Simon Yates will compete on Friday (27.10) in the Taiwan KOM Challenge, a race that culminates in an impressive 87-kilometer uphill climb. The Jayco AlUla team confirmed his participation, with Yates and Jesus David Peña, in a competition that brings together both professionals and amateurs.
The Taiwan KOM Challenge has been on the calendar since 2012. The race starts in Qixingtan, covering 103 kilometers to the traditional destination, Mount Hehuan, which involves an 87-kilometer climb to an altitude of 3,275 meters. The average gradient isn’t very steep at 3.5%, but there are sections with gradients exceeding 15%.
Simon Yates describes it as a unique experience
“The Taiwan KOM Challenge is a different kind of race from what we’re used to,” says Simon Yates on the Jayco AlUla website. “We start at sea level and then climb to over 3,000 meters. There aren’t many climbs like this. Doing a race that’s essentially one long uphill will be an interesting and completely different challenge from anything I’ve done before. It will also be a unique experience to start with riders of all levels from all over the world.”
Jesus David Peña will also take part
Jesus David Peña is looking forward to the race as well. “I think the competition suits me. I’m a climber, and being Colombian, I’m used to climbing at altitude,” said the 23-year-old cyclist, who won a stage of the Tour of Slovenia this year.