KOM, King of Mountain: The Monarch of the Mountains
KOM, King of Mountain, signifies the monarch of the mountains, and the Taiwan KOM Challenge is an annual road cycling hill climb race held in Taiwan. The well-known route "Eastward to Wuling" is familiar among cyclists. The Chinese Taipei Cycling Association traditionally holds the Taiwan KOM Challenge in March, June, and October, known as Spring K, Summer K, and Autumn KOM. Among these, the Summer KOM is the most prestigious, frequently attracting top cyclists from around the world.
The Taiwan KOM Challenge is a renowned international race, second only to the Tour de Taiwan, attracting top cyclists from around the world each year. The Taiwan KOM Challenge is famous not only in Asia but also globally, acclaimed by the French cycling magazine "Le Cycle" as one of the top ten most challenging cycling races in the world, while also offering stunning scenery. This challenge allows cyclists to traverse the majestic Central Mountain Range, pushing their limits and attracting elite riders and passionate amateurs from all over the world. The most notable foreign challenger has been Vincenzo Nibali, the "Shark," who has won the overall leader’s jerseys in all three Grand Tours, and holds the current fastest record of 3 hours and 19 minutes. The rider with the most victories is John Ebsen, founder of the renowned cycling apparel brand JE22, who is also a son-in-law of Taiwan. The allure of the KOM Challenge lies in testing cyclists' endurance, skills, and resilience against steep slopes, variable weather, and significant altitude changes.
Taiwan KOM Challenge - Summer
The Taiwan KOM Challenge - Summer, organized by the Chinese Taipei Cycling Association, has become one of the most coveted road races for cycling enthusiasts worldwide. This classic route, considered a "must-ride" in a cyclist's lifetime, has been recognized by the renowned French cycling magazine "Le Cycle" as one of the top ten most challenging cycling mountain routes in the world. Its breathtaking scenery rivals the paradisiacal mountain stages of the Tour de France in the Alps.
KOM, King of Mountain: The Monarch of the Mountains
KOM, King of Mountain, signifies the monarch of the mountains, and the Taiwan KOM Challenge is an annual road cycling hill climb race held in Taiwan. The well-known route "Eastward to Wuling" is familiar among cyclists. The Chinese Taipei Cycling Association traditionally holds the Taiwan KOM Challenge in March, June, and October, known as Spring K, Summer K, and Autumn KOM. Among these, the Summer KOM is the most prestigious, frequently attracting top cyclists from around the world.
The Taiwan KOM Challenge is a renowned international race, second only to the Tour de Taiwan, attracting top cyclists from around the world each year. The Taiwan KOM Challenge is famous not only in Asia but also globally, acclaimed by the French cycling magazine "Le Cycle" as one of the top ten most challenging cycling races in the world, while also offering stunning scenery. This challenge allows cyclists to traverse the majestic Central Mountain Range, pushing their limits and attracting elite riders and passionate amateurs from all over the world. The most notable foreign challenger has been Vincenzo Nibali, the "Shark," who has won the overall leader’s jerseys in all three Grand Tours, and holds the current fastest record of 3 hours and 19 minutes. The rider with the most victories is John Ebsen, founder of the renowned cycling apparel brand JE22, who is also a son-in-law of Taiwan. The allure of the KOM Challenge lies in testing cyclists' endurance, skills, and resilience against steep slopes, variable weather, and significant altitude changes.
The strongest lineup in KOM race history - Vincenzo Nibali, winner of the Grand Tours (Source: Chinese Taipei Cycling Association)
Historically, the KOM Challenge route starts at sea level from Qixingtan Beach, follows the Taroko Gorge, passes through landmarks such as the Taroko Arch, Tianxiang, Xibao, Xinbaiyang, Bilu Sacred Tree, and Guanyuan, and finally ascends to the highest point of Taiwan's highways, the Wuling Pass, at 3,275 meters above sea level. The route covers a total distance of 105 kilometers, with nearly continuous climbing. The final 10 kilometers from Dayuling to Wuling, with an average gradient of about 7%, are particularly challenging due to the high altitude and accumulated fatigue after 90 kilometers of riding. However, due to potential safety concerns such as earthquakes, the 2024 Summer KOM may take place in Alishan. Compared to the Wuling route, Alishan offers a shorter distance and less elevation gain but may present increased intensity, making it no less challenging.
Unlike the usual east route to Wuling, the 2024 Summer KOM will take a different classic route - Alishan (Source: iBet Registration Network)
Alishan Highway, part of Taiwan's five major mountain ranges, extends along Provincial Highway 18 and serves as the route for this year's Summer KOM Challenge. This road offers a mix of stunning landscapes, including sunrises, sea of clouds, sacred trees, railways, and tea plantations. Despite being shorter than the Wuling route, Alishan Highway is known for its challenging terrain. The road is in excellent condition without long steep sections, but there are two segments with a gradient of 2-3% over 25 kilometers that test cyclists' aerobic endurance. Here is a brief overview of the route:
・Main Climb Sections: Chukou → Longmei → Xiding → Shizhuo → Shizilu → Alishan
・KOM Route Total Distance: About 62 kilometers, Total Elevation Gain: About 2,250 meters, Average Gradient: 3-4%
Alishan KOM route map (Source: Chinese Taipei Cycling Association) 1. Chukou to Longmei
The climbing starts at Chukou, with a 15-kilometer section to Longmei that has an average gradient of 5%. It's advisable to maintain a steady pace here.
2. Longmei → Xiding → Shizhuo → Shizilu
This section is about 25-26 kilometers long with a gradient of only 2-3%, mainly before reaching Xiding. It's a good spot for the peloton to thin out. After Xiding, from Shizhuo to Shizilu, the gradient eases, allowing a brief respite, though the long gentle slope is still challenging for aerobic capacity.
3. Shizilu to Alishan Gas Station (turn right towards Tatajia at KM 89 of Highway 18)
The final stretch is a solid climb, about 13 kilometers long with an elevation gain of about 700 meters, reaching above 2,000 meters in altitude. Oxygen intake will be affected. Don't relax too early upon seeing the Alishan entrance; there's a bit more climbing towards Tatajia to reach the finish line.
If you encounter mechanical issues during the race, it could be quite troublesome, especially for those aiming for the podium or simply hoping to finish. This is where Bone's Bike Portable Toolkit comes in handy! It includes hex keys, a Phillips wrench, tire repair tools, and a mini pump, all compact and easy to carry. This toolkit ensures you're prepared for any emergency, so your ride can continue smoothly.
Bike Portable Toolkit The unique aspect of the Taiwan KOM Challenge lies not only in its challenging routes but also in the camaraderie and sense of achievement among participants. It’s more than just a race; it's an unforgettable experience that profoundly impacts every participant. Whether you're an average cyclist aiming to finish or a challenger seeking to conquer new heights, the Taiwan KOM Challenge promises a memorable journey of personal growth and transformation.