The Wuling pass is not only steep but it is also extremely long in length at over 80km of climbing. The final 14km is the hardest part of the climb with sections above 10% and a section at around 27% gradient. Pacing on this climbing endeavour is crucial. The altitude must also be factored in as the air is thinner at altitudes of 3000ft plus. This makes it higher than Alpine and Pyrenees passes.
The climb starts in the Taroko Gorge and the scenery is spectacular with amazing panoramic views of the mountains of Taiwan. The road hairpins all the way up with sections of tunnel, and thinner road sections where you may need to give way.
Taiwan's Wuling Pass is the basis of the yearly KOM challenge race. This race climb is 105km but the climbing begins at the Toroko national park around km 18.
The Taiwan KOM Challenge race was won by Vincenzo Nibali in 2017 with a time of 03hr 19min 54sec.
