Zekari Pass

Overview

Zekari Pass is a genuine hors catégorie effort: 27.6 km of continuous climbing that lifts you from 378 m at the base to 2171 m at the top. That is 1793 m of net elevation gain, with 1766 m of total ascent recorded along the way — the small gap between the two tells you this road climbs almost relentlessly, with very little false-flat or descending to break the rhythm. At an average gradient of 6.5%, it is not the steepest climb you will ever ride, but over 27.6 km that steady demand accumulates into one of the longest sustained tests a rider can face.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number is 6.5%, but averages hide the texture. With a maximum gradient of 16.44%, you should expect ramps that are more than double the average, and a 6.5% mean over 27.6 km means the easier sections have to be balanced by these steeper kicks. Because net gain (1793 m) and total ascent (1766 m) sit so close together, there is barely any respite built into the profile — no long plateau to recover on. Treat every stretch that dips below 6.5% as a gift and every ramp toward 16.44% as a moment to stay seated, protect your cadence, and avoid burning matches you will want near the 2171 m summit.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, pacing is everything. The single biggest mistake is riding the early kilometres above your sustainable power. Anchor your effort to your FTP: for a climb of roughly this duration, most riders target a percentage of FTP that they can hold for well over an hour, not a 20-minute best. If you are unsure of your number, run a quick check with the FTP estimator before you commit to a target.

Aim to arrive at the steepest pitches — those approaching 16.44% — with something in reserve, because power spikes there cost far more than the same watts on the average 6.5% grade. Break the 27.6 km into mental thirds and reassess your effort at each. From 378 m to 2171 m the air thins as you climb, so expect your sustainable output to drift down slightly toward the top; plan for it rather than fighting it.

Gearing

For an HC climb of 27.6 km averaging 6.5% with ramps to 16.44%, gear conservatively. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 is the minimum I would recommend, and it will get most fit riders up the average grades comfortably — but on the 16.44% pitches, deep into a climb this long, you will be grinding. If your legs are not race-sharp, fit a 34×34 (or wider) so you can spin those steep sections at a cadence that protects your knees and your matches. The extra range costs you nothing on the easier gradients and buys real insurance over 27.6 km.

Summary

Zekari Pass rewards patience over aggression: a long, steady HC climb where smart pacing and generous gearing matter far more than raw power. Respect the distance, save something for the steep ramps, and the 2171 m summit is well within reach.

Length: 27.6 km
Average gradient: 6.5%
Max gradient: 16.44%
Start: 378 m
Summit: 2171 m
Net gain: 1793 m
Total ascent: 1766 m
Category: HC