigh in. If the number is higher the athlete fails the test and must drink fluids before trying again.

This protocol was introduced after reports that some riders arrived at past events dehydrated on purpose. There were suspicions that participants had spent time in the sauna or used diuretics to drop weight before the weigh in and gain an advantage. 

Body weight is used to calibrate the smart trainers on which riders compete, so even small manipulations can influence performance. These practices raised questions about fairness and also about safety. Dehydration can slow reactions, increase injury risk and reduce focus during intense indoor racing.

The 2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships is an on site virtual racing event held on 15 November in Abu Dhabi on the MyWhoosh platform, where the twenty best men and women indoor racers compete live on stage.

This year marks the fourth edition and follows the same structure as 2024, with another Abu Dhabi return set for 2026. Riders qualified through national and open events before earning their place in the final in Abu Dhabi. The world titles are decided across multiple race formats that highlight different rider strengths and which are easy to follow for fans on site and online.

Last year Jason Osborne of Germany won the men’s title, while Mary Kate McCarthy of New Zealand claimed the women’s crown. The honours list also features well known names such as Jay Vine (winner 2021), Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (winner 2020), Sarah Gigante (runner up 2020) and Loes Adegeest (winner 2022 and 2023).