Your Cart is Empty
FREE UK DELIVERY OVER £75
The Grand Tours have popularized Europe's highest roads, making them the bucket list of many riders, but there is another iconic climb that is quickly topping riders bucket lists – the Taiwan KOM Challenge. A race which invites amateurs and World Tour riders to the start line.
The pinnacle of this tour is the 105 km race from sea level up to 3,275m. It has all the elements to test rider and machine against the mountains - long, twisting ascents, cruel gradients and thinning air all in the lush green surrounds of a tropical national park.
Band of Climbers are very excited to announce a new partnership with Asian Cycle Touring Specialists SpiceRoads. We've partnered with SpiceRoads to bring you a 5 day Cycling Trip which includes full entry into the Taiwan KOM Challenge itself.
Dates of the Trip : October 22nd - 26th.
You can now be a PRO for a week by joining Band of Climbers and SpiceRoads as together we participate in the 2019 Taiwan KOM Challenge to conquer this truly epic climb.
As part of our team, you will be treated to pro-team life in this exclusive package, including:
There are only 600 slots available for this race. As a part of the team for Band of Climbers and SpiceRoads, we will register you for the race and provide sound advice for completing this challenge. We start with some warm-up rides to acclimatize you to the time zone and the temperatures. We also introduce you to the final very steep kilometres of the race by climbing them two days prior.
Race day is a stunning, challenging start from Hualien's Qixingtan, passing through the spectacular Taroko Gorge, then climbing to Taiwan's highest passable road atop Route 14A to Wuling Pass.
Vincenzo Nibali, 2017 the winner of the Taiwan KOM Challenge, set a new record for the event with a time of 3:19:54. Britain's Emma Pooley won the women's race in 4:08:40. 2019 is shaping up as an increased showing of professional cyclists with EF Education First, Katusha Alpecin, Aussie icon and TdF winner Cadel Evans have already confirmed their participation.
The Taiwan KOM Challenge is a truly exceptional race and opportunity to meet cyclists from all over the world in a united goal to conquer one of the greatest climbs anywhere in the world.
Day 1 Arrival in Hualien
Upon arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, you can take either airport MRT or bus to THSR Taoyuan Station & board the high speed train to Hualien. Your support team will meet you at Hualien station and transfer you and your bike box to your accommodation for the duration of the trip. For riders arriving early, an optional afternoon ride will be offered. The support team can assist with bike setup and our welcome dinner tonight will be at a popular local restaurant.
Day 2 Acclimatisation Ride in Taroko Gorge
After breakfast, we will head straight to the world-famous Taroko Gorge for a pre-race warm-up. The best way to acclimatise is to ride part of the course. We will start at 2000m and ride to the finish at 3275m, stretching those legs and lungs, to get a feel for the hallowed climbs. The ride will be a steady 50kms, with option to start or end early as your prefer. We will then transfer back down to our lodgings. Dinner tonight is fresh Taiwanese fare.
Ride Length: 50km with 1500m of elevation.
Day 3 Pre-Race Rest Day or Coastal Spin Around Hualien
Today’s easy ride will be rolling out in the morning, building camaraderie while taking in the smooth tarmac and scenic coastline north of Hualien. Step back in time for a local lunch in town. Our ride finishes early today to attend the registration event. In the evening, we will talk tactics over a hearty pre-race meal.
Ride Length : 40km with 300m of elevation.
Day 4 Race Day
Rise early to fuel up before transfer to the start of the race. Our team will provide full vehicle support during the ride, and transfer back down to Taroko afterwards, so you won't have to ride down after the climb. Rest up after the ride of a lifetime, and regroup to transfer to the Taiwan KOM post-race banquet for dinner.
Ride Length : 105km with 3275m of Elevation.
Day 5 Onward Departure
After a final breakfast at the B&B, our local team will transfer you to Hualien rail station for onward travel and departure. We highly recommend you extend your stay with SpiceRoads in Taiwan, to enjoy more of the cycling, scenery, and culture the island has to offer on our South Taiwan Road tour.
