A foreigner gets ready to compete in the online cycling contest.

China’s first electronic cycling competition was launched in Shanghai on Wednesday to promote the online sport that popped up amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The national championship will run through Saturday during the 30th China Cycle 2021 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

Eight professionaleSportscycling teams, including Shanghai Bicycle Team, Giant Bicycle and CyclingMaina, will compete for the championship.

Many cyclists began competing online during thelockdownafter the coronavirus outbreak. With a static machine and mobile phone app, players can cycle around scenic spots or race with friends at home.

“The event aims to promote online cycling and combineeSportswith a public fitness program,” according to thePutuoCulture and Tourism Bureau, one of the event organizers.

Shanghai has an ambition to become the world’seSportscapital, eventually rivaling LosAngeles, which has attracted famous clubs and developers such as Riot Games,ActivisionBlizzard and Infinity Ward.

Putuohas madeeSportsone of its key industries, the bureau said, to serve the city’s ambition.

Several othereSportsvenues have been developed inPutuo, such as the IMBAeSportscenter at Global Harbor Mall, the biggest downtown shopping mall, and aneSportsInternet bar atthe HuxiWorkers’ Cultural Palace.

Players from eight eSports teams were competing for the championship.

A rider adjusts his machine for the online cycling event.