203 kilometers, 2,200 meters of elevation, and a time limit of eight hours – the Taiwan KOM Challenge Pacific Classic – organized by the Taiwan Cycling Federation – is anything but a walk in the park. Yet, before the start, one could hear the same comment over and over again: “No Wuling Pass this year? That must be much easier.” Anyone who says that has clearly misunderstood the race. The new route is just as demanding – simply different in character.
Taiwan’s Wild East Coast
The Taiwan KOM Challenge 2025 is not a pure climbing race but a true test of endurance, determination, and adaptability. This year’s course followed Taiwan’s wild east coast southward, with short but intense detours into the mountains. The route had to be changed because the traditional climb to Wuling Pass was closed due to road damage and construction. Earthquakes and heavy rainfall have caused ongoing problems for this historic cross-island connection. The government continues to invest heavily in maintaining the route, but currently, the Taroko Gorge in the Taroko National Park – and with it the eastern approach to the pass – remains completely closed.
What the new course of the Taiwan KOM Challenge Pacific Classic lacks in altitude gain, it makes up for with other challenges: rain that turns roads into slippery ribbons, headwinds that push you back as if the Pacific itself were resisting, and a strict time limit. As a road cyclist and Everester who has climbed more than 50 passes across the Alps, I still see this route very challenging and unique in character – not because of its gradients, but because of its unpredictability. And, of course, because of the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
And then there’s the human side: the warm hospitality of the Taiwanese people, the smiles and shouts of “Jiāyóu!” (加油 – “Keep going!”) at every feed station, and the organizers who treat every rider with care and respect. Despite the competitive setting, a sense of camaraderie forms among the riders – that’s what makes the Taiwan KOM so special.
The Faces of the KOM
A race like the Taiwan KOM Challenge lives through the people who take part, and every encounter tells its own story. Chris, a super friendly cyclist from New Zealand whom I met before the start, finished the 200 kilometers about 90 minutes faster than I did – yet in the evening he still couldn’t manage to find a Starbucks on Google Maps 😁. Than Stanley, a Taiwanese engineering designer, rode most of the return leg with me; together we fought through the brutal headwind and shared some really good conversations on the climbs. Then there was Valentin, a 28-year-old German physicist now living in Taiwan. We caught up after the race and agreed to explore the mountains together soon.
Kellie, a Canadian gourmet chef, claimed he hadn’t trained much – yet he rode the entire race in sneakers, proving remarkable grit and toughness. A couple from Taipei joined me for parts of the route; the language barrier hardly mattered – on a bike, you don’t need many words to understand each other. A quiet rider from Manila responded to my attempts at conversation only briefly – perhaps out of shyness, perhaps disinterest. How ever, that too is part of the experience.
Along the Coast – Beautiful and Demanding
Taiwan’s east coast is breathtaking: massive waves crash against the cliffs, the climbs into the Niushan hills are serene, and the descents fast and technically challenging. More than once I wanted to stop, take photos, and absorb the scenery – but the KOM is a race, not a sightseeing tour. Fortunately, I’ll have time later to explore more of Taiwan’s nature at a slower pace.
The final 50 kilometers demanded everything once more: wind, burning legs, and a mercilessly ticking clock. Ten minutes before the cutoff, I crossed the finish line – exhausted but proud, knowing I had given it my all.
The Taiwan KOM Challenge Pacific Classic is not a race you simply check off. It’s an experience. A challenge. An adventure. And yes, the course was different from previous years – but certainly not easier. In the end, it remains something truly special: a 200-kilometer road race along the Pacific coast of Taiwan.
