After careful thought, I have decided not to compete in this year’s Cycling Esport World Championships. Competing at the highest level has always been my passion, but there are two main reasons for my decision.

First, for my health and long-term performance, I believe it’s essential to occasionally take a break—not to overexert myself, but to maintain the consistency I need to perform each week. Second, I feel the sport is currently heading in a direction I cannot fully support.

To me, values like respect for athletes, transparency, and expertise in decision-making are essential for the future of cycling. It is crucial to stand by these values as an athlete.

My main concern driving my decision is how our sport is managed. We still lack transparency, reliable verification, and clear consequences that are essential for fair competition. Accurate hardware and strong control mechanisms are vital, but standards remain inconsistent.

This year, elite racing opportunities have been significantly reduced, while much of the emphasis has shifted toward community racing, with elite opportunities either decreased or virtually eliminated. Community and elite racing should be able to grow side by side and support each other — but this depends on maintaining high professional standards at the top level, rather than shifting focus away from it.

What also concerns me is the culture surrounding performance. Too much pressure is placed on weight loss as the main route to results, rather than emphasizing strength, resilience, and overall health. That is not the approach I support. Without clear, independent governance structures, this imbalance risks becoming the norm—and it is unsustainable for athletes and the sport’s credibility.

I also notice a lack of essential expertise in decision-making roles within elite racing. For our sport to develop with integrity, it needs leadership that combines technical skills, athlete experience, and independence from commercial interests. An independent governing body with transparent standards and enforceable consequences would be a crucial step forward.

My decision stems from respect and passion, not rejection. I love cycling esports and care deeply about its future, which is why it is vital to uphold these values. By stepping back this year, I want to highlight what truly matters: fairness, prioritizing athletes, sustainable athlete health, and trust in the structures that govern our sport.

I am, and remain committed to making positive contributions to cycling—both through my own performance and by supporting efforts that strengthen its future.

Kathrin Fuhrer – Level up Life