AR Cycling Platform Rouvy Acquires FulGaz To Take On Zwift

Rouvy has announced its acquisition of rival augmented reality cycling platform FulGaz.

Zwift may be the best-known video game-style cycling platform, but Rouvy just took its attempt to compete up a gear with the acquisition of former rival FulGaz.

Both of these platforms — FulGaz and Rouvy — differ from Zwift in that they use routes captured in video, with game-style objects including your virtual rider pasted on top in 3D. And as GPS data is all part of the package, the immersion level can be as good as it is in Zwift when paired with a smart turbo trainer.

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The first move Rouvy is making post-acquisition is to add the 20 most popular routes from FulGaz to the Rouvy library. I’ve been told “many more” will follow in the future.

FulGaz claims to offer “2,000+ real world rides,” while Rouvy’s website suggests it provides more than 1500 routes.

Before the acquisition, both platforms charged $14.99 for a monthly membership. And, for now at least, nothing will change for current FulGaz members.

FulGaz isn’t going to immediately merge with Rouvy, although as two direct rivals in the virtual cycling space, how long this state will last is to be confirmed.

“We will spend some time fully assessing the situation, listening to their views and making sure all FulGaz users can enjoy a smooth and satisfactory experience but we think it makes no sense to keep both platforms open and will eventually be transitioning FulGaz to Rouvy,” says Petr Samek, Rouvy CEO.

Rouvy x Ironman

The deal also marks with a “multi-year” agreement between Rouvy and the until-now owner of FulGaz, The Ironman Group, which operates the well-known series of Ironman triathlons across the world.

Cycling routes from these triathlon events will also be rolled into the Rouvy platform — handy for those training for one of the 194 future triathlons currently listed on the Ironman website.

“Our collaboration with Ironman marks a significant milestone in making Rouvy the go-to indoor cycling platform for triathletes,” says Samek.

“In our discussions with Ironman about forming a multi-year partnership, it became apparent that FulGaz would be one such opportunity, so we’re delighted to announce the news of this acquisition and the bringing together of two of the best-loved virtual cycling platforms in the world.”

FulGaz launched in 2014, several years ahead of Rouvy’s beginnings in 2017. It was founded in Australia and operated independently until it was acquired by The Ironman Group in 2021.

Its founder Mike Clucas continues to work at The Ironman Group as its Global Vice President of Digital Sports Experiences.

Rouvy currently offers a 7-day free trial, should you wish to try it out.