It might not quite rival the Col du Tourmalet or the Col du Galibier, but virtual turbo trainer game Zwift has been given its biggest climb yet in its latest expansion.
>>> How to master a long climb (video)
The mountain expansion gives Zwift's Watopia world an extra 18km of tarmac, with users being able to tackle the climb from either direction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5szOJrWTws
The climb can be tackled from two direction of varying difficulty. The longer but probably easier ascent is 6km at an average gradient of 4%, maxing out at just over 10%, while the other side is shorter at 4km, but is steeper with a number of long stretches at 8-10% and a maximum gradient of 12%.
>>> Zwift: everything you need to know
Of course, none of this will mean anything unless you're the lucky owner of a smart turbo trainer such as the Wahoo Kickr or Tacx Neo Smart that is able to adjust its resistance according to what is displayed on screen, but non-smart trainer owners will still be able to enjoy the scenery as Zwift will work with any turbo trainer providing you have at least an ANT+ speed sensor attached to your bike.
>>> Buyer's guide to turbo trainers (video)
The only other thing you'll need is a bit of spare change in the bank, with Zwift now charging an £8 monthly subscription after being free for its first year.
