The Echelon Racing League returns for a sixth season of virtual road racing this winter, launching a calendar of one-day and stage race events on November 1 that will culminate with USA Cycling Esports National Championships on January 31 and February 1, 2026.
USA Cycling confirmed that TrainingPeaks Virtual would serve as the new virtual platform for the both the Echelon Racing League and Esports Nationals, with a commitment through 2028 for the national championships.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to continue our partnership with Echelon Racing League for this due to their commitment to hosting premier esports races. By having these events hosted on TrainingPeaks Virtual, we have the ability to create real-life courses and let our members race some of the most historic road events that the US has ever had in real life,” said Kyle Knott, national events director for USA Cycling.
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“This season, we’re excited to return to our roots by collaborating with USA Cycling and ERL race promoters, showcasing longer-format races, and emphasizing accessibility, all while competing on a platform recognized as the most true-to-life virtual racing experience with uncompromising standards for fair play,” said Eric Hill, president of the Project Echelon Promotions, which organises the League. Hill also directs the UCI Continental team Project Echelon Racing, which endorses the League.
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Halt for Zwift Academy
Zwift, which continues as a leading platform for indoor training and virtual experiences, recently produced its own elite series with a broadcast and prize purse, and also supported a development academy.
However, ZwiftInsider disclosed in July that Zwift would not continue hosting the Elite Zwift World Series this fall. Then it was confirmed by Escape Collective this week that the business would end their elite esports programmes, including the global talent ID competition for road cyclists.
In March, the Zwift Academy launched pro careers for Emily Dixon, a 19-year-old from Australia for a place with Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto, and Noah Ramsay, a 22-year-old Canadian with a spot on Alpecin-Deceuninck’s development squad.
The most successful Zwift Academy winners so far are Jay Vine (now with UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Neve Bradbury (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto), who both won their spots into the WorldTour in the COVID-19-affected finals in 2020.
Echelon Racing League 2025-2026 calendarNovember 1-2, 2025 – One Day ClassicsNovember 14-16, 2025 – Stage RaceNovember 29-30, 2025 – One Day ClassicsDecember 12-14, 2025 – Stage RaceDecember 27-28, 2025 – One Day ClassicsJanuary 9-11, 2026 – Stage RaceJanuary 31-February 1, 2026 – USA Cycling National Championships