President Lan Yi-chen has become the first president of Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU) to complete the entire “Iron Horse Taiwan Tour,” a 1,000-kilometer cycling journey around the island. Upon returning to campus today, he was warmly welcomed by Archbishop Thomas Chung An-zu, who represents the Holy See in Taiwan; University Chaplain Rev. Raphael Lin; Global Alumni Association President Cheng Shih-ning; Fu Jen Taiwan Alumni Association President Chiang Huei-chen; and more than a hundred enthusiastic faculty and students. Under the blazing sun, President Lan, noticeably tanned, completed this epic adventure and shared his thoughts. Reflecting on the 11-day journey, he said the greatest lesson was “triumph of three strengths and three mindsets over three pains.” He also deeply appreciated the passionate support from alumni and emphasized that, for the first time, tree planting and beach cleanups were incorporated into the event, giving all participants a profound sense of the importance of environmental sustainability. He vowed to continue leading the university in more sustainability efforts.

As President Lan and his team returned to campus, they were met with cheers, with many calling them heroes. Archbishop Thomas Chung An-chu was visibly moved, noting that in such hot weather, merely standing under the sun for a while would make anyone sweat profusely, let alone cycling for hours. Yet this group persevered under the scorching heat, embodying the values of a healthy, caring, and positive Fu Jen Catholic University. “This moment of return is your pride!” the archbishop proclaimed. He then blessed the team with holy water, offering prayers together with Vice President for Mission Father Wang Wen-lin, University Chaplain Reverend Raphael Lin, and Father Leszek Niewdana, SVD, who has participated in several Taiwan cycling tours.

Upon his return, President Lan shared the challenges of the 11-day journey with everyone. Covering 1,025 kilometers, climbing a total of 4,900 meters, and cycling for a total of 65 hours was no easy feat. He revealed that his success was due to the “triumph of three strengths and three mindsets over three pains.” The “three strengths” referred to perseverance, physical strength, and endurance required for cycling, while the “three mindsets” were beliefs in determination, positivity, and love, which kept him motivated throughout. These helped him overcome the “three pains” of sore arms, an aching backside, and a grumbling stomach! His humor had the entire audience laughing, and he encouraged others to challenge themselves by joining next year’s “Iron Horse Taiwan Tour.”

In celebration of the cycling team’s achievement, Fu Jen Catholic University Alumni Association President Cheng Shih-ning flew in from the United States, representing 49 alumni associations and 250,000 alumni worldwide. She welcomed the team’s triumphant return and expressed hope that one day, FJCU’s cycling team could venture beyond Taiwan for a “Global Iron Horse Tour!” Demonstrating their solidarity and enthusiasm, both Cheng Shih-ning and Chiang Hui-chen eagerly declared, “Let’s start training—we might join next year!”