Peloton, ESPN Host Pro Athletes For Celeb-Studded Virtual Race

Everyone seems to be experimenting with new ways to create content these days. The influence of COVID-19 has wrought sheer ingenuity in the form of parties on Instagram Live to the creation of hundreds of new podcasts a week. The sports world got into the game quickly with this year’s virtual NFL Draft and the announcement of a virtual ESPYS.

Peloton and ESPN are entering the fray together as well by trying their hand at something called the “Peloton All-Stars Ride,” which is comprised of two 20-minute classes that will air at noon on May 30. Pelotons already have a cult following. Add to that the sizzle factor of watching the top names in sports join in for the ride and the race. Commentary for the rides will be provided by Peloton instructor Ally Love, who hosted the 2020 NBA All-Star Game and hosts New York Nets games, as well as Ryan Ruocco, a long-time ESPN on-air commentator.

Former NFL star Booger McFarland, the world’s number one ranked golfer Rory McIlroy and Olympian track star Allyson Felix are amongst the athletes participating in the event. At the end, Peloton plans to donate one million meals to a food depository in New York City.

Per ESPN/Peloton, the riders are as follows:

Women’s Divison

Victoria Azarenka: Professional tennis player

Allyson Felix: Six-time Olympic track and field gold medalist

Morgan Pressel: Professional golfer

Monica Puig: Gold medal-winning Olympic tennis player

Colleen Quigley: NCAA national champion and Olympic cross country runner,

Kyla Ross: Gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast

Michele Smith: Two-time gold-medal-winning Olympic softball player

Dawn Staley: Coach of the South Carolina women’s basketball team

Men’s Division:

Mike Golic Jr.: Radio host and former Notre Dame offensive lineman

Matt Grevers: Olympic swimmer

Gordon Hayward: Small forward for the Boston Celtics

Booger McFarland: NFL analyst and two-time Super Bowl winner

Rory McIlroy: Professional golfer

Kyle Rudolph: Tight end for the Minnesota Vikings

Justin Thomas: Professional golfer

Bubba Watson: Professional golfer

Peloton insists this isn’t a commercial, but a partnership. Given the popularity of the luxury devices, it is very likely that ESPN is about to hit a value-added sweet spot for riders who enjoy the virtual connections offered by this type of exercise during quarantine and COVID-19. It’s a new way to bring people together with stars they admire.

According to a statement by Peloton: “By coming together, the two media companies are finding new ways to deliver content to ESPN viewers, sports enthusiasts and Peloton Members in a time when live games are on hold.”

The May 30 race starts at noon EST and can be viewed on ESPN, or the ESPN app or station-affiliated Youtube/Twitter/Facebook pages