The Tour De Taiwan is a historic event which provides a tremendous amount of learning about Taiwan, the Taiwanese and the key icons of the Taiwan bicycle industry.

The group of 32 A-Team participants are diverse. Differences in size, age, fitness, gender, emotional state, and physical health conditions all suggested the tour would be a testing ground for the will power of this diverse group of executives.

Short practice sessions provided a competitive environment for the group. Enough incentive for secret training for what would be the challenge of a lifetime. Finish the Tour De Taiwan with dignity.

The Tour De Taiwan was incredible journey covering more the 1,000 kilometer perimeter of Taiwan with 4,000 meters of cumulative altitude gain, over dangerous road conditions, in adverse weather conditions. It proved to be the perfect way to test this successful group of overachievers to put mind over matter for a personal accomplishment.

Traditionally, this group is capable of solving challenging business situations and easily tuning them into profitable ventures. This event was different. It required each of them to dig down deep, overcome physical limitations for only self gratification.

When the event started, the skill level of almost everyone was low. Odd body positions, choppy pedaling styles, improper fitting gear and lack of confidence made for an interesting beginning.

As the days wore on, the assimilation of cycling skills and cycling etiquette were incredible.

The team cooperated together, learned from each other and worked harmoniously forming an elegant, skillful team of passionate cycling experts. They all possessed the skill and determination to conquer even the most challenging terrain in perfect form. It was an incredible transformation.

Each day started and challenged everyone. Sunburn, saddle sores, numb hands, cramps, dehydration, muscle fatigue, chronic knee injuries, back aches and other health issues existed, but not in their mind. They were to determined NOT to complain. Everyone started and finished each day with a smile. Someone said "Pain is temporary, quitting is forever"

It is clear, neither physical nor weather boundaries stopped this team. They even challenged the goal by raising the distance stakes by more than 10%

Within 11 days, everyone had put mind over matter, and earned the right to say. "We finished the Tour De Taiwan"

Never before has such an influential industry group of CEO’s united together to strengthen their partnership as well as get a better product understanding, This team challenged their physical boundaries and won.

It is a testimony to the Taiwanese, the A-Team’s vision, the A-Teams leadership. It is this determination that has made them and the A-Team successful in their business and contributing to everyone’s cycling around the world.

So what is there to learn from such an event.

1) A clear vision provides direction
2) Great leadership galvanizes diversity
3) Determination overcomes limitations
4) Respect one another
5) Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve
6) Acknowledge each success
7) Always encourage
8) Lead by example
9) Healthy competition is stimulating
10) Teamwork builds alignment
11) True friendship is earned
12) Trusting relationships are built over time.

What can I offer:

1) You all are an inspiration to the world.
2) A healthy body stimulates a productive mind
3) Be proud of Taiwan products. They are the best in the world.
4) Take time to enjoy life and friendship
5) Be passionate about cycling.
6) Find time to ride every day.
7) Spread the benefits of cycling
8) Build core awareness of how cycling has helped you
9) Ride and have fun
10) Taiwan is a beautiful country and is a great place for cycling

I'd like to take the time to recognize the entire A-Teams accomplishments. I'd also like to thank the A-Team for the opportunity to observe and learn.

Sincerely.

Bob Margevicius, Vice President of Specialized .
2008/5/14