In Episode 62 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Emma and Chris sit down with elite cycling esports superstar Gabi Guerra to uncover her journey from a humble upbringing in Brazil to competing on the global stage.

Gabi shares how skateboarding first sparked her passion for elite sports and paved the way for her to champion women’s representation. We explore her unexpected leap into competitive cycling, fueled by a chance encounter at a bike shop, and her eventual rise to esports prominence after discovering Zwift on a spin bike.

We dive deep into her nail-biting performance at the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship, the heartbreak of falling just short, and the resilience it took to bounce back with a shocking solo victory in the Zwift World Series—only to face another round of controversy.

Gabi opens up about the emotional highs and lows, the scrutiny of evolving esports regulations, a puzzling performance verification decision that led to an unexpected annulment, and the fierce rivalries that define the sport. From prize money milestones to her new role as a live coach on MyWhoosh, Gabi is shaping the future of cycling esports while inspiring a community with her authenticity and grit.

What’s next for Gabi Guerra, and how does she plan to keep pushing the boundaries of the sport in 2025? Tune in to find out!

Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode. We’ve curated a selection of articles that inspired our conversation, providing exclusive insights.

• Get to Know Zwift Grand Prix 2023/24 Elite Esports Cyclist Gabriela Guerra [Zommunique, Feb. 12, 2024]
• Germany’s Jason Osborne and New Zealand’s Mary Kate McCarthy Win the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship [Zommunique, Oct. 27, 2024]
• Extreme Dieting in Virtual Cycling—Where Zwift Needs to Go Next, and Why [Zommunique, March 23, 2022]
• Zwift Postpones Elite Racing Season Due to Smart Trainer Accuracy Concerns [Zommunique, Dec 4, 2024]

Join us for a conversational ride where we not only lend a voice to the digital athlete but also bridge the gap between athlete and avatar. We invite you to be part of this exciting exploration of the future of virtual sport and digital athlete engagement!