The most star-studded lineup in history delivered the most jaw-dropping results yet. After an epic 105-kilometer high-intensity race, Vincenzo Nibali from Bahrain-Merida claimed victory in the 2017 "Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge" with a time of 3:19:54.04, also breaking the event record. British rider Emma Pooley set a new women’s course record with 3:52:35.51 while defending her women’s title. Among Taiwanese riders, Peng Yuantang from the Giant Columbus team secured the best national result at 17th overall with a time of 3:38:20.47.
The 2017 "Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge" kicked off at 6:00 AM on the 20th from Qixingtan, near sea level, climbing all the way to Wuling on Hehuanshan in Taiwan at an altitude of 3,275 meters—a total distance of 105 kilometers. A total of 592 riders from 32 countries participated, including two former Tour de France yellow jersey winners and five past kings and queens of the mountain.
When the starting gun fired at 6:00 AM, the winds were strong, but the weather turned out to be unexpectedly sunny and pleasant throughout the race. In the end, Bahrain-Merida’s Nibali took the crown with a time of 3 hours, 19 minutes, and 54.04 seconds. Former champion Oscar Pujol Munoz finished as runner-up with 3:21:25.27. Denmark’s John Ebsen, winner in 2012 and 2014, secured third place with 3:24:21.96.
This year marked the sixth edition of the King of the Mountain Challenge. The previous best men’s time was set in 2013 by Iranian rider Rahim Emami from the RTS team with 3:26:59.00, while Emma Pooley held the women’s record at 4:08:40.14 from 2016. Both records were shattered this year, and for the first time, a rider broke the 3-hour and 20-minute barrier.
Peng Yuantang from the Giant Columbus team finished 17th overall with a time of 3:38:20.47, also ranking first among domestic riders. Fan Yongyi from Huafeng Tire DURO-FTL came in second at 3:41:04.50, ranking 21st overall. Rising star Xu Yuexiu from the Qianjing Pro Team delivered an impressive performance, placing third at 3:41:28.03 and ranking 22nd overall.
Bahrain-Merida’s “Shark” Nibali said the Taiwan King of the Mountain Challenge was extremely tough. “Especially the last 10 kilometers, with that 27% climb—it was astonishing. After studying the elevation map, my strategy was to wait until my rivals were fatigued before attacking, and I finally dropped them in the last 3 kilometers. Even though I won, it was a really hard fight.”
Winning the King of the Mountain title on his first attempt and taking home the NT$500,000 prize money, Nibali also felt the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality. “Starting from the last two kilometers, the crowd along the route kept shouting my name and cheering me on—it was so touching. My schedule for the new season isn’t set yet, but if I get the chance, I’d definitely love to come back and defend the title!”
Australian cycling legend Cadel Evans, who retired from professional racing in February 2015, was still in top form. Despite expressing some concerns at the pre-race press conference, he finished 10th overall with a time of 3:34:25.83.
Evans said, “It was a fun but also very tough challenge. In the last 10 kilometers, I started feeling a bit of altitude sickness—the pedaling felt like slow motion, and I couldn’t keep up. But finishing in the top ten on my first try made me really happy. Next time, I’ll do even better!”
The women’s champion, British rider Emma Pooley, successfully defended her title. Emma said, “Last year, I wasn’t as well-prepared and had to race on a borrowed bike after arriving in Taiwan. Although I won the Queen of the Mountain title, my condition wasn’t great. But I was really happy to gain sponsorships like 720 Armour after winning. I’m not the strongest rider, but this year my gear was amazing—thanks to my sponsors for believing in me.”
When Emma reached the finish line, she was walking with a slight limp, a lingering effect from a sacral fracture sustained in a crash just three weeks before the Rio Olympics last year. “When riding uphill, my back would hurt badly, and it even affected the nerves in my legs. But the pain is temporary. The weather today was perfect—we didn’t even go through the clouds, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. I love Taiwan!”
After the 2017 Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge, Emma has already made plans with three friends to cycle around Taiwan, starting from the east coast and aiming for a seven- to eight-day ride. “I want to really savor Taiwan’s food and culture. If I get the chance next year, I’d definitely love to go for a three-peat!”
The top Taiwanese rider was Peng Yuantang from the Giant Columbus team, who finished 17th overall with a time of 3:38:20.47. Having just been discharged from military service in August, Peng said he had taken about four months off due to injury earlier in the year and only resumed training at the start of the year. He approached this race with a mindset of doing his best as preparation for the National Games and was surprised to take the top domestic spot.
This was Peng Yuantang’s third time competing in the Taiwan King of the Mountain Challenge and his best result yet. “As we approached Dayuling, the altitude kept rising, and I couldn’t push my power output, so I decided to stick to my own pace and avoid overexertion to prevent cramping. Next, I’m looking forward to performing well at the National Games.”
The women’s national champion was Chen Ziyin from the Liv Yilan Women’s Team, with a time of 04:42:37.61, while her teammate Ye Yushuang finished second with 5:00:50.85.
Event director and Secretary-General He Liqing of the Republic of China Cycling Association expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Bureau, the Directorate General of Highways, Hualien and Nantou County Governments, the police departments, and all supporting units. She also thanked DURO Huafeng Rubber Industry and all the sponsoring companies for their support.