Complete Guide to All Taiwan Cycling King of the Mountain (KOM) Series Races Nationwide

Introduction

Taiwan’s mountainous terrain and exceptional road-climbing conditions have fostered a rich culture of KOM (King/Queen of the Mountain) series events. From Yangmingshan in the north to Tengzhi Forest Road in the south, from the Huadong Valley in the east to Alishan Highway in the west, every mountain road carries the sweat and glory of cyclists.

In recent years, KOM events across Taiwan have flourished, with more than 20 races of various sizes forming a complete climbing-race ecosystem. For Taiwanese cyclists, collecting finish results from each stage has become an intriguing form of personal challenge.

Analysis of Major KOM Event Stages

Northern Events: Yangmingshan Series

The Yangmingshan area offers the most accessible climbing training grounds for Taipei cyclists and has spawned multiple KOM events. The standard segment from Beitou MRT Station to Xiaoyoukeng spans approximately 15 kilometers with a cumulative elevation gain of 800 meters and an average gradient of 5.5%. This route features a uniform gradient in the first section (Beitou to Hushan Road Intersection), while the gradient increases noticeably in the latter section (Hushan Road Intersection to Xiaoyoukeng), requiring careful pacing management in the second half.

Training recommendations: Schedule at least 2 climbing sessions per week, plus one complete Yangmingshan circuit practice. The full ascent from Beitou to the Yangmingshan summit effectively improves FTP and climbing endurance.

Central Events: Hehuan Mountain Series

Beyond the Wuling series, central Taiwan offers several excellent KOM routes. The segment from Puli to Cingjing Farm (Provincial Highway 14A) features a relatively uniform gradient, spanning approximately 35 kilometers with a cumulative elevation gain of 2,000 meters, making it an ideal route for training long-distance climbing ability.

The section from Dayuling to Wuling is renowned for its spectacular scenery, but the low-oxygen challenge at high altitude requires advance preparation. It is recommended to train during the cooler months of August–September to avoid the risks of summer heat and typhoon season.

Southern Events: Alishan Highway

The route from Chiayi to Alishan (Provincial Highway 18) spans 66 kilometers with a cumulative elevation gain of 2,100 meters, making it one of the most challenging climbing routes in southern Taiwan. Compared to Yangmingshan in the north or Wuling in the east, the Alishan Highway features more complex gradient variations, including multiple sharp turns and brief flat sections, requiring riders to possess more flexible pacing skills.

The first section of the course (Chiayi to Fenchihu) has higher temperatures and requires adequate hydration; the latter section (Fenchihu to Alishan) enters tropical forest areas where temperatures drop, but tunnels are more numerous, requiring caution during nighttime or low-visibility conditions.

Common Preparation Priorities for Events Across Regions

Technical Aspects

• Study the course gradient profile and preview elevation charts on Google Maps or Garmin Connect
• Conduct advance route reconnaissance, paying special attention to sharp turns, aid station locations, and road surface conditions
• Confirm the race-day weather forecast; mountain weather is highly variable, so prepare rain gear and warm clothing

Physical Aspects

• Begin systematic training 6–12 weeks in advance based on event difficulty
• Use Strava’s simulation features or training software to calculate target finish times
• If the event altitude exceeds 2,000 meters, undergo high-altitude acclimatization in advance

Practical Advice

1. Tiered Challenge Strategy: It is recommended that cyclists progressively tackle events from lower to higher difficulty, first completing intermediate events such as Yangmingshan, then taking on top-tier routes like Wuling
2. Race Calendar Management: Taiwan’s KOM events are mainly concentrated in April–June and September–November, making good use of the cool weather in spring and autumn
3. Local Intelligence Gathering: Join local cycling communities to obtain on-the-ground information about road conditions and aid station locations, which is often more practical than official data
4. Finish Record Preservation: After each finish, record data such as pacing, heart rate, and fueling timing as a foundation for future improvement
5. Safety-First Principle: The risks of mountain cycling cannot be overlooked; ensure your bike is in good condition, wear a helmet, and inform family members of your itinerary

Conclusion

Taiwan’s KOM event ecosystem is a treasure unique to the world. Within an east-west distance of less than 400 kilometers, one can experience extreme terrain variation from sea level to 3,275 meters. Each KOM stage offers its own distinctive scenery and challenges. Collecting finish records from every KOM stage in Taiwan is not merely a sporting achievement—it is a magnificent journey toward a deep understanding of Taiwan’s mountain landscapes.

Related Reading

• Complete Guide to Taiwan KOM Challenge: The Martial Arts Manual for Climbers
• Taiwan KOM Challenge Taroko King of the Mountain Complete Guide
• Complete Guide to Taiwan KOM Challenge: The Ultimate Road from Taroko to Wuling
• Complete Guide to Taiwan Cycling Road Races: From KOM to the Competitive World of UCI Points Races