First Visit to Taiwan: Expectations and a Sense of Gap
In 2012, I came to Taiwan for the first time after being invited to serve as an international commissaire for the Tour de Taiwan. At that time, I had already worked with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for many years and officiated in numerous world-class races. Taiwan holds an important position in the global cycling industry, with many well-known brands and components produced here. Arriving in a place often called the “Kingdom of Bicycles,” I naturally had high expectations.

However, after taking part in the race and observing the broader environment, I sensed a certain gap. Taiwan had a strong bicycle manufacturing industry, yet the domestic racing system and scale of events were still developing, and corporate support for races was relatively limited. Compared with the mature racing structures in Europe, Taiwan's cycling events still had considerable room to grow.

At that moment, I thought this trip might simply be a brief stop in my career. It was not a negative judgment about Taiwan, but rather a reflection of an environment that had not yet fully shown the potential expected from a “cycling kingdom.”

Returning the Following Year: The Start of Change
My impression did not remain the same. When I returned to Taiwan the following year, I began to notice gradual changes. As organizers gained more experience, race operations became more systematic and many details improved.

One of the most memorable developments was the progress in safety and traffic management. Road cycling races require long road closures and complex coordination with city traffic. Close cooperation between police, commissaires, and race organizers is therefore essential.

I clearly remember a police officer responsible for traffic coordination that year. He was not only enforcing traffic control but genuinely wanted to understand how a cycling race works. He asked about the speed of the peloton, safety distances, and how traffic should respond in different race situations. More importantly, he applied that understanding on the ground. As a result, the race ran far more smoothly, with noticeable improvements in safety and order. That moment made me realize that if more people were willing to understand and support the sport, cycling races in Taiwan could develop significantly.

International Racing Experience: The Value of Professional Systems
During my career, I have served three times as Chief Commissaire at the Olympic Games and worked at numerous World Cup and international events. From working in different countries, I have learned that a successful cycling race is never accidental—it is the result of long-term professional systems and accumulated experience.

Behind every road race lies a complex structure: route design, road safety, traffic closures, team management, commissaire systems, and media broadcasting. Each element influences the quality of the race and also shapes a country's image within the international cycling community.Road cycling races require long-distance road closures and traffic coordination, making cooperation between the police and the race organization team a key factor in ensuring race safety.（Photo／Provided by Martijn）

When a stable system is in place, races can attract more international teams and gradually build global recognition. Without such systems, even regions with excellent terrain and conditions may struggle to develop cycling events sustainably.

In fact, Taiwan already holds several advantages. It has a world-class bicycle manufacturing industry, diverse terrain ranging from mountains to coastlines that suits road racing well, and a growing cycling culture among the public.

With continued professionalization of races, Taiwan has every opportunity to play a more important role on the international cycling stage.

Cycling Races as a Platform for National Promotion
Many people see cycling races purely as sports competitions, but internationally they are also powerful marketing platforms.

I often mention an example. Years ago, the Panasonic brand was not widely recognized in the European market. Seeking greater visibility, the company decided to sponsor a professional cycling team after being advised that cycling races were an effective way to reach audiences quickly.

As the team competed in major races, the Panasonic name appeared on jerseys, support vehicles, and television broadcasts. Through repeated exposure in media coverage, many Europeans first became familiar with the brand through cycling events.

This example shows that cycling races are not only competitive arenas but also important stages for brands, cities, and countries to gain international visibility. When companies support races, the events grow, and the brands gain long-term recognition through continuous exposure.

For Taiwan, the conditions are already strong. As a global hub of the bicycle industry, greater corporate involvement in racing—whether through event sponsorship or team support—could both strengthen the sport and increase Taiwan's international visibility.

The Next Step for Cycling in Taiwan
Last year, I began assisting the Chinese Taipei Cycling Association again with several competitions, including the National Championships and the National High School Games, mainly as a technical advisor. At the same time, the association organized commissaire training courses, inviting me to share international officiating experience with local officials.

These sessions covered topics such as decision-making principles, team management, safety distances during races, emergency situations, and case analysis from international competitions. The goal was to help Taiwanese commissaires better understand the operational logic and standards used in international racing.

For me, the purpose of these exchanges is simple: to help Taiwan's race organization and commissaire system gradually align with international standards. In my view, Taiwan already has many of the foundations needed to become a strong cycling nation—an established industry, diverse riding environments, and steadily accumulating race experience.

Looking ahead, if Taiwan continues to build professional talent, expand race experience, and encourage cooperation among government, industry, and society, cycling will not only remain an important industry but also become a powerful platform to introduce Taiwan to the world. I believe that with continued effort, cycling can become a window through which the world better understands Taiwan.