Handcycling Avatar Launches in Virtual Cycling Platform

Post Date: February 9, 2022
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Paralyzed Veterans of America teamed up with RGT Cycling and Echelon Racing League to launch a new handcycling avatar in RGT’s virtual cycling platform. The avatar is the first ever designed to represent paracyclists in a virtual platform.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to be more inclusive and recognize cyclists of all abilities, Paralyzed Veterans of America, RGT Cycling, Echelon Racing League, and Project Echelon Racing teamed up to create a handcycle avatar for adaptive cyclists in RGT’s virtual cycling platform. The avatar which features a racer using a handcycle is the first-ever designed for a virtual platform.

“We’re very proud to bring this collaboration to life and take this exciting first step in recognizing the importance of accessibility and inclusivity for athletes with disabilities” explained RGT Cycling Head of Brand and Marketing. “It’s just the start of a journey that will see a whole range of bikes for different needs on the platform, while also creating opportunities for NGBs and the UCI to host truly representative eSports National and World Championships for athletes with disabilities. Although the importance of this move may not initially be realized by all, we hope that it acts as a catalyst for change towards inclusivity in cycling, improving the outlook for everyone.”

The avatar was available for use by adaptive cyclists who participated in Echelon Racing League’s paracycling series, which ran from November 2021 through February 6, 2022. The paracycling series was developed by Echelon in collaboration with the Paralyzed Veterans of America and USA Paracycling.

“The paracycling series and new avatar representing the paracycling community is just the first step in what we hope will be a ‘garage’ of virtual bikes that will work for different needs. We’re thrilled to be able to offer this new avatar showcasing an adaptive cyclist,” said Eric Hill, Project Echelon Racing Director. “We’re excited to be partnering with RGT Cycling, PVA and USA Paracycling to host the paracycling series and welcome paralyzed veterans and all individuals with disabilities to these virtual races.

“We’re proud to be a part of launching this new avatar representing an adaptive cyclist,” added Fabio Villarroel, director of sports and recreation for PVA. “PVA has led the way for many years in creating accessible and inclusive environments for veterans and all people with disabilities and this is just one more way we are continuing to do that.”

To learn more or register about PVA’s handcycling program and other adaptive sports and recreation programs, visit pva.org/sports