In the third stage of the 2010 Tour de Taiwan, Taiwanese teams put on a strong performance, raising the profile of the island's cycling squad. The Giant Asia Racing Team retained the yellow jersey, while Feng Chun-kai of the Taiwan-based Action Cycling Team became the first Taiwanese rider since 1997 and 2004 to don the red polka-dot jersey of the “King of the Mountains.”
Feng Chun-kai said: "I stuck to my plan during the climbs, staying at the front of the peloton, and then made my move in the final 300 meters." Although he currently ranks fifth in the overall standings, his coach wants him to hold onto one title, so Feng will have to fight hard for points at upcoming mountain stages. He stated: "I’ll wear the red jersey all the way to the end of the race."
Taiwan Action Cycling Team coach Rudi Schreurs commented: "Feng Chun-kai’s personality is very similar to that of Chen Dengdian. I have high hopes for his abilities." Tomorrow, the Tour de Taiwan enters the Miaoli leg, which features three mountain scoring points — conveniently, Miaoli is Feng’s hometown. "I’m familiar with some of the sections," said Feng, who has trained on the Miaoli route more than six times.
Lee Wei-cheng of the Taiwan Action Cycling Team was yesterday’s best Taiwanese rider in the third stage, matching Feng’s time of 3 hours, 13 minutes and 36 seconds to finish 21st. The Action Cycling Team also ranked fourth in the team classification, ahead of the Giant Asia Racing Team in fifth. However, the Action Cycling Team is in need of sponsorship funding and yesterday had a donation box at the event venue to raise money for this year’s races.