The dust has now settled on the 4th UCI Esports World Championships and the first ever live final. All in all, the event was a massive success, and despite there being some areas in need of improvement, this was a big step forward for the sport. We have long called for a live final and it was great to see how all the riders were able to perform in the flesh. Of course, we went there with the ambition to win and had good chances in both the men's and women's races. So how did it go?
Success for the Coalition elite riders
We went into the final with high hopes having secured wins in both the men's and women's semi-finals. Lou was continuing her winning ways and Ollie Jones was enjoying some great form. With five riders, all in great form – now it was time to give it their all.
In the end, we came close, but unfortunately nobody was able to claim a spot on the top step of the podium. But there was still plenty to celebrate and to be proud of! Of course, first up is Lionel who finished in second in the men's race and was leading the compeition up until the last moments. In fact, all three of the elite men finished in the Top 10 - well done Michał (7th) and Ollie (9th)! Our best result yet at a Worlds.
This also meant that The Coalition was the most successful team at the World Champs in the men's division.
In the women’s race, we had two riders competing: Lou Bates and Ellexi Snover. In the end, Lou had to settle for 5th and Ellexi finished in a respectable 13th. It was clear from early on that Lou was not performing to her usual level, and she later found out that she was positive with Covid. Sometimes you get unlucky – and with so many people flying in from all over the world, it's not a surprise several riders got sick. So, to get 5th whilst being (unknowingly) sick, is mightily impressive!
An interview with Lionel
Lionel, well done on your success at the World Champs and for coming so close to taking the jersey! This was your 4th time racing the World Champs, and so you're an expert in getting yourself ready for such an undertaking. How was your preparation for Worlds this time around? Did everything go to plan?
Well, it was pretty mixed to be honest. I took the decision to have a break after the semi-final in September. I wanted to spend time with my family and recharge the batteries in Croatia. Taking one week completely off was probably too much at that time, and I ended up chasing the fitness back for weeks prior to Abu Dhabi. My SRC's results were far from good in October and mentally I was struggling not having any good feeling on the bike. Luckily, I still resisted the urge to "panic train" and I felt really good after my last session before travelling the UAE.
What was it like to finally race in a live final? Did you get any jetlag?
It was like being in a dream to be honest; thumbs up to MyWhoosh for giving us such opportunity. I've been eracing since 2018, and it was exactly how I've always imagined a World Champs should be. As a European, jetlag didn't affect me at all and I also have experience from racing live so I was pretty comfortable I would say. The fun part was actually having all the riders staying in the same hotel for a couple of days before the event. I really loved the atmosphere and it's fun to see everyone keeping an eye on each other haha.
You've appeared in every UCI World Champs – how did this one compare?
This one felt like another discipline really. It's hard to compare to previous World Champs, I would rather compare it to the CVR World Cup in Vancouver, but with a stronger field.
How do you think the Worlds experience could be improved moving forwards? Certainly, there could be some improvements in relation to equipment and weighing in procedures.
You can always improve obviously, but overall it's already such an improvement compared to previous editions. I would even be glad if it stays the same for the next 2 years of the MyWhoosh partnership with the UCI. If I had to be picky, I would say the broadcast is nice but they would need someone with a background in eracing to help them focus on the right action. I would also probably change race 1, it was interesting but I think either a simple sprint race or an elimination would be much more fun to watch.
Is there anything you would like to say to the Coalition community who might have felt inspired from watching your performance?
As always, thanks for the continuous support, it always helps to know that there is a whole community behind us to cheer for us. I'm always happy to read the Discord chat after the race and see how all of you guys lived the race and got the excitement from it.
Thanks Lionel! It's great to hear about your experience and we'll be cheering for you and the rest of the team in 2025.
A few snaps from the weekend
Behind-the-scenes with the Coalition elite team.
Lionel and Michał pose in their Verge team t-shirts
Ellexi rocking the 'Home' kit whilst warming up in the hotel the day before Worlds
Michał shows off his custom Polish champs Verge kit during the technical testing day before Worlds
Ollie, Lionel and Michał pose together ahead of the race
Lionel races from his hotel room the following day
Post-race interviews. Lionel bringing the positive vibes.
