King of Mountain Biking: Wang Yin-Zhi Aims to Defend His Crown

Taiwan’s King of Mountain Biking Challenge is set to kick off. Wang Yin-Zhi, last year’s national champion, said today that he aims to secure the title—and at the very least, ensure that a Taiwanese rider takes home the crown.

The 2013 Taiwan Cycling Festival will open with the King of Mountain Biking Challenge. The event will begin on the morning of the 9th from Qixingtan in Hualien, starting at an elevation close to 0 meters. The route will pass through scenic spots such as Taroko Gorge and the Central Cross-Island Highway, climbing all the way up to Wuling at Hehuanshan, the highest point on Taiwan’s roads at an altitude of 3,275 meters.

This race has attracted a total of 440 riders from 28 countries, including Japan, the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, and Italy. Among the participants, in addition to Danish rider John Ebsen, the 2012 champion who will be aiming for a title defense, other strong contenders include Australian rider Simon Clarke, the 2012 and 2013 King of the Mountains winner in the Vuelta a España, and Canadian rider Cory Wallace, the champion of the 2012 and 2013 Mongol Rally. All have the potential to win the title.

Facing strong challenges from international riders, local athletes—including last year’s domestic champion Wang Yin-Zhi and fellow Taiwanese rider Feng Chun-Kai—will shoulder the heavy responsibility of keeping the championship in Taiwan.

Last year, Wang Yin-Zhi finished the race in 3 hours, 35 minutes, and 23 seconds, ranking first among Asian riders and fifth overall. This year, he has set himself the goal of finishing in under 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Wang Yin-Zhi said that although the final result depends on performance on the day, especially with weather playing a significant role, no rain would help improve his time. After competing throughout the year, he feels his form is gradually maturing, and he hopes to give it his all in this race. “At the very least, I want to ensure that a local rider brings the championship home for Taiwan.” (Nov 7, 2013)

(Central News Agency)