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Gallery: A look inside the Taiwan KOM Challenge

Contributor Laura Fletcher snapped photos of the Taiwan KOM Challenge, the 105-kilometer mass-participant event that starts at sea level, ascends 11,000 feet, and finishes atop Mt. Wuling.

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Read contributor Laura Fletcher’s behind-the-scenes dispatch from the Taiwan KOM here.

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The race started early, just as the sun was coming up. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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The Taiwan KOM Challenge begins in Hualien. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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The race climbs from sea level up to 11,000 feet. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Along the way the route takes in the Taroko Gorge. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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There are always riders who attack early along the 105-kilometer route. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Riders pass through a tunnel along the highway. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Photo: Laura Fletcher
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There are several tunnels along the route as it climbs up from sea level. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Riders encountered wet conditions at lower elevations. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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CCC-Liv sent Marianne Vos and Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio to the event this year. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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The pack breaks up on the long climb to Mt. Wuling. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Photo: Laura Fletcher
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The race took on a ghostly feel as riders passed in and out of the mist. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Moolman-Pasio, one of the best climbers in the world, dropped the other women on the climb. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Eventually the race climbed above the fog and into the sun. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Sunshine and clear skies greeted riders near the top. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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The views from atop Mt. Wuling were spectacular. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Moolman-Pasio won the women’s event. Photo: Laura Fletcher
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Riders needed a rest after the grueling effort up the 11,000-foot vertical day. Photo: Laura Fletcher

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