The Tour de France...in Silicon Valley

July 7, 2005

There are always dozens of Silicon Valley folk who fly over to France every summer so they can follow in the tracks of their heroes riding the Tour de France. We know a few.

But a local Sunnyvale company, Expresso Fitness, has just gotten $4.5 million more in venture backing to expand a product that allows riders to pretend that they're in the Tour de France -- right from their home or local gym.

The simulated video bike trails are tied closely to reality: If you start climbing a hill, you have to downshift the bike and pedal much harder. If you're feeling strong, and coming close to a personal record during a performance, a cyclist in a yellow jersey will appear and set the pace to help you meet the goal. We wonder if it simulates the girls that kiss the winner at the end?

With Lance still in the lead last time we checked, and close to retirement, the tour is getting lots of attention -- so Expresso has a good nose for timing.