Spectacular mountain climb added to Zwift's Watopia course (video)

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.