Carlisleshoek Pass is a climb of 6.5 kilometers (hors catégorie). Carlisleshoek Pass tops out at 2,557 m above sea level. It is located in Senqu Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The average gradient is 9.5% with a maximum of 21.8%. The climb has 614 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: This climb has a demanding profile, with an average gradient of 9.5% over 6.5 km. The crux is its extremely steep central section (KM 3.0-4.0), where the gradient hits 20% for a full kilometer, right after an easier stretch (KM 2.0-2.5 at 1%). The total elevation gain of 614m confirms its hors catégorie status.
Pacing advice:
1. Managing your pace from the start: The first kilometers (6-13%) shouldn't push you into the red. Save something in the tank for the double wall at 20%.
2. Planning your recovery: Use the 1% kilometer (KM 2.0-2.5) to recover actively (spin easy) before the maximum effort.
3. Choosing your gearing for the steep ramps: Run a gear ratio that lets you keep a sustainable cadence on the 20% sections, even if it means slowing down.
6.5 km • 614 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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