Organized by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the “Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge” began at 6:30 AM on the 30th with 412 riders from 32 countries quickly pedaling their bikes. The route stretched from the near-sea-level coast of Qixingtan in Hualien to the finish line at Wuling on Hehuanshan, standing at 3,275 meters above sea level, covering a total of 105 kilometers. This year’s overall winner was French rider Damien Frederic Monier, who took the championship with a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes and 19 seconds, while Taiwanese rider Feng Chun-kai claimed the title of Taiwan Champion.
The “Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge” route is known as an international paradise road and has been recognized by Le Cycle, France’s top-selling cycling magazine, as one of the world’s top ten toughest and most extreme race routes. As riders climb, they not only witness the breathtaking beauty of the landscape but also face dramatic shifts in temperature.
From the vastness of Qixingtan, the grandeur of Taroko Gorge, the towering peaks of Hehuanshan, to the lush greenery of Wuling — the stunning scenery unfolds amid the high-stakes, time-sensitive tension, creating a unique blend of challenge and beauty that showcases the diverse appeal of Taiwan’s tourism to the world.
The Taiwan national champion was Feng Chun-kai, who finished first with a time of 3 hours, 39 minutes and 43 seconds, placing 7th overall. The women’s overall champion was Japanese rider Eri Yonamine, who won with a time of 4 hours, 3 minutes and 29 seconds.
Top six overall results of the 2015 Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge:
1. Damien Frederic Monier (FRA) – 3 hours, 34 minutes, 19 seconds
2. John Ebsen (DEN) – 3 hours, 34 minutes, 53 seconds
3. Mark Dowling (IRL) – 3 hours, 35 minutes, 56 seconds
4. Aryia Phounsavath (LAO) SINGHA INFINITE TEAM – 3 hours, 36 minutes, 5 seconds
5. Thoms Lebas (FRA) – 3 hours, 36 minutes, 29 seconds
6. Stuart Anthony Adrian Smith (AUS) – 3 hours, 37 minutes, 47 seconds