FIVE WEEKS OUT: Routes, Preparations, and the HEWC Final Showdown at the Roof of Africa.
The Mother of Hard Enduro is now just five weeks away (19 – 22 Nov). For the first time ever, this historic race is also the decisive final round of the Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC), where the 2025 World Champion will be crowned in the beautiful majesty of the Mountain Kingdom Of Lesotho.
All eyes will be on South African hard enduro hero, Wade Young. Last year he equalled Alfie Cox’s record of nine victories.
He now stands on the brink of history, aiming to grab number ten….
The Routes are Ready for Battle…
Route director and veteran of 30 Roof Of Africa races, Graham Maclachlan, and route manager Tausten Gibbs and their crew have spent months meticulously testing and refining the courses for the Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Iron classes.
Maclachlan has confirmed that the routes are looking sensational and are designed to challenge every class appropriately with maximum viewing pleasure for spectators.
“We have been hard at work, riding and testing every kilometre to ensure the quality is world-class. Crucially, we have comprehensive back-up plans in place that will kick in depending on the weather conditions, ensuring there will be good, challenging riding whether it’s a dry or a wet Roof,” he adds.
Event Schedule and Key Locations
The event schedule centres around Maseru on Day 1 and the famed Music Box race village on all 3 race days:
- Wednesday 19 November: Scrutineering registration and admin at Avani Maseru and Casino.
- Day 1 – Thursday 20 November (Maseru City parade Time Trials): The action kicks off with a new city parade in downtown Maseru. Riders will do a convoy lap, taking the Roof participants right into the heart of the city. This new processional ride through the streets of Maseru offers spectators their best chance to see the riders up close before they head into the mountains.
- The parade will be followed by the Time Trials for the Silver, Bronze, and Iron classes, which will start just outside Maseru
- The Gold Class Time Trial will take place later in the day around Music Box, allowing the Silver, Bronze, and Iron competitors to finish their runs and then have the opportunity to watch the Pro riders.
- Day 2 – Friday 21 November (Race Day 1): Racing will start and finish at Music Box, featuring one Designated Service Point (DSP) along the route—and a second service point further along. Details to be shared closer to the time.
Day 3 – Saturday 22 November (Race Day 2): The final day centres around Music Box, with only one DSP at the main venue, setting the stage for the final push to the finish line, podium finishes for all classes and the HEWC trophy presentation.
Focus on Support and Spectators
The 2025 Roof of Africa is placing a strong emphasis on rider support and the spectator experience. Routes for all classes have been designed to offer great opportunities for fans to witness the grit, determination, and skill required to earn a finisher’s medal.
Confirmed sponsors and partners are also stepping up their on-site activities:
- Motul will once again set-up their popular Bike Wash, allowing riders to relax while experienced teams wash and prep their machines for the next day
- Plews Tyres will provide an essential tyre changing station, and will also be sponsoring the coveted King of the Mountain jerseys.
- 413 Racing will offer emergency maintenance services for the duration of the event.
- Lizzard will be set up with parts and equipment support for competitors.
- Supermoist will feature their commemorative Roof Kit (don’t forget their social media competition for a chance to win 3 sets of Roof kit!).
- XCO and Sox will have their stand stocked with official Roof merchandise
- Maluti Lager will be on site.
- NPL (Nutritional Performance Labs) will be providing nutritional support for the whole weekend at start/finish points and DSP’s.
More to follow soon.
The Roof Of Africa 2025 entries close on 24th October.
No entries will be accepted after this date.
Staying home for this one? No worries, Dirt And Trail will make sure that we’ll keep you up to date throughout the weekends racing via facebook and Insta.
For more information, including entry details, please visit: https://theroofofafrica.com and watch Roof socials on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.
