A bike fit for the KOM King

KOM KING, JOHN EBSEN WINS HIS FOURTH TAIWAN KOM CHALLENGE ON ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT WEAPON – THE O2 VAM DISC WITH BLACK INC TWENTY TUBULAR WHEELS

Last year, when we interviewed our Sales Director, John Ebsen after the Taiwan KOM Challenge, he was adamant that he would not be returning in 2020, having already competed in the event eight times, podiumed at five of those and won three.

Competitiveness and perhaps a little ‘fear of missing out’ got the better of him, however and last week he lined up on a mission to claim his fourth title, this time with some fresh updates to his weapon of choice – the O2 VAM, ensuring every advantage was on his side before the games even began.

The 105km event is arguably the toughest one day race in cycling, starting at sea level in Hualien City on the east coast of Taiwan, then consistently climbing for its entirety – cruelly reaching gradients of up to 27% in the closing 10km. The eventual finish line lies at 3,275 metres, atop the highest road pass in Taiwan.

On October 23rd, John took to the start line in grim, cold and wet conditions. The climbing specialist seemed unphased by the weather, finding himself in a comfortable position at the head of the race from the get-go. Confident in his experience and ability, he went on to take his competitors by surprise with an early attack that saw him impressively ride clear of the elite group of eleven riders, quickly establishing an advantage of over two minutes.

He continued his unstoppable momentum to put in a phenomenal ride, defeating the mountain on a dismal day to cross the line almost 19 minutes ahead of second place, stealing his fourth victory in the process.

Chapeau! What a ride.

It’s all in the details…

Frame: Factor O2 VAM Disc – Gloss/Chrome EditionWheelset: Black Inc Twenty – Tubular WheelsetTyres: Continental Tubular Tyres Special EditionGroupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Disc Di2: 52/36, 11/30Drivetrain: CeramicSpeed UFO Chain & CeramicSpeed OSPWPower Meter: SRM Power MeterPedals: Speed Play Ultra LightSaddle: Berk Carbon SaddleSeatpost: Black Inc Zero-Offset SeatpostBar/stem: Black Inc Integrated Barstem – Size 38/110Bar Tape: Factor Bar TapeCages: Black Inc Bottle CagesExtras: Black Inc Computer Mount

Total weight: 6.03kg

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