Punano Pass is a climb of 14.1 kilometers (hors catégorie). Punano Pass tops out at 1,489 m above sea level. It is located in Marazabuang, Morobe, Papua Niugini. The average gradient is 7.6% with a maximum of 19.6%. The climb has 1079 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: This 14.1 km hors catégorie climb is genuinely hard, with a brutal average gradient of 8%. The difficulty is uneven: a relatively gentle start (KM 0-3) gives way to a tougher section (KM 5-14), punctuated by three stretches at 12% (KM 6-7, KM 11-12, KM 13-14) that will be decisive.
Tips for managing your effort:
1. Pacing the first third: Make the most of the first 3 km (gradients of 3% to 6%) to settle into a steady rhythm without going too hard, saving something for the steeper pitches to come.
2. Tackling the three "walls": The 12% sections (around KM 6, 11 and 13) demand reserves of strength. Ease off slightly before these sections so you hit them with fresh legs.
3. Keeping a smooth gear: The frequent changes in gradient (from 1% to 12%) call for active gear management to maintain a steady cadence and avoid surging and stalling.
14.1 km • 1079 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
Join thousands of cycling fans! Plan your rides, record your performance, track your progress and discover the finest climbs.
Live climb profile to pace your effort all the way to the top.
