Zwift’s Anti – Doping Policy: Is it open to Cheating?

Zwift is a popular interactive cycling tool (known as e-cycling) for recreational and competitive cyclists which saw a marked uptake during the COVID–19 pandemic as many cyclists were confined to indoor training due to local restrictions. In March 2020, Zwift published their Anti-Doping Policy for Cycling, and more recently an update of their rules and regulations in July 2021. Since its release in 2014 users have been cheating in the game and despite the policy coming into effect in 2020 the incidents have increased, and cheaters have been identified in both competitive and social events. This article outlines Zwift’s Anti-Doping policy, its limitations and how it has been exploited by dopers and cheaters. Furthermore, it goes into detail into the different types of cheating, such as digital doping, controller modifications, hardware and software manipulation and drug use. Finally, it ends with recommendations for Zwift to be in a better position to tackle these cheaters and deter dopers.