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Overview of the Westward Wuling Route
- Start: Puli (elevation approx. 450m)
- Finish: Wuling (elevation 3,275m)
- Distance: approx. 55 km
- Total elevation gain: approx. 2,825m
- Average gradient: approx. 5.1%
What Level of Fitness Do You Need?
Minimum Requirements
- Able to complete a single ride of 3+ hours
- FTP at least 2.5x body weight (W/kg)
- Have completed a climb above 1,000m elevation before
Recommended Level
- FTP of 3.0 W/kg or higher (targeting a sub-5-hour finish)
- A regular climbing training habit
- Able to sustain output in Zone 2-3 for 4+ hours
8-Week Training Plan
Weeks 1-2: Building the Base
- Ride 3-4 times per week, including one long ride (2-3 hours)
- One climbing workout (find a local climb)
- Focus: building an aerobic base
Weeks 3-4: Increasing Climbing Volume
- Extend long rides to 3-4 hours
- Increase climbing sessions to twice a week
- Add Sweet Spot intervals (2x20 minutes @ 88-92% FTP)
Weeks 5-6: Simulation Training
- Find a continuous climb of 2+ hours to simulate race conditions
- Practice your race-day fueling strategy
- Train to maintain rhythm while fatigued
Week 7: Peak Training Volume
- Highest training volume of the plan
- Include one long climb of 4+ hours
Week 8: Taper
- Reduce training volume by 40-50%
- Keep some high-intensity stimulus
- Prioritize rest and sleep
Section-by-Section Analysis and Pacing
Puli to Wushe (21 km)
- Average gradient 4.2%
- Recommended power: 70-75% of FTP
- Mindset: This is just the warm-up, don’t rush
Wushe to Qingjing (14 km)
- Gentler at first, steepening toward the end
- Recommended power: 68-73% of FTP
- Fuel stop: Qingjing 7-Eleven (the last supply stop!)
Qingjing to Yuanfeng (8 km)
- Gradient increases, averaging 6-7%
- Recommended power: 65-70% of FTP
- Note: Above 2,000m elevation, breathing starts to get harder
Yuanfeng to Kunyang (7 km)
- The steepest section, some parts reach 10%
- Recommended power: 60-68% of FTP
- Mindset: The most painful section, but once you’re through, you’re almost there
Kunyang to Wuling (5 km)
- Includes a short descent followed by a climb
- Recommended power: Empty the tank here
- The finish is right in front of you!
Gear Checklist
Essential
- Windbreaker jacket (the summit can be as cold as 5-10°C)
- Arm warmers / leg warmers
- Two water bottles + a hydration plan for the route
- 6-8 energy gels
- Tire repair kit + spare inner tube
- Front and rear lights
- Sunscreen
Recommended
- Full-finger gloves (for the descent)
- Buff or face mask (cold protection)
- Cash/mobile payment (for the Qingjing supply stop)
- Portable phone charger
Common Mistakes
- Starting too fast: This is the most common mistake. Riding too hard from Puli to Wushe leaves you with nothing left for later
- Insufficient fueling: A 4-6 hour effort requires substantial carbohydrate intake
- No warm clothing: The temperature difference to the summit can reach 20°C
- Ignoring descent safety: The descent is fast with many switchbacks, so always ride with caution
Related Reading
- 8-Week Westward Wuling Training Plan: A Progressive Program From Beginner to Finisher
- A Beginner Rider’s First Mountain: A Preparation Checklist for Your First Wuling Challenge
- Climbing-Specific Training Plan: A Complete 8-Week Wuling Preparation Program
- Westward Wuling Finisher’s Guide: A Four-Segment Pacing Map for 53 km and 2,889m of Climbing