Page 24 - Chiron Calling Autum 2021/Spring 2022

Veterinary Technician at the
Veterinary Training Squadron
and eCycling
by LCpl Rachel Harrison
Ifirst got involved with eCycling in the autumn of 2020 following my first season taking up
road cycling. In January 2021 I
was appointed the Army Medical Services (AMS) eCycling & eRacing representative and the main point of contact for AMS personnel.
What is eCycling and what is Zwift? Zwift is a multiplayer online cycling, and running, physical training program that enables cyclists and runners alike to interact, train and compete in a virtual world. Cyclists can connect their road bike on a static trainer via bluetooth to perform realistic activities.
eCycling is suitable for anyone and it is relatively easy to get set up. eCycling set-ups vary like with most sports but anyone who has access to a bike, turbo trainer or watt bikes, and a Zwift account can take part
in multiple events, social rides and enlist on tailored training programs.
During the COVID-19
pandemic eCycling platforms became invaluable. During these unprecedented times, the Army Cycling Union (ACU) used Zwift to bring people together whether that was social training rides or with races. It enabled the Army Cycling
Race team to train together when government restrictions prevented any in real life (IRL) meetings.
Between January and March 2021, myself and other representatives of the AMS hosted a wintertime trial event which invited cyclists from all cap badges of the army to compete in a weekly 10 mile best-effort event. This was hugely successful! My fondest memory of this event was
to see the number of new cyclists taking apart, many of whom had never done any form of road cycling before. It was nice to have been involved in organising an event which encouraged people to take part and try something new.
For me, eCycling has literally been a huge part of my life both
on and off duty. Not only has it been a way for me to improve my overall strength and endurance fitness but during the pandemic it was amazing for my mental health. Living by myself and at times feeling isolated from my family and work community, eCycling was there to bring me together with likeminded people, albeit in a virtual platform. I have been able to broaden my profile as a RAVC Veterinary Technician and branch out to the wider army, making new
friends along the way. As well as the wellness aspects I have found that eCycling has been accessible
to me in a particularly busy time in my military career. In January 2021 I enrolled onto the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing which is a full time qualification course running alongside my daily duties as an RAVC soldier. Being able to take
up army representative sport in a remote way has meant I can still feel involved in army sport but not distract from my studies.
Very recently the ACU ran the eRacing Inter-Corps Championships which saw cyclists from all over the army represent their respected cap badges to compete for the title. The winning corps will be revealed in the ACU AGM, however the AMS were comfortably siting in 2nd place during the later stages, so fingers crossed for a podium finished!
If you are interested in giving eCycling a go then please get in touch, the ACU have compiled user guides and set up tutorials. The ACU welcomes anyone to get involved and we are always #inspiringsoldierstocycle.
22 / Chiron Calling