Written/Compiled by Liu Jiawen
The 2011 MAXXIS Taroko International Mountain Bike Race will kick off this Sunday (20th) at 6:00 AM from Xiulin Junior High School in Xincheng Township, Hualien. This year, the event has specially invited Fukushima Shingo, the champion of last year’s Japan Cycling Grand Prix, along with five other well-known Japanese professional and Olympic cyclists including Miyazawa Takashi and Yamamoto Kazuhiro to take on the challenge. Fan Yongyi, who won the first edition of the race last year, will once again represent Taiwan and compete against the Japanese riders.
The rugged terrain from Taroko to Wuling puts the riders’ skills to the test. (Photo provided by MCC Editing Department)
The most distinctive feature of the Taroko Bicycle Mountain Climb Race lies in its altitude and distance challenges. The approximately 90-kilometer route starts at sea level and climbs all the way up to Wuling at 3,275 meters above sea level. The continuous uphill sections present an extreme test of both ability and mental strength for the competitors. Fukushima Shingo, a renowned Japanese cyclist and winner of Stage 5 of last year’s Taiwan KOM Challenge, as well as the 2010 Japan Cycling Grand Prix, said in an interview that he finished fourth in this race last year and hopes to claim the title this time.
Japanese riders participating in the mountain bike race will wear “Thank You Taiwan” T-shirts throughout the competition as a gesture of gratitude for Taiwan’s support following the 311 earthquake in Japan. (Photo provided by Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
The event also features a leisurely ride route from Taroko to Tianxiang, suitable for the general public. Covering a distance of 20 kilometers, the route offers views of famous Taroko attractions such as Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, and Changchun Shrine. In addition to cheering on the international riders, participants can also enjoy a relaxing and immersive journey through Taroko.