In a world where elite cycling traditionally means dusty roads and mountain passes, something revolutionary is happening. This Sunday, five riders will sit down at their indoor training stations in Abu Dhabi, pull on their specially-designed cycling kit, and compete for a UCI World Championship – all without turning a wheel on actual tarmac.
They're members of The Coalition, esports cycling's most decorated team, and they're about to show why virtual racing has become more than just a pandemic trend. Since their founding in 2019, The Coalition has accumulated more elite titles than any other team in the sport's brief history, building not just a racing squad but the third-largest global community of amateur virtual racers.
Their latest partnership with Verge brings something new to the digital peloton: cycling kit specifically engineered for the unique demands of indoor racing. Called the Pain Cave collection, it's designed to handle the intense heat and sweat of virtual competition.
"It's the most comfortable kit I have ever worn," says Coalition rider Lionel Vujasin, who will be among those competing in Abu Dhabi. The team will be easy to spot – they've created distinctive 'home' and 'away' kits, breaking with cycling tradition to embrace a more mainstream sports approach. Their latest design features a 'datamoshed' effect that makes the kit appear to glitch, a fitting choice for a team racing in the virtual world.
"Since day one, we've only partnered with brands that share our vision," explains Rhys Howell, who founded The Coalition and serves as team director. "Verge understands where esports cycling is heading."
For Verge, this partnership represents more than just outfitting a successful team. "The Coalition's feedback will help us develop gear for this fast-evolving sport," notes Charlie Issendorf, VP of Sales & Marketing at Verge. As virtual racing continues to grow, that evolution shows no signs of slowing down.
