Moteng pass is a climb of 4.3 kilometers (category 2). Moteng pass tops out at 2,814 m above sea level. The average gradient is 5.2% with a maximum of 14.3%. The climb has 224 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: This Cat 2 climb covers 4.3 km for 224 m of elevation gain, an average gradient of 5.2%. The difficulty is concentrated in three steep sections: km 0.0-0.5 at 9%, km 1.0-1.5 at 10%, and above all km 2.5-3.0 at 11%, which are the hardest parts of the climb. Km 1.5-2.0 is a slight downhill at -1%, giving you a breather, while km 3.0-4.3, between 1% and 2%, stay rollable.
Pacing tips:
1. Don't go out too hard. Settle into a steady rhythm from km 0.0-0.5 at 9% so you still have something in the tank for km 1.0-1.5 at 10%.
2. Recover on the breather. Use the slight downhill on km 1.5-2.0 to drink, eat, and mentally prepare for km 2.5-3.0 at 11%, the toughest section.
3. Wind it back up on the flat finish. On km 3.0-4.3, shift into a bigger gear and spin a smooth cadence to finish with some speed.
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!".
4.3 km • 224 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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