Muga Lepo

Overview

Muga Lepo is a category 2 climb that asks for patience more than heroics. Over 9.8 km the road lifts you from a start elevation of 41 m to a summit at 643 m, a net gain of 602 m at an average gradient of 6.13%. That average tells most of the story: this is a sustained, honest climb where the effort rarely lets up, but it never spikes into the kind of wall that forces you off the bike. With a maximum gradient of 9.35%, the steepest ramps are firm rather than brutal, and a well-judged rider can hold a rhythm from bottom to top.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape of Muga Lepo is defined by the gap between its 6.13% average and its 9.35% maximum. That relatively narrow spread signals a climb without wild swings — expect long stretches close to the average punctuated by short pitches that nudge toward the max. The total ascent of 569 m sits just under the 602 m net gain, which tells you the road climbs almost continuously with only the faintest respite along the way. There are no descents to reset your legs here; every kilometre you ride is a kilometre earned. Treat the 9.35% ramps as brief tests rather than crises, sit back into the saddle, and let the gradient come back to you.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this steady, pacing is everything. Aim to ride the whole 9.8 km at a fraction of your FTP that you can genuinely sustain for the full duration — most riders target somewhere below threshold on a climb of this length so the final kilometres don't unravel. If you don't know your threshold yet, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target power. The temptation is to attack the 9.35% ramps; resist it. Hold your effort constant, let your speed dip on the steep bits and recover on the sections nearer the 6.13% average, and you'll arrive at 643 m with something left rather than in tatters.

Gearing

For a 9.8 km climb averaging 6.13% with pitches to 9.35%, a compact chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible choice. A 34×32 will get most fit riders up comfortably, giving enough range to spin the steeper ramps without grinding. If you carry extra weight, ride at altitude, or simply prefer to protect your knees, step up to a 34×34 — that extra sprocket turns the 9.35% sections from a struggle into a manageable cadence. Neither setup is overkill on a category 2 climb of this length; err toward the easier gear and thank yourself near the top.

Summary

Muga Lepo rewards discipline: a long, even climb where consistent power beats bursts of ambition. Set your effort early, gear low, and let the numbers do the work.

Length 9.8 km
Average gradient 6.13%
Max gradient 9.35%
Start 41 m
Summit 643 m
Net gain 602 m
Total ascent 569 m
Category 2