Organized by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Taiwan Cycling Riders Association, the Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge—with a total prize purse of NT$2.41 million—kicked off on the 15th at Qixingtan Beach in Hualien. The organizers invited several internationally renowned cyclists to compete in Taiwan, and Feng Chun-kai, Taiwan’s first rider to join a world top-tier cycling team, expressed his excitement about competing alongside elite riders from around the globe, hoping to further enhance his own skills through the event.
This year, a total of 473 riders from 28 countries and regions are taking part, with some of the most notable names including Canada’s Lutley, the King of the Mountains winner in this year’s Tour of California, Australian cyclist Tiffany, the stage winner in the 2012 Giro d’Italia Women’s race, and Taiwan’s Wang Yin-chih, who secured third place in last year’s edition of this event. The men’s champion will take home NT$1 million, while the women’s champion will be awarded NT$200,000.
The organizers emphasized that this year’s course stretches from Qixingtan Beach in Hualien all the way up to the finish line at Wuling on Hehuanshan, which sits at an altitude of 3,275 meters. The total race distance is 105 kilometers, with an average gradient of 7% over the first 95 kilometers. The final 10 kilometers will feature a grueling climb known as “Heavenly Road,” with gradients ranging between 17% and 27%. The entire course has been ranked by the French cycling magazine Le Cycle as one of the ten most difficult races in the world.
In addition, the organizing committee has decided not to accept any riders with a history of doping violations and will implement strict drug testing measures. The goal is to elevate the quality of the event to a world-class standard. Coupled with the stunning scenery along the route, participants are set to experience one of the most extraordinary races out there.