The 2012 Taiwan Cycling Festival Begins!

TAIPEI, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Taiwan has a reputation for being a “bicycle kingdom.” Since 2010, the government has actively organized a series of activities for two previous Taiwan Cycling Festivals. It has successfully converted the fruits of our new transportation construction – namely an extensive network of bicycle paths – into a new tourism resource. To help the world learn that Taiwan is a fantastic place for bicycle travel and sightseeing, the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Construction will hold a series of activities as part of this year’s Taiwan Cycling Festival.

The festival will kick off on Nov. 10 with the “Taiwan Mountain Biking King Challenge Activity,” which will test contestants’ ability to climb steep hills. The contestants include those from all over the world who have competed in the Tour de France or the tours of Italy and Spain – the three major cycling competitions in the world. They will challenge themselves in the “Taroko Gorge”.

The entire course is 100 kilometers long and includes the world’s steepest climb for cyclists – from sea level to 3,275 meters above sea level. Cyclists will have to climb an average of 36 meters per kilometer they travel. It’s a challenging race that will test the ability and determination of contestants coming from all over the world.

And from Nov. 10 – 18, the “Formosa 900” will combine cycling activities by 10 groups of cyclists, including the disabled people’s group, the Hsinchu Science and Technology Park’s women’s group, and the 55 years or older senior citizens group. The groups will travel 900 kilometers in nine days in a round-Taiwan cycling tour. And on November 11, the “Sun Moon Lake Come! Bike Day" invites entire families to come out and enjoy one of the most beautiful bicycle trails in the world at Sun Moon Lake.

The activities of the Taiwan Cycling Festival feature the various major recreational spots of eastern Taiwan. Through the spectacular local scenery, culture and hospitality, we hope to provide cyclists from Taiwan and overseas a diverse and rich recreation and travel experience, as well as boost our tourism industry. For overseas visitors, we hope they will be moved by the beauty and friendliness of Taiwan and encourage friends to visit. Finally, we hope people who love to cycle will enthusiastically participate in this festival.