The 2014 Taiwan King of Climbers Cycling Challenge kicked off on November 15 at Qixingtan in Hualien, with 473 cyclists from 28 countries participating. The Tourism Bureau announced today that this year marks the first implementation of drug testing, elevating the event to world-class standards.
The Tourism Bureau said the biggest highlight of this year’s King of Climbers Challenge is the increased total prize money of NT$2.41 million, with the overall champion taking home NT$1 million.
The Tourism Bureau noted that due to the significant rise in prize money, the competition has been elevated to world-class standards. This year, aside from disqualifying athletes with prior positive drug test records from registration, strict drug testing will also be enforced for the first time.
The route of the Taiwan King of Climbers Cycling Challenge starts from the nearly sea-level coastline of Qixingtan in Hualien, at an altitude close to 0 meters, passes over the Taroko Bridge, follows Provincial Highway 8 and Provincial Highway 14A, and finishes at the 3,275-meter-high Wuling summit of Hehuanshan, covering a total distance of 105 kilometers.
The Tourism Bureau said that out of the full 105-kilometer challenge, about 90 kilometers involve an average 7% gradient climb through the spectacular Taroko Gorge, while the final 10 kilometers, known as "Heaven's Road," feature gradients ranging from 17% to 27%—a rare and extremely challenging section that sees a dramatic ascent over a very short distance.
However, the King of Climbers route boasts stunning scenery and breathtaking natural landscapes, earning outstanding international acclaim within the cycling community. It has even been recognized by France’s leading cycling magazine Le Cycle as one of the world’s top 10 most difficult races, ranking alongside classic routes such as those in the Alps. 1031112
(CNA)