New Zealand's Michael Vink told Escape Collective today that he will not be on the live final stage in Abu Dhabi on November 15 for the fifth edition of the UCI Cycling Esports World Championship due to illness.
"It's a very difficult pill to swallow after everything I've put into it," the sickness-cursed Kiwi told Escape. "Unfortunately, that's just sport." The UCI confirmed Vink's withdrawal, and will not replace his roster spot in the event due to the late timing.
Chris Schwenker
Since shifting his focus from the WorldTour to esports early in 2025, following two years with UAE Team Emirates, Vink has been at times dominant, winning the US$1 Million Championship and finishing on the podium of the MyWhoosh Sunday Race Club at an over 80% clip, earning over US$105,000 in prize money this year alone. However, a recent string of conspicuous absences and an uncharacteristically poor performance in a race last week left him with no other choice.
Chris Schwenker
It’s not the first time he’s faced this kind of setback. He's been in this unenviable spot before.
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