First-Time Tataka Challenge Report: A 70K, 2,700m Climb on the New Central Cross-Island Highway

“Can I finish Tataka?” This was the question I kept asking myself in the month leading up to the event. This is my real experience, and I hope it serves as a useful reference for other newcomers preparing to take on Tataka.

Background

• Age: 38
• Cycling experience: 1.5 years
• Weight: 72 kg
• FTP: 210W (W/kg 2.9)
• Longest single ride: 100 km (no mountain roads)
• Never climbed Tataka before

Why I Chose Tataka

I originally wanted to challenge Wuling, but Wuling demands a higher W/kg. Tataka is comparatively gentler and better suited for a first mountain challenge. Plus:

• The scenery of Yushan National Park
• The achievement of finishing 70 km
• The sense of accomplishment from “I rode up Tataka”

3 Months of Training

Month 1

• 5-6 hours per week
• Focused on Z2 base
• Longest single ride: 60 km
• How I felt: fresh, had energy

Month 2

• 7-8 hours per week
• Added interval training
• Longest single ride: 90 km
• How I felt: tired but improving

Month 3

• 8-9 hours per week
• Race simulation (120 km + 2,500m elevation gain)
• Tapered 3 weeks before the event
• How I felt: confident but nervous

Gear Selection

Bike

• Trek Émonda ALR 5 (aluminum frame)
• 50/34T + 11-32T (in hindsight, should have gone 11-34T)
• Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels
• 25c GP5000 tires

Other

• Castelli Squadra windbreaker
• Sports towel × 2
• Spare inner tubes × 2
• Multi-tool
• Garmin Edge 530
• Water bottles × 2 (ice water + sports drink)

Nutrition

• Energy gels × 6 (GU)
• Energy bars × 2 (Clif)
• Electrolyte powder × 2 packets
• Rice ball (homemade before the race)

Race Day

04:30 Wake Up

• Ate oatmeal + milk + banana
• About 500 kcal
• Drank 300ml water + 1 cup of coffee

06:00 Arrived at Shuili

• Parked, picked up race packet
• Restroom (2 times)
• Easy 10-minute warm-up ride

07:00 Start

• 6-hour goal
• Nervous, but ready

Segment-by-Segment Reflections

0-15K Shuili to Xinyi (45 minutes)

Performance: First 15K was flat; pace felt good
Problem: Sprinting with the pack, heart rate in Z3 (too high)
Lesson learned: Pushing too hard early is the biggest mistake beginners make

15-35K Xinyi to Tongfu (1 hour 30 minutes)

Performance: Started climbing; tired but manageable
Problem: Fueling timing was a bit chaotic
Lesson learned: Stick to a fixed fueling schedule every 30 minutes

35-50K Tongfu to Shenmu (1 hour 30 minutes)

Performance: The toughest part of the middle section
Problem: Wanted to quit (energy dropped significantly at the 3-hour-30-minute mark)
Rescue: Took a caffeinated energy gel (GU Roctane)
Lesson learned: Mental strength matters more than physical fitness during the race

50-60K Shenmu to before Tataka (1 hour 15 minutes)

Performance: Caffeine kicked in; morale improved
Problem: Shortness of breath above 2,000m elevation
Lesson learned: Insufficient altitude acclimatization is a key issue

60-70K Before Tataka to the Finish (40 minutes)

Performance: Knowing I was close to finishing, spirits lifted
Problem: Last 5K at 6-7% grade, legs were sore
Lesson learned: One gear lighter would have made it much more comfortable

Finish

• Time: 5 hours 42 minutes
• 18 minutes faster than my 6-hour goal
• Eyes welled up when taking photos at the Tataka Visitor Center

Post-Race Reflections

Physical Condition

• Leg fatigue 8/10
• Lower back soreness 6/10
• Shortness of breath had subsided
• Sunburned skin (didn’t reapply sunscreen)

Mental State

• Immense sense of accomplishment
• A newfound respect for myself
• Grateful for the hard training
• Looking forward to the next challenge

Post-Race Review

What Went Right

1. Complete training cycle: 3 months of progressive training
2. Thorough gear preparation: brought windbreaker, nutrition, tools
3. Pacing was mostly correct: except for going too fast early on
4. Adequate fueling: ate most of what I prepared
5. Mental adjustment: didn’t give up during the low point

What Went Wrong / Could Improve

1. Went out too fast: was in Z3 before Renzhiguan; should have been Z2
2. Gearing too heavy: should have upgraded to 11-34T; the last 5K would have been easier
3. No sunscreen: strong UV at high elevation on a sunny day; skin was red and swollen
4. Chaotic fueling: should have stuck to every 30 minutes (was roughly every 40-45 minutes)
5. Not enough water: only 200ml left from two bottles at the end; should have carried one more

Advice for Newcomers

Training

• At least 3 months of specific training; don’t cram at the last minute
• 8+ hours of weekly training
• Do at least 1-2 simulations of 100 km + 2,000m elevation gain
• Practice fueling (eat energy gels during training)
• Find a coach (if time and budget allow)

Gear

• Start with 11-34T gearing
• Good tires (GP5000, Corsa, P Zero)
• Cycle computer (for navigation + pacing)
• Windbreaker is absolutely essential (for warmth on the descent)
• Sunscreen SPF 50

Race Logistics

• Choose the leisure or challenge category; don’t be greedy about the competitive category
• Set a realistic goal (finishing within 7 hours on your first attempt is a success)
• Stay in Shuili the night before (don’t drive long distance on race day)
• Start early (the earlier, the cooler)
• Don’t obsess over time (finishing is success)

Mindset

• Take it slow (a marathon, not a sprint)
• Respect the distance (70 km is no joke)
• Appreciate the journey (the scenery, the companions, your body)
• Accept failure (if you don’t make it this time, try again next time)

Life Changes After the Challenge

Physical

• Lost 3 kg (continued training after the race)
• FTP improved to 230W after 3 months
• Respiratory system noticeably improved

Mental

• More disciplined
• More optimistic (problems can all be solved)
• Better at self-management

Lifestyle

• Regular weekend riding
• Met more cycling friends
• Planning the next goal (Wuling)

Conclusion

Tataka was my most precious experience of 2025. It’s not about finishing time—it’s about facing yourself and surpassing yourself. If you’re considering taking on Tataka, my advice is: train well, prepare thoroughly, and go! When you stand at the Tataka Saddle at 2,610m and look at Yushan’s main peak, you’ll know: this journey is worth a lifetime of memories.

Related Reading

• Tataka KOM Climbing Training: New Central Cross-Island Highway Mountain Gate Training Plan
• Complete Guide to the Tataka New Central Cross-Island Highway Climb: Data Analysis of Taiwan’s Peak, 70km with 2,517m of Elevation Gain
• Complete Guide to Tataka’s 20km Long Climb: Fully Coping with the High Altitude of the New Central Cross-Island Highway
• Three-Month Long-Distance Endurance Plan Before Tataka: Building Fitness for a 70K Climb with 2,330m of Elevation Gain