Taiwan Mountain Grand Slam Cycling Series: Conquering the Hundred Peaks with Pedals

Taiwan Mountain Grand Slam Series Concept

The Taiwan Mountain Grand Slam Cycling Series is an innovative event that combines the spirit of Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks with road cycling. The series selects Taiwan’s most iconic high-mountain roads as stages, and participants “collect” Taiwan’s classic mountain routes by completing the challenges at each stop.

The 2026 series includes multiple stages, with the Yangmingshan Stage kicking off on March 21.

Series Stage Overview

Stage	Route	Highest Elevation	Distance	Total Climbing	Difficulty
Yangmingshan	Multiple routes	1,120m	50-80km	1,200-1,800m	★★★
Hehuanshan	Puli → Wuling	3,275m	55km	2,800m	★★★★★
Tataka	Xinyi → Tataka	2,610m	65km	2,200m	★★★★
Taipingshan	Yilan → Taipingshan	1,950m	45km	1,700m	★★★★
Alishan	Chiayi → Alishan	2,216m	75km	2,100m	★★★★

Yangmingshan Stage In-Depth Analysis

Why Start at Yangmingshan?

Located on the outskirts of Taipei City, Yangmingshan offers convenient access, and its multiple classic climbing routes feature moderate difficulty, making it an ideal opening stage for the series. For northern riders, Yangmingshan is also the “backyard” for daily training.

Route Options

The Yangmingshan Stage typically offers multiple route choices:

Challenge Group:

• Route: Yangde Blvd → Yangmingshan → Lengshuikeng → Fengguizui → Wanli → Balaka Road → Datunshan → Return
• Distance: Approximately 75-80 km
• Total Climbing: Approximately 1,800 m
• Includes the most classic multi-section climbs in the Yangmingshan area

Recreational Group:

• Route: Yangde Blvd → Yangmingshan → Lengshuikeng → Fengguizui → Return
• Distance: Approximately 50 km
• Total Climbing: Approximately 1,200 m
• Suitable for entry-level climbing enthusiasts

Climb Segment Characteristics

Yangde Blvd:

• Distance: Approximately 7 km
• Average Gradient: 5-6%
• Characteristics: The main road from Taipei City to Yangmingshan; heavier traffic but wide pavement
• Strategy: Control your pace and warm up; don’t expend too much energy here

Lengshuikeng:

• Distance: Approximately 4 km
• Average Gradient: 6-8%
• Characteristics: A continuous climb from the Yangmingshan Visitor Center toward Lengshuikeng
• Strategy: Keep a steady rhythm; gradients vary significantly, so pay attention to gear changes

Fengguizui:

• Distance: Approximately 5 km
• Average Gradient: 5-7%
• Characteristics: One of the most classic climbing routes in northern Taiwan; the viewpoint at the summit overlooks the Taipei Basin
• Strategy: Wind conditions at Fengguizui can be strong; lower your expected power output when riding into a headwind

Balaka Road:

• Distance: Approximately 8 km
• Average Gradient: 4-6%
• Characteristics: A forested section passing through Yangmingshan National Park; a peaceful environment
• Strategy: There are a few false flats in the middle section where you can recover; make good use of these stretches

Datunshan:

• Distance: Approximately 3 km
• Average Gradient: 7-10%
• Characteristics: The steepest section of the series; some corners exceed 12% gradient
• Strategy: This is the hardest section of the entire route; save enough energy for it

Grand Slam Completion Strategy

Points System

The series typically uses a points-based system:

• Basic points awarded for finishing each stage
• Bonus points awarded based on finishing time rankings
• Completing all stages earns the “Grand Slam” certification
• The rider with the highest total annual points wins the season championship

Long-Term Training Plan

Completing a full year of the Mountain Grand Slam requires a comprehensive training plan:

1. Base Phase (Jan-Feb): Build aerobic foundation; one long ride per week
2. Build Phase (Mar-Apr): Add climbing interval training
3. Race Phase (May-Oct): Adjust training volume around each stage schedule
4. Recovery Phase (Nov-Dec): Rest and recover; prepare for the next season

Weight Management

In climbing-focused events, power-to-weight ratio (W/kg) is crucial:

• Entry Goal: 3.0 W/kg
• Intermediate Goal: 3.5 W/kg
• Advanced Goal: 4.0 W/kg and above

Improving W/kg can be approached from two angles: increasing power output (training) and reasonably managing body weight (nutrition management).

Equipment Recommendations

Climbing-Specific Setup

• Gearing: 50/34 chainrings, 11-32 (or 11-34) cassette
• Wheels: Climbing wheelset weighing under 1,500g
• Tires: 25-28mm; adjust tire pressure based on body weight
• Bike Weight: If budget allows, lightweight components can significantly improve climbing performance

Nutrition Strategy

• Confirm water bottles are full before each climb
• Take an energy gel or energy bar every 30-40 minutes
• Focus on riding during climbs; refuel on descents or flat sections
• Carry a lightweight windbreaker as backup (large temperature differences at summits)

Conclusion

The Taiwan Mountain Grand Slam Cycling Series gives riders the opportunity to measure the beauty of Taiwan’s high mountains with every pedal stroke. From Yangmingshan’s urban outskirts to Hehuanshan’s 3,000-meter peaks, each stage is a journey of dialogue with nature. The 2026 Yangmingshan Stage is coming soon—get your climbing legs ready, and let’s conquer the Hundred Peaks together with our pedals!

Related Reading

• Complete Guide to the Taiwan Mountain Grand Slam Cycling Series: The Rider’s Badge for Conquering Taiwan’s Highest Peaks
• Taiwan Cycling Road Race Annual Calendar: Full-Year Event Overview and Preparation Tips
• Complete Stage-by-Stage Guide to the Taiwan KOM Cycling Series
• Riding Around Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks: Accessible Routes on Hehuanshan and Xueshan