We usually use them to get to work, meet up with friends, or skip a few metro stops. But this Saturday, October 17, the Vélib’ bikes will take on a new role. In Ménilmontant, Rue de Savies will be transformed into a full-fledged racecourse for “La Course qui grimpe,” a competition that’s as short as it is intense: 100 meters of cobblestones on an 18% incline. Several dozen participants will take the starting line, while the public can watch the race for free.
100 meters of cobblestones with an 18% grade
On paper, 100 meters seems fairly easy to cover. But this Saturday, they may well seem much longer.
For this new race conceived by VélibRacing, participants will have to tackle a section of Rue de Savies in the 20th arrondissement. But the course won’t go easy on them: cobblestones all the way up and a gradient reaching 18%. Suffice it to say that here, the everydayVélib’ suddenly takes on the feel of a racing bike.
About 80 participants are expected, with 40 spots reserved for men and 40 for women. The format is deliberately simple. No long stages or circuits through Paris: everything comes down to this climb of just 100 meters.
Three Vélib’ bikes at the start, one eliminated at the finish
The difficulty of the course isn’t the only unique feature of this race. Participants set off in groups of three during the qualifying rounds. At each start, the first-place finisher qualifies directly. The second-place finisher advances to a repechage, while the third-place finisher is eliminated from the competition. Round after round, participants are eliminated until only the best remain for the final.
Beyond the athletic challenge, VélibRacing aims above all to showcase the Vélib’ from a different angle. The organization hosts other events where the Vélib’ leaves the usual bike paths to become, for the duration of a race, a true competition machine. For this edition, the bikes are provided with support from Vélib’ Métropole.
An original way to show that an ultralight road bike isn’t essential for tackling a Parisian sprint.
You don’t have to pedal to enjoy the race
Good news for those who prefer to watch others struggle on the climb: admission for the public is completely free.
The race takes place on Saturday, October 17, on Rue de Savies in Ménilmontant. According to the City of Paris, the event will run from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with DJ sets to accompany the various heats.
To participate, the race bib costs 20 euros. The men’s category is already full, while spots were still available in the women’s category at the time of the event page’s last update.
Between the cobblestones, the 18% grade, and the Vélib’ bikes racing three abreast, Rue de Savies is likely to resemble a race track more than a peaceful Parisian street this Saturday.
Location: Rue de Savies, 75020
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Admission: Free – Entry fee: €20