{
  "id": 85053,
  "title": "'Deck de France' is a new free software that can turn your bike trainer into a controller for your Steam Deck",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/deck-de-france-is-a-new-free-software-that-can-turn-your-bike-trainer",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-03T11:50:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PC Gamer",
    "slug": "pc-gamer",
    "url": "https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/deck-de-france-is-a-new-free-software-that-can-turn-your-bike-trainer-into-a-controller-for-your-steam-deck/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new free software named 'Deck de France' has been developed, enabling your bike trainer to function as a controller for Steam Deck games. This innovative app, shared on GitHub via Hackaday, is compatible with a range of smart trainers that broadcast Cycling Power Service over Bluetooth Low Energy. These include brands such as Tacx, Wahoo, Garmin, Magene, and various power meters from 4iiii, Stages, Favero, and others.\n\nIn essence, the software converts your pedaling power into in-game actions. The creator's original vision was to integrate it with Tour de France games, where the harder you pedal, the faster your character moves. Beyond this, the app also offers rudimentary features in games like Rocket League, Forza Horizon, and Grand Theft Auto, where your pedaling power can be used for boosting, accelerating, or even controlling car throttles.\n\nDespite the simplicity of setup, the app requires a Bluetooth controller for full functionality. This means in games like Rocket League, you'd continue playing with a standard controller while using your bike to activate special moves. The instructions to get this up and running are straightforward, with a detailed guide available on the Deck de France GitHub repository. For cycling enthusiasts or those seeking an unconventional way to enhance gaming sessions, this intriguing software offers a unique blend of exercise and entertainment.",
  "summary": "And it even kinda works with Rocket League.",
  "key_points": [
    "'Deck de France' software turns bike trainer into Steam Deck controller",
    "Compatible with smart trainers like Tacx, Wahoo, Garmin, Magene",
    "Pedaling power controls in-game actions in Tour de France games"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Creative Bloq",
        "title": "Steam’s Monochropoly event highlights the rise of black-and-white game art",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/31/steams-monochropoly-event-highlights-the-rise-of-black-and-white-game",
        "published": "2026-07-31T06:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "PC Gamer",
        "title": "Developer of 'Spanking Exorcist' game held up by Steam content moderation releases free 'apology game' where you spank him as punishment: 'We would be delighted if you enjoy it'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/01/developer-of-spanking-exorcist-game-held-up-by-steam-content",
        "published": "2026-08-01T22:12:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TechSpot",
        "title": "A Meta developer's Linux patch could boost Steam Deck frame rates by up to 32%",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/a-meta-developers-linux-patch-could-boost-steam-deck-frame-rates-by",
        "published": "2026-08-02T12:29:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}