Crossword Genius

Annually repeated circuit round the centre of Paris was gripping (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

orbit

'annually repeated circuit' is the definition.
(orbit of the sun)

'round the centre of paris was gripping' is the wordplay.
'round' becomes 'o' (round can mean a round object).
'the centre of' indicates the central letters.
'was gripping' becomes 'bit' (bite can mean to grip).
The middle of 'paris' is 'r'.
'o'+'r'+'bit'='ORBIT'

(Other definitions for orbit that I've seen before include "Sun's circulation" , "Circling path" , "revolutionary course" , "Track of satellite" , "Circle in space" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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