The Taiwan KOM Challenge takes places this Friday and among the challengers is Irishman Mark Dowling who was third last year and 10th a year previous.
By Brian Canty
Recently-crowned Irish national hill climb champion Mark Dowling is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky as he aims to win the Taiwan KOM Challenge this Friday.
The event, now in its fifth year, has attracted a total of 385 cyclists from 36 countries this time around.
And having been in the top 10 twice in the last two years, Dowling knows as well as anyone what it will take to win.
Related News
The Taiwan KOM Challenge is part of the Taiwan Cycling Festival.
As Asia's premier hill climb event it’s regarded as one of the toughest races of its kind in the world.
Advertisement
Though only 105 kilometres in length, the route takes the riders from sea level on an 87-kilometre journey to a 3,275-metre peak in Wuling near Hehuanshan, the highest point in Taiwan accessible by public road.
The total prize money for the this year’s contest is €70,000.
However, €29,000 goes to the winner of the men's event and €5,800 to the winner of the women's event.
Among a total of 175 foreign riders is Dowling and if he is to win he will have to beat Omar Fraile, winner of the climbers' classification at the Vuelta this year.
Emma Pooley, a British professional athlete who specializes in time trials and hilly races at the highest level, will compete in the race for the first time.
Topics
