Taiwan Cup 2011 takes place in Hualien, Taiwan

Weather cooperates this year for successful 200km race through southeastern Taiwan

 After a ceremonial lap through downtown Hualien City, the dignitaries peeled off to the right, leaving the competitors to turn left and head south under the official arch. Under blue skies, puffy white clouds and with beckoning emerald green mountains in the distance, riders left downtown Hualien City this morning on a 200km race around southeastern Taiwan.

A total of 150 riders, representing 30 teams from 12 nations left the starting line in hopes of capturing the yellow jersey in today's event.

 

The first section of the course took riders through the East Rift Valley with beautiful mountain views. It was here they encountered the first sprint section at 27km. Bright green rice fields lined either side of the road as riders made their way to the first of the three major hillclimbs.

KOM (King of the Mountain) points were awarded at three sections. The first came at 63km, followed by two more at 91km and 174km. After the one at 91km, the coarse turned east and headed for the ocean highway - Route 11.

Following the highway north,  through the East Coast National Scenic Area, at 125km they encountered another sprint leg right before they crossed the Tropic of Cancer.
When the cyclists finally came into sight at the finish stretch, it was down to a group of three that were still challenging for the lead. With arms stretched high above his head, it was Aoyanagi Kazuki of the Shimano Racing Team from Japan that got the win.

"I thought my sprinting ability could help me win, so I tried to save up some strength for the finish" said Kazuki. After racing 5 hours in the Taiwan heat, it's surprising there was any strength left in any of these cyclists.

Taiwan's own, Chun Kai Feng of Team Action was the highest placed Taiwanese finisher, coming in third - just a second behind the second place finisher Prevar Oleksandr of Kolss Cycling Team from the Ukraine. Most people in Taiwan have high hopes for Feng as he prepares for the Olympic games.

After last year's event was cancelled by a typhoon, organizers were delighted that this year's event went off with no problems. This was the first time the event was completed, but the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communication, Kuo Tsai-Wen assured the audience that this would become an annual event.

Taiwan is making a concerted effort to position this island as a biking destination. From beautifully marked, wide bike lanes on their highways to special city biking loops, to world class competitions - they are delivering on their mantra..."Taiwan, a biking paradise."

For race and pre-race images, click here for slideshow.