Taiwan KOM: A guide to one of the world's biggest and best cycling climbs

When we think of the biggest cycling climbs of the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia we’re talking about ascents that are around 15, sometimes 20, kilometres in length. In Taiwan, however, there’s a single ascent that makes them look like molehills.

It’s known as the Taiwan KOM, which is also the name of the race that’s held on its slopes each year, which is effectively the world’s biggest hill climb.

The mountain measures a whopping 85 kilometres, rising from sea level at Hualien all the way up to the summit at 3250 metres. With a couple of ascents along the way, the total elevation gain for the climb is more like 3,500 metres.

In total, it averages out to a modest average gradient of 3.5%, but there’s some seriously steep stuff towards the top, which comes after hours of non-stop climbing.

It’s the climb of a lifetime, a monstrous test for any rider and a beautiful climb amid diverse and stunning scenery.

GCN's Ollie Bridgewood took on the Taiwan KOM Challenge last year and has some top tips for anyone considering ticking it off their bucket list.

© Taiwan KOM

The profile for the Taiwan KOM

How to get there

The first step is to get to Taiwan, with most flights landing at Taipei International Airport. From there, you’ll need to get to Hualien to start the climb. There are some domestic flights but they’re sporadic, so we recommend getting a train from Taipei’s Grand Station, which is straightforward and cheap.

Cafés and restaurants en route

You’ll be relieved to know you won’t have to start the climb with all your day’s provisions in your pockets, as there are different places you can buy food all the way up. Infrastructure at the top of the climb is limited so the best bet is at the Bilu Sacred Tree, a big tourist attraction at around 2,200 metres of elevation. There are some amazing local delicacies to try, including hot sweet potatoes sold by the side of the road, which makes for amazing ride fuel.

Fastest times

The course record is held by the Australian pro Benjamin Dyball, who smashed the great Vincenzo Nibali’s former record in 2023 by 10 minutes. Dyball’s time was three hours, 16 minutes, and nine seconds. Sub-four hours is seen as a good benchmark for fit amateurs, but most people are looking at around five or six hours to complete the climb.

When to go

Locals say autumn and spring are the best times to come. In the summertime it can be uncomfortably hot, while in the winter it can get very cold at altitude. Either way, the scenery is stunning, with huge dramatic gorges, marble and granite cliffs, and tropical forests.

Clothing

You’ll want to start out in shorts and a jersey but you’ll need to pack layers. It can be very hot in the lower sections where the gorges act as a radiator, but the weather can change a lot and it will be a lot colder at the top, even on a warm day at the bottom. Make sure to take a gilet, a cape, and some layers that you can at least put on at the top so avoid getting cold on the descent.

Gearing

Most riders, even the fastest, opt for a 34-34, so a 1:1 ratio. Basically, we suggest fitting the easiest gears possible. That’s because the steepest gradients come at the end, and what makes them especially hard is the fatigue from the three or four hours before that, plus the altitude.

What to do when you’re not on the bike

There’s so much else to see and do in Taiwan, Ollie says. You have active volcanoes, incredible mountains, a thriving cycling scenes, phenomenal food, night markets, bustling cities and one of the tallest buildings in the world in the Taipei 101 tower.

Have you ever conquered the Taiwan KOM? Let us know how you got on, and if you'd like to see Ollie racing up it, have a watch of the video below.

Oliver Bridgewood

GCN Tech Presenter

PhD Chemist turned cycling enthusiast, bringing the lab coat to GCN Does Science