When looking at global cycling events, few races take riders from sea level all the way up to altitudes of 3,000 meters. The “Taiwan KOM Challenge,” which goes directly from Qixingtan in Hualien to Wuling on Hehuanshan, has risen to become one of the world’s top 10 toughest classic routes. Professional cyclists are flocking to take on the challenge, and international media are scrambling to cover it, helping to boost Taiwan’s global profile. Following the release of the action-packed cycling movie “Breaking Wind” (破风), which ignited another wave of enthusiasm for cycling in Taiwan, a scene in which Eddie Peng chases an opponent at high speed from Wuling on Hehuanshan all the way to the Taroko Bridge will be recreated in real life at the 2015 Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge (Taiwan KOM Challenge) on October 30—but with an even more grueling reverse route. Both domestic and international elites will start at 0 meters above sea level and climb all the way up to 3,275 meters, competing for the top prize of NT$1 million. Compared to the “Westbound Wuling” that starts from Puli and covers about 55 kilometers, the “Eastbound Wuling” starting from Taroko not only spans nearly 90 kilometers, but also features the final 10-kilometer stretch from Dayuling to Wuling, which even professional cyclists describe as “like climbing a wall.”
Rated Among International Top 6 Events Now in its fourth edition (2015), the “Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge,” which was rated among the world’s top 10 toughest cycling races this year, still starts from Qixingtan, covering a total distance of 105 kilometers with 87 kilometers of continuous uphill climbing. Liu Xilin, Deputy Director of the Tourism Bureau, stated that after inviting internationally renowned cyclists to participate in previous years, the Taiwan KOM has become a classic international event. The French professional cycling magazine Le Cycle named it one of the world’s top 10 toughest cycling races, and Australia’s SBS also rated it among the world’s top 6 mountain cycling events. Starting early in the morning from Qixingtan, the first 18 kilometers to the Taroko Bridge, and even the subsequent 17 kilometers climbing up to the Tianxiang section at 448 meters above sea level, are considered relatively gentle warm-up sections. After Tianxiang, the gradient increases significantly. At Xinbaiyang, 29.8 kilometers in, the altitude reaches 1,644 meters. Further along, at Bilu Sacred Tree at 2,150 meters, the 14.6-kilometer climb gains 506 meters in elevation. Participants who fail to pass this “cut-off point” before 11:00 a.m. will not be allowed to continue climbing.
From Bilu Sacred Tree to the second cut-off point at Dayuling, the altitude rises to 2,565 meters. Though the finish line seems just 10 kilometers away, riders must climb an additional 710 meters—the most grueling section of the entire race. With a steep gradient of 27.3%, thin air at high altitude, and the physical exhaustion of having already biked 94.9 kilometers, Canadian rider Will Routely, who won the “King of the Mountains in the Tour of California” in 2014 and came to Taiwan to compete, said, “This is an incredibly amazing section. I’ve never raced at such a high altitude. For the last 10 kilometers, I just wanted to finish.” He finished in 3 hours, 56 minutes, and 58 seconds, placing 15th overall.
A Star-Studded Field Promises an Exciting Race The Taiwan KOM Challenge is as tough as it is captivating. International professional cyclists can’t help but marvel at the stunning scenery of Taroko Gorge and Hehuanshan, while also being awed by the long distance, high altitude, and dramatic temperature changes of the course. Many riders have participated at least two or three times. Danish cyclist John Ebsen, the 2012 champion, failed to defend his title in 2013 due to illness, but reclaimed the crown in 2014 with a time of 3:40:19.68 despite racing in adverse weather conditions. Tiffany Cromwell, the 2013 women’s runner-up from Australia and a 2012 stage winner of the Giro d’Italia, has competed for two consecutive years. Eri Yonamine, the 2013 women’s champion from Japan, will also return to compete this year.
This year, confirmed international competitors include Spain’s Omar Fraile, the 2015 Vuelta a España King of the Mountains winner; Denmark’s Lasse Norman Hansen, the 2012 Olympic champion; Japan’s Kyosuke Takei from the national team; and John Ebsen, returning to defend his title. In total, 180 elite athletes from 29 countries will compete alongside Taiwanese riders such as Fan Yongyi (two-time Taroko Mountain Challenge champion, 7th overall in 2014), Feng Junkai (5th overall in 2014, top Taiwanese rider), Xu Xuanping (2014 Most Aggressive Rider), and Chang Weichien (2015 KOM Route Champion), promising another thrilling and action-packed edition of the 2015 Taiwan KOM. Leisure Segment – Challenge the Eastbound Wuling
Including many female cyclists, almost everyone who completes the “Westbound Wuling” eventually wants to tackle the “Eastbound Wuling” as well, enjoying this classic mountain road through sports and leisure riding. The intensity doesn’t need to be as high as in the competitive race—riding over a 3-day, 2-night period allows riders to fully appreciate the beauty of the high mountains. The section from Taroko Mouth to Tianxiang can be completed in half a day by even novice riders, including children, making it a favorite one-day cycling route for many. A 2-day, 1-night ascent to Wuling requires considerable stamina, as riders need to reach Guanyun Mountain Lodge for the night on the first day. Calculating from Xincheng Railway Station, the first day involves a 64-kilometer ride, and the second day is an all-out climb to Wuling, followed by descent via support vehicle. Generally, a 3-day, 2-night schedule is best suited for most riders: the first day covers about 30.5 kilometers from Xincheng Railway Station to Tianxiang; the second day includes a 47.2-kilometer ride to Bilu Sacred Tree, followed by a 12-kilometer trek to Guanyun Mountain Lodge for the night; the third day is the climb to Wuling, totaling 14.5 kilometers.
The Central Cross-Island Highway’s eastern section features narrow roads, numerous curves and tunnels, plus significant temperature variations. In addition to riding with companions, it’s best to have a support vehicle along. Especially after ascending to Wuling, continuing on to ride the 50-plus kilometers down to Puli can be concerning in terms of both stamina and safety.
About the KOM Challenge In cycling terminology, KOM stands for “King of the Mountain.” The “Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge” (Taiwan KOM Challenge) evolved from the “Taroko International Mountain Challenge,” first held in 2010. It became a key event under the “Taiwan Cycling Festival,” launched by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Bureau in 2011.
Taiwan Cycling Festival Series of Events The 2015 Taiwan Cycling Festival runs from October 30 to November 22. The Tourism Bureau estimates that the four main events will attract 110,000 participants and generate NT$220 million in economic impact. Event Name | Date | Location | Description Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge | 10/30 | Qixingtan, Hualien to Hehuanshan Wuling | High-intensity professional race Ride Around Formosa 900 | Starting November | Island-wide cycling tour | Self-organized group tours starting from various cities in Taiwan Sun Moon Lake Come Bikeday | 10/23–11/15 | Sun Moon Lake | Carnival • Kid’s balance bike fun race • Family cycling leisure ride (6–10 km) • Sun Moon Lake cycling challenge (30 km) • Tribal cycling exploration challenge (50 km) 0K Two Cities Cycling Trail | 10/31 | Taichung City & Dajia | • Taichung Park – Houli Horse Ranch • Tan-Ya-Shen Greenway – Houli Horse Ranch • Dajia Stadium – Houli Horse Ranch Other activities are available around Taiwan. For details, visit the “Taiwan Cycling Festival Official Website”: http://theme.taiwanbike.tw/event/2015/index.html