Bahrain McLaren announced Wednesday the launch of a new virtual group ride that will take place every Thursday on Zwift. Mark Cavendish will lead the inaugural ride in the Ride as One series, which begins on April 2 at 5 p.m. CEST/4 p.m. GMT/8 a.m. PST.

The Team Bahrain McLaren Ride-as-One Series is presented by Merida and Bapco, and while races have been canceled or postponed for health reasons due to the Covid 19 outbreak, the number of teams and athletes are increasing in number.

Cavendish will show off his team's virtual team jersey in a 60-minute "flat-ish" group ride that will open the series. In addition, he will be streaming the virtual ride on Instagram Live so participants and fans can interact with him.

Cavendish's Bahrain McLaren teammate Ivan Cortina will compete in the second round of the series on April 9.