Mike O'Connor
Zwift has expanded its Paris world to include the iconic Montmartre climb, giving riders the chance to tackle the same cobbled ascent featured on this year’s final stage of the Tour de France.
Originally created for the 2020 Virtual Tour de France, Zwift’s Paris map has now roughly doubled in size. The update adds the climb to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, along with the new Montmartre KOM and three sprint segments: Église Sprint, Tchou Tchou Sprint and Monceau Sprint.
The expansion launches with 10 new routes, including eight cycling routes and two running routes. New rides range from the 7.2km Loop de loop de loop to the 74.5km Heart of Montmartre, with several routes incorporating the new KOM climb.
The update also coincides with Zwift’s Tour Fever event series, running until 16 August. The five-stage challenge features routes inspired by the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with both long and short ride options available each week, followed by a make-up week.
You can find out more about the changes at Zwift’s website.
The routes
Crêpe Escape – 16.4km // 113m
This route is served hot featuring a single lap of iconic Champs-Élysées before the punch Montmartre climb in a single loop.
La Boucle – 16.0km // 118m
A single loop featuring a single lap of the punch Montmartre climb before sprinting down the iconic Champs-Élysées.
Paris Toujours – 69.2km // 448m
Paris is always there, always alive! Paris Toujours! This route is three laps around the Champs-Élysées and another three laps combining the Champs-Élysées and the Montmartre KOM via the Église Sprint.
Heart of Montmartre – 74.5km // 500m
Check your heart rate because this route is three laps around the Champs-Élysées and another three laps combining the Champs-Élysées and the Montmartre KOM via the Monceau Sprint.
Double Espresso – 30.5km // 222m
You won’t be able to sleep tonight with two shots of the Champs-Élysées with another two shots of the Montmartre KOM.
Montmartre Mixer – 25.2km // 190m
A shot of Montmartre, a splash of Champs-Élysées, this route hits all the roads in Paris. Shaken not stirred.
Loop de loop de loop – 7.2km // 36m
One loop, two loop, three loop, déjà vu. A Paris spin that is fast paced too.
Cirque du Suffer – 20.9km // 29m
Around and around we go! 50 laps around the Arc de Triomphe with a sprint finish
Rues in Rythme (Run) – 5.0km // 34m
A short 5km run through the heart of Paris
Paris Pacer (Run) – 11.0km // 79m
Pace yourself because this route includes the climb up to Montmartre.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
