Tour de Taiwan sets off in Taipei

國際自由車環台賽（Tour de Taiwan）在台北啟程

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Tour de Taiwan began Sunday morning in Taipei with its opening stage, featuring what organizers described as the strongest peloton in the race’s history, per UDN.

A total of 193 riders from 23 teams are competing in this year’s edition of Taiwan’s premier cycling event. The race spans five stages and 635 kilometers across Taiwan.

Stage 1 took place on a fast urban circuit in Taipei, with riders racing along Ketagalan Boulevard and Renai Road and passing the Presidential Office Building.

In later stages, the race will head south toward Pingtung, while the scenic final stage will run through the East Rift Valley before finishing in Hualien.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) attended the race’s opening ceremony for the fourth consecutive year. He said international sporting events allow the world to experience Taipei’s diverse and vibrant character, as well as its open and welcoming atmosphere.

Chiang said he was proud that the race traditionally begins in Taipei with a circuit race, which highlights riders’ physical abilities and team tactics. The format also makes the event exciting and accessible for spectators, he said.

This year’s race will also be streamed live on the ERA Television Youtube channel, allowing both domestic and international audiences to watch the competition.

Throughout the five-day event, riders will compete for five official classifications: the General Classification (Yellow Jersey), Points Classification (Green Jersey), King of the Mountains (Polka Dot Jersey), Asian General Classification (Blue Jersey), and the Team Classification.

With a route combining fast city circuits, rolling terrain, and decisive climbs, organizers expect the battle for the Yellow Jersey to remain open until the final stage.

Taiwan’s national team features a mix of veteran and young riders. Experienced cyclists Lu Shao-hsuan (盧紹軒) and Hung Kun-hung (洪坤弘) will lead the squad alongside three riders making their tour debuts.

The team said it hopes to entertain fans with aggressive riding and breakaway attempts.

Several Taiwanese professionals racing overseas are also returning to compete with their international teams. Feng Chun-kai (馮俊凱) will ride for Japan’s Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen and is making his 17th Tour de Taiwan appearance, extending his record as one of the race’s most experienced riders.

Ho Yen-yi (何彥誼) is competing with Spain’s Equipo Kern Pharma.