23/08/2026
2026 Peaks of Taiwan Grand Cycling Tour – Xianshan Challenge | Two MTTW Riders, Two Tough Challenges, Both Finished 💚
On August 22, 2026, the Peaks of Taiwan Grand Cycling Tour arrived at Xianshan for one of its toughest mountain challenges.
Two Major Taylor Taiwan riders took on two different courses: Jie Yi entered the Advanced Challenge — 168 km with 4,790 meters of climbing and a 10-hour time limit — while Wu Damin took on the Classic Challenge — 149 km with 3,380 meters of climbing and an 11-hour time limit.
Different courses, different battles, but the same goal: make it through one relentless climb after another and reach the finish line.
Jie Yi did not have a good start. His fueling strategy was off, and his legs simply would not respond. Xianshan is not only about climbing strength; with steep climbs coming one after another, the ability to recover between hard efforts becomes just as important.
On the way from Nanzhuang toward Xiangtian Lake, Jie was in danger of missing the first cutoff. At one point, the little voice in his head was already saying, “Maybe I should just get in the car and call it a day.”
But he kept going.
As the race progressed, his body gradually came back to life. He fought his way over climb after climb and eventually completed the 168 km Advanced Challenge in 9:30:34, safely inside the 10-hour limit.
🏁 Overall: 36/59
🏁 Category: 4/10
🏁 Men: 33/54
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/activities/19846593092
Jie also gave special thanks to Joe Lee for always keeping his bike in perfect condition, allowing him to race without worrying about mechanical issues, and to his girlfriend for supporting him throughout the day and giving him peace of mind during the toughest moments.
For Jie, this race was another reminder of why VO2 max work, intervals, and recovery training matter. There are no shortcuts in training, but there is also no need to push beyond what your body can sustainably handle. Build progressively, stay consistent, and the work will be there when you need it.
Meanwhile, Damin Wu was taking on the Xianshan Challenge for the first time. His 149 km Classic Challenge featured seven major climbs, each gaining approximately 330 to 820 meters.
Damin had prepared specifically for this race. Beginning June 27, he completed 26 consecutive climbing-focused training sessions, accumulating 36,218 meters of elevation gain, typically climbing 1,000–2,100 meters per session while keeping his average heart rate between 120 and 140 bpm.
Recent typhoons and afternoon thunderstorms had left their mark on the mountains. Some sections still had landslide debris, loose rocks, wet mud and leaves, making the high-speed descents especially demanding. Fortunately, race day was mostly sunny with only a brief shower.
The organizers provided six aid stations along the course, with clear traffic control and route guidance at intersections, allowing riders to concentrate on the challenge ahead.
Even after all that preparation, by the final part of the race Damin had only one thing to say:
“I was almost done. If I hadn’t been wearing the MTTW jersey, I probably would have quit.”
But he didn't take off that jersey.
And he didn't quit.
Damin crossed the finish line in 9:44:50, completing the 149 km Classic Challenge.
🏁 Overall: 305/490
🏁 Category: 5/7
🏁 Men: 278/431
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/activities/19849291521
One rider nearly got into the car before the first cutoff.
The other came close to abandoning the race altogether.
In the end, both MTTW jerseys made it to the finish line. 💚
Congratulations to Jie Yi and Damin Wu on completing the Xianshan Challenge safely! 👏👏
Every meter of climbing was earned.
