DARE TO TRI・DARE TO FXT
Formosa Xtreme Triathlon (FXT) is one of Asia’s most difficult, thrilling triathlons, its top three finishers guaranteed entry into the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon held in Norway. A demanding journey from beginning to end, even with months of preparation racers can’t be certain they’ll cross the FXT finish line in time, but they start out with a leap of faith.
Joan Hsu and Obba Chang are our two daring athletes who rode MA-AFO in the 2023 FXT. This was Joan’s second time challenging the FXT course, and Obba’s first time joining as a racer after participating as a support team member for the past three years. While both have experience under their belts, pressure to reach FXT’s end at Hehuan Main Peak mounted as training ramped up. DARE documented the entire course of their incredible race day, and we hope the energy of our film will inspire you to also keep charging on towards your ambitions! DARE to TRI!
On the afternoon of November 17th we met Joan and Obba at FXT’s pre-race check-in point. With Joan was her nutritionist and fitness trainer, both of whom guided her year-long preparation for FXT. In contrast to the previous year, Joan effused an air of calmness, confident that her hard work and her team’s strategy would carry her far into the course. Accompanying Obba was his spirited (just like him) support team, who would shout his race number, “064!” every so often, their rowdy cheers lightening up the daunting challenge ahead. Many at the check-in point were regulars of Ironman competitions, and in this mini-reunion of sorts racers shared advice, stories, and wished each other good luck in tomorrow’s competition.
Just before dawn on November 18th a light drizzle permeated the FXT starting point with a sense of uncertainty. Nevertheless, just like last year, racers kicked off against the current of Xiugulan River in near darkness, going on to swim three laps each 1270 meters long. As the skies slowly brightened and the river’s waters calmed, Joan and Obba smoothly completed the stage they’d been worried about most, within their predicted times as well.
Cycling is Obba’s favorite stage, and armed with ample experience, assurance, and uniquely jolly encouragement, he finished with an excellent time of 8 hours. Next he braved the slopes of Hehuan Mountain in -2°C temperatures and high winds. FXT’s final stage of running sees racers at the last edges of their willpower and endurance, but Obba pushed through and crossed the finish line on Hehuan Main Peak in his 16th hour, bringing this year’s race to an emotional end for him and his team.
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.” -John C. Maxwell
On to Joan's cycling journey, where things did not go as swimmingly! Joan was subjected to flat tires twice, exhausting the time lead she’d accumulated. After her tire mishaps, it would have been almost impossible to reach T2 before the cutoff time, but Joan and her team raced determinedly onward. At just a mere 15 minutes away from T2, the checkpoint closed. Although Joan’s 2023 FXT drew to an imperfect end, she’s reminded us to always give it our all, never give up, and embrace imperfect experiences for the personal growth that they catalyze. We’re incredibly proud of Joan and her indomitable, daring spirit- that’s the core of DARE to TRI.
For long-distance, mixed-terrain cycling events such as FXT, Mountain Ace(MA)-AFO is the perfect fit. Its excellent weight and stiffness figures help cyclists maximize power output, its modular ACE handlebar system and adjustable tire-width system allows adjustability for different types of competitions, and its linear geometry ensures smooth fitting processes. Providing top performance at an affordable price, MA-AFO is your best partner on any road you challenge next, the possibilities are limitless!
Photography: 李展昇, Paul Hsu, 豬均 / Film: Javier Leon
