The 2017 Taiwan King of the Mountains Challenge delivered an unprecedented performance. Bahrain Merida’s Vincenzo Nibali clocked 3 hours, 19 minutes, 54.04 seconds to win, becoming the first rider to break the 3-hour, 20-minute mark—a feat that left domestic cyclists calling it “incredible.”
The race started this morning (20th) at 6 AM from Qixingtan, near sea level, fighting strong winds as riders ascended to Wuling on Hehuanshan Mountain at 3,275 meters above sea level. The 105-kilometer course saw 592 cyclists from 32 countries take part.
As expected, “Shark” Nibali made his move on the Xinbaiyang section and dominated the tough final 10 kilometers, beating last year’s champion Oscar. Leading the last 3 kilometers to the finish, Nibali—who claimed victory in his first attempt—said, “It was really exhausting and challenging to climb from 0 to over 3,000 meters.”
Oscar finished second with a time of 3 hours, 21 minutes, 25.27 seconds, while 2012 and 2014 champion Danish rider Jesper Ebsen took third in 3 hours, 24 minutes, 21.96 seconds. Nibali noted that the final 10 kilometers featured a brutal 27% gradient. “After studying the elevation map, my strategy was to wait until my rivals were fatigued before attacking. It was an incredibly tough battle.”
Claiming his first King of the Mountains title and the NT$500,000 prize money, Nibali was deeply moved by the warmth of Taiwanese fans. “Starting from the final 2 kilometers, people along the route were shouting my name and cheering me on—it was truly touching. I’d love to come back and defend my title if I get the chance.”
The best previous men’s winning time was set in 2013 by Iran’s Ghader Mizbani of RTS, who finished in 3 hours, 26 minutes, 59 seconds. Nibali’s sub-3:20 ride stunned local champion Fan Yongyi, who said, “It’s unbelievable how Nibali maintained such speed even after his final attack.”
Popular Australian rider Cadel Evans, who retired from professional racing in February 2015, still showed impressive form, placing 10th overall with a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes, 25.83 seconds. “It was a tough challenge—the final 10 kilometers felt like slow motion due to slight altitude sickness. But I’m happy to finish in the top 10 in my first try.”
In the women’s category, Britain’s Emma Pooley successfully defended her title with a time of 3 hours, 52 minutes, 35.51 seconds. Delighted to secure sponsorship deals with brands like 720armor after her win, she said, “I’m not the strongest rider, but this year my gear was great. Thanks to my sponsors for believing in me.”
Among domestic riders, Giant Columbus’ Peng Yuantang achieved the best result, finishing 17th overall with a time of 3 hours, 38 minutes, 20.47 seconds. Peng, who was discharged from military service in August, shared, “I had to rest for about four months due to injury last year and only resumed training early this year. I treated this race as preparation for the National Games and was shocked to take first place among local riders.”
(China Times)