Giant Executives Unite for Formosa 900 Giant
Transcription
Giant Executives Unite for Formosa 900 Giant
Events & Activities Giant Executives Unite for Formosa 900 Text & Photos: Editorial Dept. n Monday, January 17th, corporate executives at Giant Bicycles finally reached the finish line of their 8 day, 900kilometer bike trek through the rugged mountains and bitter January weather of Taiwan. The purpose of this grueling excursion? As one of the bike industry’s leading manufacturers, Giant’s general managers want to know their market inside and out. To do so, they believe they must experience the same challenges, hard work, and ultimate passion for cycling that their consumers do. O ▲Team members took great interest in the architecture of the temples – one of Taiwan's defining features. ▲Team members took a brief break at the Japanese-style Jhuifen train station. ▲Teamwork has forged a special bond between Giant Group President King Liu (right) and CEO Tony Lo (left) . Before setting off, they led the group in a warm up exercise. 182 BMU 2011 Spring ▲During a stop at the Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, participants prayed to Matsu for a smooth and successful Formosa 900. www.biketaiwan.com Events & Activities ▲Team members drew strength from the support of one another. GM of Benelux Sales Willem Buitenhuis (right) and Giant UK GM Ian name(left). Over twenty Giant executives from four different continents came together for the Formosa 900 tour, which circled the island before finishing at the company ’ s headquarters in Tachia. Participants got a real taste of Taiwan on their journey, as locals, city officials and other cyclists welcomed them with food and conversation. The group also enjoyed spectacular mountaintop views and scenic rides through historical towns. When asked how the Taiwan ride compared to last year’s in the Netherlands, GM of Benelux Sales Willem Buitenhuis said this year’s route was more difficult, referencing how after biking Shuoka, one of Taiwan’s toughest mountains, the group still faced three more! ▲Giant Group President King Liu and CEO Tony Lo lead their company to the peak in both cycling and business ventures. In front, from left to right: Giant Global Group CSO John Koo, King Liu, Giant GM of GTS John Ho, Giant Tianjin GM Mike Lee, and Tony Lo. ▲While passing through a rapeseed field, bursting with blooms even during winter, the riders felt warmed. Giant USA GM Elysa Walk is pictured. ▲Safety is the top priority for the cycling team. Many cyclists volunteered to join the ride and showed great support for the team members. Giant Group China Headquarters CEO Young Liu is on the left and Giant Tianjin GM Mike Lee is on the right. www.biketaiwan.com 2011 Spring BMU 183 Events & Activities US General Manager Elysa Walk agreed, pointing out that the journey’s cold weather and difficult terrain was exactly what made it so unifying. Giant CEO Tony Lo even joked that the bad weather came as a result of his own special request from above. The tour, one of a series called Green World on Wheels, was a revisit to Taiwan, where the event was first established by Giant founder King Liu in 2007. The company founder was 73 years old at the time of the original journey, and has joined for a number of tours since. Through Green World on Wheels, Giant aims to promote environmental awareness and shed light on the ecological benefits of cycling. ▲ Excitement and delight showed on members’ faces when they successfully crossed the finish line. Giant Group CEO Tony Lo hugged his wife in celebration, while Giant Group China Headquarters CEO Young Liu kissed his wife at their reunion. ▲Giant global GMs studied Chinese. Australia GM Graeme name, USA GM Elysa Walk, and France GM Jerome name(pictured above) spoke Chinese with an accent. ▲The achievement of the 8 day, 900 km ride earned participants not only a certificate but also an invaluable experience. It served to unite all the members of the global Giant Group. 184 BMU 2011 Spring www.biketaiwan.com