A KOM, short for King of the Mountain, is a title used in cycling to identify the fastest rider on a specific climb or uphill segment.
The term originally came from professional road races but became widely popular thanks to platforms like Strava, where cyclists compete virtually for KOMs and QOMs (Queen of the Mountain).
In simple terms, a KOM in cycling represents the best recorded time on a defined uphill route.
These segments vary in distance, gradient, and difficulty, and riders are ranked on public leaderboards that reset whenever a faster time is uploaded.
Earning a KOM title demands a combination of power, endurance, pacing strategy, and sometimes favorable wind conditions.
Many cyclists chase KOMs not just for recognition, but as a personal challenge and a fun way to measure performance improvements over time.
While a KOM isn’t an official race result, it has become a symbol of competitive spirit and climbing strength within the cycling community.
Understanding what a KOM means can help you set new goals, explore new climbs, and push your limits against your own past performances.