The world’s oldest Hard Enduro race returns to Lesotho with a new September date organisers say suits the international field better and cuts the risk of rain.
The Roof of Africa, known as “The Mother of Hard Enduro” and the world’s oldest Hard Enduro race, returns to Lesotho from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, September 26, bringing three days of world-class off-road motorcycle racing to the country.
Roof of Africa moves earlier on the calendar
This year’s event will be staged earlier than ever before, a decision Roof Promoter Robbie Hunter believes could benefit both the event and its international field.
Speaking at a press conference, Hunter said the new date makes the Roof more accessible to top riders, as most are available at this time of year. Holding the race towards the end of the year can be inconvenient for elite riders whose seasons have finished and who need time to rest before preparing for the next SuperEnduro season. The earlier date also carries a lower potential for rain.
My test riders took four hours to complete this track. It’s going to be entertaining…the riders are really going to have to dig deep for this day.
Among the major names expected in Lesotho are multi-time Roof winner Wade Young, Billy Bolt, James Moore, Manuel Lettenbichler and Anita Hauksdóttir.
The event officially gets underway on Wednesday, September 23, with registration, a media briefing and the traditional Mass Parade of Bikes through Maseru. The usual Roundhouse Races will not be available again this year because of the traffic disruption they cause, particularly around the border area into town.
Four days of racing across the mountains
Thursday’s opening stage will be the time trials. Iron, Bronze and Silver riders will travel from Thaba Bosiu to MusicBox, covering approximately 38–42km on a relatively non-technical route designed as a warm-up and to determine starting positions.
Gold riders will again hold their time trials at MusicBox, completing 9.3km laps. The format is expected to provide entertainment for spectators while giving the elite riders an opportunity to warm up.
Friday brings the Deep Mountain Loop, starting and finishing at MusicBox and taking riders deep into Lesotho via Bushmans Pass, with a service point near Metolong Dam. Gold riders will cover 114.2km on the most demanding version of the route, dropping deep into remote mountain passes before making their way back to MusicBox. Silver riders face a slightly less challenging but longer 128.8km route, while Bronze riders will tackle 101km on a route made slightly easier than last year due to the large number of competitors. Iron riders will remain away from the highest passes and cover 78.5km on a comparatively easier but enjoyable course.
Saturday’s Final Ascent will provide the ultimate test. Gold riders will complete two 38km laps, with Route Director Graham Maclachlan warning that the course will demand everything from the competitors. Silver riders will complete two 61km laps, while Bronze competitors face two 58km laps, with the final 17km shared with the Silver route. Iron riders will also complete two laps on a separate route, with some sections shared with the other classes.
With different classes using routes that sometimes overlap, organisers are urging riders to remain focused, stay on their designated tracks and follow their GPS systems. Refuelling points and Designated Service Points (DSPs) will be shared. Riders will be able to download their GPS routes before the race, allowing them to familiarise themselves with the courses and reduce navigation problems. New rider trackers will also be introduced this year as an additional safety measure to help prevent the riders from getting lost.
More spectator points added around Maseru
This year, spectators and fans will also have greater access to the action. The Roof of Africa website will provide a QR code linking to live Google Maps, with designated spectator points marked on the map. Signs displaying the QR code will also be placed around Maseru.
All designated viewing points will be accessible either by foot or vehicle, with organisers confirming that there will be more spectator points than at previous editions.
Roof of Africa 2025 route distances by class
DayIronBronzeSilverGold
Thursday (time trials)38–42km38–42km38–42km9.3km
Friday (Deep Mountain Loop)78.5km101km128.8km114.2km
Saturday (Final Ascent, 2 laps)2 laps (course-specific)2 x 58km2 x 61km2 x 38km
Economy
