30/03/2026
2026 Taiwan KOM Challenge – Spring Attracts Riders from 10 Countries
Local Yilan Rider He Yan-Yi Edges Out Italy’s Marco for Victory; Hsu Shu-Wei Wins Women’s Title
The Taiwan KOM Challenge Spring Edition, organized by the 中華民國自行車騎士協會 Taiwan Cyclist Federation , took place on March 30 at 7:00 AM. The race was flagged off by Chairman Chen Shih-Yu of the Sanxing Township Council and Chairman Huang Chang-Tung of the Yilan County Cycling Committee.
The 61 km race started from Changpi Lake in Yilan and finished at Siyuan Pass, with a total elevation gain of 2,187 meters.
This year’s event attracted riders from 10 countries and regions, including Italy, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, the Philippines, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Participating teams included TEAM WAYPOINT, EPIC TRCA Team, Vigor Cycling Team, Team Dream LAB, Giant-Columbus Team, Reymart Cayana Bernarte, ZOOM Cycling, Cabbage Tourism Team, GG-ININDER, Fuching Technology x Donglin Rotary Club, FTL Cycling Team, Tree Turtle Squad, and Team Mugen.
He Yan-Yi claimed victory with a time of 1:59:28. Currently riding for Spain’s Equipo Kern Pharma, he shared:
“My home is very close to the start, and this route is beautiful- I ride here often. The first 30 km are rolling terrain, and the final 20 km is a challenging gradual climb, perfect for riders to test themselves. Today’s weather in Yilan is rare and wonderful for March. I’m very happy everyone came to race here. It’s been a great experience and a great race- thank you to the organizers!”
In the women’s category, Hsu Shu-Wei won with a time of 2:18:24. She said:
“I’m the opposite- I rarely come to Yilan, so I feel quite lucky today. The weather was great. Thanks to the organizers for putting on such a fantastic race.”
A heartwarming moment occurred when German rider Frank Starick, who finished third in the Men’s 55+ category, celebrated his birthday at the event. He and his wife Yvonne Lenné had come to Taiwan to visit their son, who studies at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. The entire family joined the race, and participants and staff sang “Happy Birthday” to celebrate.
After a neutral start and warm-up section past Niudou Bridge, the peloton was released. Attacks began on the rolling terrain, with a leading group of nine riders forming and gaining up to a two-minute advantage by Jiguan Bridge. On the final climb to Siyuan Pass, the leaders showcased their climbing abilities, finishing one by one. In the end, He Yan-Yi narrowly defeated Italy’s Marco Marchetti by half a wheel to take the win.
This Spring KOM race is the second round of the Taiwan Cyclist League. Upcoming events include:
April 10–12: Tour of East Taiwan International Cycling Series
May 9: Taipingshan KOM
June 12: Kenda Cup Summer KOM www.taiwankom.org
August 1: Taoyuan Aerotropolis Circuit Race
December 4–5: Hualien Pacific Cup (Final Round)
Stay tuned as top riders continue to compete throughout the season.
Top 6 Overall – Men
He Yan-Yi – 01:59:28
Marco Marchetti – 01:59:28
Huang Yu-Cheng – 02:00:07
Wang Sheng-Tian – 02:01:36
Gu Wei-Jun – 02:01:51
Huang Guan-Lin – 02:02:32
Top 6 Overall – Women
Hsu Shu-Wei – 02:18:24
Lin Yi-Ling – 02:26:00
Cheng Hsiu-Ju – 02:29:16
Wu Yu-Feng – 02:42:50
Ji Yun-Han – 02:48:41
Liu Hsin-Yi – 02:52:52
中華民國自行車騎士協會 Taiwan Cyclist Federation
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