In Episode 63 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, a true pioneer in the cycling and tech worlds, Frank Garcia joins Emma and Chris. As the founder of Improvement Interactive, Frank has built custom business software for industry giants, but his influence extends far beyond that.

In the world of virtual cycling, he’s a visionary—having competed in one of the first-ever races on Zwift and developing his passion into Cycligent Virtual Racing (CVR), which introduced massive prize purses and top-tier global competition.

Frank shares his journey from the early days of Zwift racing to hosting groundbreaking live CVR World Cup tournaments worldwide, offering over $100,000 in prizes. He takes us through the highs and lows of creating virtual cycling platforms, including the launch of CVRcade and CADEsport, and reveals why he continues to invest in the future of the sport despite past challenges.

In 2024, Frank is back with a new venture—Smash Your Fitness. This innovative virtual cycling app aims to make interactive fitness accessible to all, eliminating the need for expensive hardware and pairing seamlessly with his Smashometer wearable.

In this episode, Frank provides insight into Smash Your Fitness’s USPs, target audience, and bold vision for the future of fitness and virtual cycling.

Tune in for a deep dive into the evolution of cycling esports, the challenges of building platforms in a rapidly growing market, and what’s next for Frank.

Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.

• CVR Founder Launches Indoor Cycling Fitness Gaming App “Smash Your Fitness” [Zommunique, Nov 11, 2024]
• VVN’s Most Impactful People in Cycling Esports For 2024 [Zommunique, March 18, 2024]
• An Interview with Esports Champ, Lionel Vujasin [Zommunique, Oct. 25, 2021]

Join us for a conversational ride as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar. Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.