L'Etape du Tour Virtual - Stage 1

For the first time ever, cyclists around the world will join together online to ride the Virtual Etape du Tour - a virtual version of one of cycling's greatest sportive events.

Running alongside this year's inaugural Virtual Tour de France on the Zwift platform, the virtual Etape will take place over three stages held on consecutive weekends in July.

Stage 1 takes place on Watopia's Mountain Route.

"Zwifters start at sea level, breathing that salty oxygenated air before going into the sea via the Ocean Tunnel. After exiting, the climb begins. During the next 5.8 miles (9.4 km) over a 3.9% grade, Zwifters have plenty of time to get intimate with their relationship to lactic acid. And the final push, AKA the Radio Tower Climb, is brutal. Just .7 miles (1.1 km) at soul-crushing 13.7% grade. Even the genetically gifted fit folk take almost four minutes to make this ascent. And the very lucky have a Featherweight PowerUp. After a quick descent, there’s a short, false flat followed by a 350m flat and fast (flast?) sprint."

To take part, simply sign up with Zwift and make sure your indoor trainer is set up and ready.

Find out more at https://www.zwift.com/uk/virtual-tour-de-france.