Domestic triathlon makes history as cyclists ride on highways

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The LAVA Triathlon Series Pingtung Dapeng Bay leg will kick off at 7:00 AM on December 8th at the Dapeng Bay International Leisure Zone, attracting 1,648 athletes from 17 countries around the globe. For the first time ever, a triathlon event has been integrated with a motorsports theme — not only are the cycling course and transition area set within the Dapeng Bay Racing Circuit, but both directions of the national highway have also been closed to traffic, allowing participants to cycle on the FIA Grade 2 racing circuit and even speed onto the highway. This marks a major innovation in domestic triathlon competitions.


▲ Pingtung County Deputy Magistrate Chung Chia-ping dressed in triathlete gear. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

“LAVA” refers to volcanic lava, inspired by the location of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii — an area abundant in lava. The lava symbolizes the unyielding spirit and determination of triathletes as they strive toward their dreams. The Dapeng Bay event features five pioneering elements: the first time Taiwan has closed both directions of a national highway, the world’s first use of an FIA Grade 2 (International Automobile Federation Class 2 racing) venue as a cycling course, the first time a competition in Pingtung has attracted over a thousand participants, the first time 17 countries are represented, and Taiwan’s first triathlon held in December. For every athlete who completes the race, organizer Taiwan Triathlon Inc. donates NT$50 to the Taiwan Cancer Hope Foundation to support cancer patients.

On November 28th, the Pingtung County Government, together with the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area Administration and the Taiwan Endurance Sports Association, held a press conference. Those passionate about sports dressed up as athletes and performed a humorous skit showcasing the spirit of the triathlon — swimming, cycling, and running. Pingtung County Deputy Magistrate Chung Chia-ping mentioned that he swam three kilometers in Dapeng Bay just last week. With December water temperatures in Dapeng Bay not being too cold, the conditions are quite suitable for holding a triathlon. He hopes that participating athletes and their families can fully enjoy the charm of Pingtung.

The total race distance is 52.5 kilometers, consisting of a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride, and an 11-kilometer run. The event includes a relay category to encourage more people to take part in triathlon. The swim takes place in the clean waters of Dapeng Bay, the cycling route enters the Dapeng Bay Racing Circuit and national highway, while the running segment is held along the Bayfront Boulevard, offering views of Pingtung’s lakes and wetland ecosystems. After the race, participants will be treated to a special Dapeng Bay-style sakura shrimp seafood rice, allowing them to savor local flavors. This event is not only an international sporting spectacle but also a significant step in Pingtung County’s development of sports tourism. The Pingtung County Government has partnered with travel agencies to launch three Dapeng Bay tour packages, starting as low as NT$899, offering a great way to explore the beauty of Pingtung.