Moteng pass is a climb of 9.7 kilometers (hors catégorie). Moteng pass tops out at 2,814 m above sea level. It is located in 'Moteng, Butha-Buthe District, Lesotho. The average gradient is 9.3% with a maximum of 19.6%. The climb has 900 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: This 9.7 km HC climb is extremely demanding because of its severe average gradient of 9%. The difficulty lies in the very uneven distribution of the gradients, with several sections above 13%, notably a kilometer at 16% in the finale (KM 9.0-9.5). The easier stretches (KM 1.5-3.0) are too short to offer any real respite.
Tips for managing the effort:
1. Managing your pace from the start: The first kilometers (0.5-1.0 at 11%) are tough. Don't go out too hard or you'll burn through your reserves early.
2. Making the most of the brief easing: The gentler gradient between 1.5 km and 3.0 km is your only chance to recover. Use it to bring your heart rate down and get some food and drink in.
3. Saving something for the brutal finale: Keep some energy for the last 2 kilometers, which include a 16% gradient over 500 meters. It's the hardest part of the climb.
For cyclists who've ridden it, the climb up the Moteng Pass is first and foremost an unforgettable sensory experience. Riders consistently rave about jaw-dropping scenery, with a dizzying view down the road snaking below and stunning panoramas from the viewpoint at the top.
The road surface is generally described as decent, if not good, comparable to some South African secondary roads. Several riders even mention freshly resurfaced stretches, though others point out that it needs some maintenance and that potholes pop up here and there.
The climb is a reminder of its mountain character and demands. The elevation gain is significant, estimated at over 1000 metres, which makes it a serious climb. Riders also need to stay alert to heavy truck traffic and, above all, to the risk of ice on the road, which adds a healthy dose of adrenaline to the effort.
Despite these challenges, the feeling that dominates among those who've done the climb is one of an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind adventure. The combination of the effort, the epic scenery and the unique atmosphere of this Lesotho pass makes this ride a lasting memory, often summed up with a simple "Amazing!".
9.7 km • 900 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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