Ireland's Mark Dowling has the time and energy to joke around behind 2015 Vuelta king of the mountains winner Omar Fraile Matarranza of Caja Rural.
In Taiwan to have another go at the gruelling Taiwan KOM Challenge, Ireland's Mark Dowling was one of the stars of the pre race publicity circus run by the organisers.
The Irish ace climber featured heavily in the pre race promotion, as these photos reveal, along with a number of top international riders including Vuelta 2015 king of the mountains winner Omar Fraile Matarranza (Caja Rural).
Dowling was front and centre of the press activity in the build up to the race, which was due to get underway in the early hours of Friday morning Irish time.
The race, one of the most lucrative one-day events in cycling, is relatively short at 105 kilometres but climbs to a lung-bursting 3,300 metres.
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The altitude aside, it’s an event that has gained notoriety for the brutality of some of the gradients where pitches of 27 per cent are not uncommon.
The reigning national criterium champion was 10th last year and going into this year's edition had his eyes firmly fixed on the €30,000 prize for the winner.
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Dowling pictured on a visit to a remote shack that is home for some of the locals.
In full selfie mode on a pre-race tune-up.
Blowing out the cobwebs ahead of the climbing showdown.
On the main stage being interviewed in front of the home crowd.
On the open road chasing down a one-bear breakaway with the rest of the favourites.
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