The Classic Cycling Race Returns - 2024 KOM The Taiwan KOM Challenge - Summer, originally scheduled for June 21, 2024, was canceled due to natural disasters and safety concerns. The road maintenance authorities highlighted the risks of landslides and falling rocks during the rainy season in the Alishan region, making it unsafe for a cycling event. Furthermore, the east route to Wuling remains under repair. However, the race has been revived with a more challenging "North Wuling" route. Let's dive into the details of this legendary race! Bone TalkRunning and Cycling September 24, 2024 Feeling uneasy after missing a year of KOM? Don't want to miss another chance to compete with top riders from around the world? See you in Yilan on October 25, 2024, for the Taiwan KOM Challenge! The Taiwan KOM Challenge is one of the most prestigious races in Asia and around the globe. Unfortunately, the iconic summer KOM was canceled due to natural disasters, and Route 8 remains in disrepair due to frequent earthquakes and heavy rains this year. Missing out on this annual event has left many cycling enthusiasts feeling like something is missing this year. But recently, the latest KOM Challenge has been announced! As the saying goes, if the mountain won’t move, the path will; if the path won’t, the person will. The Riders’ Association has decided to switch the final KOM Challenge of the year to the more demanding "North Wuling" route. Compared to the east route, the northern route is about 1.5 times longer and features more elevation gain, ending with the formidable final boss, Dayuling. From a racing perspective, the northern route is more difficult, testing riders' endurance, skills, and perseverance. Challenging yourself on Taiwan's mountainous roads and confronting your inner dialogue is one of the highlights of this race. Let Bone guide you through the route analysis! The northern route is more difficult than the eastern route. Riders, prepare yourselves mentally! (Source: Cycling Magazine) Race Route: Start (Yilan County Council) - Route 7 - Route 7A - Turn Right - Yilan Branch of the Central Cross-Island Highway - Siji - Jiguan Bridge - Nanshan - Siyuan Pass - Wuling Farm - Lishan - Route 8 - Dayuling - Finish Line at Wuling. Total distance is about 150 kilometers, with the finish line at an altitude of 3,275 meters - North Wuling (Route: Strava). Compared to the more familiar western and eastern routes, which are often used for races and have more convenient transportation, riders are less familiar with the northern route. The northern route mainly follows Route 7, starting from Baitao Bridge, passing through Nanshan Village and Siyuan Pass before reaching Lishan. The second half of the route includes a section of Route 8 and ends with the final boss: a 10-kilometer climb on Route 14A to Dayuling. If calculated from Baitao Bridge, the total distance is about 120 kilometers with an elevation gain of around 2,800 meters. After the start, it’s about 60-70 kilometers to Nanshan Village. The first part consists mostly of flat and gentle slopes, but once you enter the cabbage farming area, the first climb challenge begins. Be careful not to exhaust your legs here! When you spot a convenience store, you've reached Nanshan. The section from Nanshan to Lishan is relatively relaxed, with gentler slopes and two long downhill stretches where you can recover. Be cautious, though, as some parts of the road are narrow. The final stretch from Lishan to Dayuling is about 30 kilometers of 1-2% gentle incline, allowing you to rest before tackling the final boss, Dayuling. The most challenging section of Wuling – just 10 kilometers to go! The final segment from Dayuling to Wuling, for both the northern and eastern routes, is the toughest. It spans 10 kilometers with a 700-meter elevation gain, including a 1-kilometer downhill section, so the actual climbing gradient is quite steep. The first half of this segment is especially tough, with an average gradient of 8% over 5 kilometers to Xiaofengkou Visitor Center. There are several steep sections. After Xiaofengkou, there’s a 600-meter-long stretch with an average gradient of 13%, with the hairpin turn at kilometer 36 being the steepest part at 27%—a notorious spot for riders to dismount. Once you get through this, the gradient eases slightly, with a 1-kilometer downhill section at kilometer 34 giving your legs a brief rest. When the downhill ends, only 1.5 kilometers remain, with an average gradient of 11%, including several steep sections reaching 20%. By this point, most riders are completely spent, so rely on your willpower to get to the top! Once you see the Wuling arch, you’ve conquered the KOM North Wuling route – take a moment to congratulate yourself! The daunting Dayuling – you’ll understand once you ride it. Whether you’re traveling or racing, it’s unlikely you’ll only wear cycling shoes. So, how should you carry a second pair of shoes? Stuffing them in a bag risks them becoming smelly. That’s where Bone’s uniquely designed and stylish Shoe Tie comes in handy! Bone’s Shoe Tie offers excellent breathability, fits various shoe styles, and the elastic strap can attach to just about anything. It’s easy to hang or remove, making it an excellent accessory for cyclists on long trips. Bone Shoe Tie is compatible with many shoe styles and looks great – a must-have for travelers! The unique charm of the Taiwan KOM Challenge lies not only in its incredibly challenging course but also in the camaraderie among participants and the sense of personal achievement. This is not just a competition but an unforgettable journey that leaves a profound impact on every participant. Whether you’re a leisure rider hoping to complete the race or a competitor aiming for a personal breakthrough, the Taiwan KOM Challenge offers an unforgettable experience of growth and transformation. Bone TalkReceive exclusive news, updates & more. Subscribe Please enter a valid email address. Back to Top