Simon Yates to end season with 87-kilometer long uphill Taiwan KOM Challenge - "Totally different to anything I’ve done before"

Simon Yates had a very strong season where he showed consistency but also the best legs of his career. His season is not over yet however, as he looks to win the unique and incredibly difficult Taiwan KOM Challenge.

The route, taking place in Taiwan, sees Team Jayco AlUla present with two riders greatly due to the headquarters of the team's bike supplier Giant. However over the year several of the sport's main figures made their way to Taiwan to end their season in style, with an 87-kilometer long climb. The race takes the riders from sea level to over 3000 meters of altitude, with over 3 kilometers at 15% towards the top where even the best will have difficulties.

“The Taiwan KOM Challenge is a different style of racing to what we are used to with the race starting at sea level and then climbing to over 3000 metres. There are not many climbs like that and doing a race that is basically one big climb will be a really interesting challenge and totally different to anything I’ve done before," Yates said in an announcement from the Australian team. "Also, lining up alongside riders of all different levels from all over the world will be a unique experience. Being in Taiwan will be special for us as a team, it is the home of Giant and it will be nice to represent the brand, meet the people who work behind the scenes and also meet some of the fans out there.”

Yates will not be alone, he will be joined by teammate Jesús David Peña who was one of the season's breakthrough climbers. “I’m really excited to be taking on this challenge, I think it is a race that suits me, I am a climber and coming from Colombia I am used to climbing at altitude," the 23-year old said in anticipation to the event which will take place on the 27th of October. "I think it is a special event and to do a race that is only uphill is something really different and exciting for me. I have a had a good season and it will be good to end it in a nice way at the Taiwan KOM Challenge.”