31/03/2025
2025 Taiwan KOM Challenge - Spring Edition
Taylor Delhagen Triumphs in Men’s Race, Cheng Hsiu-Ju Wins Women’s Title
Yilan, Taiwan – The 2025 Taiwan KOM Challenge - Spring Edition, part of the Taiwan Cyclist League, took place today, March 31, 2025, with over 200 riders tackling the KOM route. The race began at 7:00 AM from Changpi Lake in Yilan and culminated at the newly adjusted finish line at NanShan due to a landslide at the original 36.8K mark. Despite early rain, the conditions did not dampen the spirits of the riders, who faced a challenging 45-kilometer route, including an elevation gain of 1,150 meters.
In the men’s category, Taylor Delhagen (USA) surged ahead to claim victory with a time of 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds. Delhagen, who works in Singapore, praised the route, saying, “This route is truly filled with fantasy. I’m so glad I could be here for the ‘Love In The Dream’ race. It feels like a dream come true.” Delhagen showed remarkable form, breaking away early in the race and executing a decisive attack 2 kilometers before the finish, which allowed him to solo to the line in NanShan.
Cheng Hsiu-Ju (Taiwan, GIANT Columbus Cycling Team) emerged as the winner of the women’s race, completing the 45-kilometer route in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 9 seconds. Cheng, a standout athlete in Taiwanese cycling, expressed her excitement after the race, while the team’s coach, Huang Xianxi, also celebrated the victory.
In the overall men’s rankings, Zeng Yiwei (EPIC TRCA Team, Taiwan) claimed second place with a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes, while Marco Marchetti (Fan!s Cycling, Italy) rounded out the top three.
Huang Wen-Chung, a teammate of Zeng Yiwei from EPIC TRCA Team, is an accomplished road climbing expert with countless victories. Huang expressed his hope of tackling the KOM challenge from Yilan to Wuling this year.
In the women’s race, Liao Yuru (Taiwan) finished in second place, followed by Lin Yiling (Taiwan) in third. The women’s race was highly competitive, with Cheng’s victory standing as a testament to her preparation and determination.
Japanese rider Akiko Koike expressed her delight in participating despite the cold weather, while Taiwanese flight attendant and cycling enthusiast Tsai Hsiu-Wen once again completed the Spring KOM challenge.
Live-streamer Lee Shifeng () captured the stunning race route, which was surrounded by scenic mountain views, ensuring that fans around the world could experience the breathtaking beauty of Taiwan’s mountains.
The 2025 Taiwan KOM Challenge - Spring Edition offered riders a picturesque and challenging route, blending stunning landscapes with an exhilarating race experience. With its strong turnout and competitive field, the event set the stage for future races in Taiwan’s cycling calendar.
Top 6 Men’s Results:
1. 412 Taylor Delhagen (USA) - 1:17:50.00
2. 204 Zeng Yiwei (EPIC TRCA Team, Taiwan) - 1:19:00.34
3. 355 Marco Marchetti (Fan!s Cycling, Italy) - 1:19:14.23
4. 169 Tang Youyu (Team CYTO TRIGON, Taiwan) - 1:19:55.00
5. 453 Chen Shiyi (Fan!s Cycling, Taiwan) - 1:20:32.55
6. 165 Zhang Yuming (GIANT Columbus Cycling Team, Taiwan) - 1:21:25.00
Top 6 Women’s Results:
1. 853 Cheng Hsiu-Ju (GIANT Columbus Cycling Team, Taiwan) - 1:32:09.43
2. 860 Liao Yuru (Taiwan) - 1:32:29.40
3. 863 Lin Yiling (Taiwan) - 1:33:18.64
4. 855 Zhuo Jiaying (Team MSG, Taiwan) - 1:36:08.23
5. 854 Wu Yufeng (EPIC TRCA Team, Taiwan) - 1:41:03.29
6. 858 Li Yahui (FTL Cycling Team, Taiwan) - 1:41:56.00
The next event on the Taiwan Cyclist League’s calendar is the Tour of East Taiwan International Cycling Series, taking place from April 11-13, where top riders will once again compete for victory. Stay tuned for more updates on Taiwan's premier cycling events.
Special thanks to Kenda Taiwan - 建大輪胎粉絲專頁, DOSUN , 720armour, Centurion百夫長旅行箱, and 新萬仁-千沛運動補給 for their support of this event and the riders.
About the Taiwan KOM Challenge
The Taiwan KOM Challenge is one of the most prestigious and challenging mountain bike races in Asia, attracting top-tier cyclists from around the world. The event showcases the stunning landscapes of Taiwan while testing the endurance and skill of participants in a true mountain climb.
中華民國自行車騎士協會 Taiwan Cyclist Federation
交通部觀光署