In a phrase, Purple Bull’s upcoming Twin Ascent synthetic climbing comp seems to be mega.
On October 26, 16 prime climbers from all over the world will collect under the Verzasca Dam in southern Switzerland, after which begin climbing up its face.
The problem: as a roped staff, flash or redpoint the 600 toes of climbing on synthetic holds overhead — and take a look at to not let the opposite staff get in your head. They’ll be doing the identical factor on an equivalent route proper alongside.
Purple Bull Twin Ascent
Purple Bull calls the occasion “Twin Ascent,” and it’s the primary competitors we’ve seen of its type. Multipitch routes haven’t made it into the aggressive climbing world till now. The top-to-head format guarantees to boost the motion, and the teamwork facet is fully unorthodox for competitions.
World-class climbers like Sasha DiGiulian, Brazil’s Felipe Camargo, and Switzerland’s personal Petra Klingler are on faucet. They’ll check their staff and particular person expertise on the equivalent six-pitch routes, which max out round 5.13d/8b.
“The Verzasca Dam is such an exquisite location — I really feel so excited to climb it and hopefully win in my residence nation,” Klingler stated. “Little question that this new format goes to deliver some additional competitiveness from us all and a complete new expertise!”
Two days of “time-based qualification” begin on October 26. Then after a relaxation day on the twenty eighth, the groups return to battle it out head-to-head on the twenty ninth.
In accordance with Purple Bull, qualifiers is not going to happen on the Verzasca Dam routes — that call seeks to protect some factor of journey within the finals. Whereas climbers will obtain “some info” concerning the route earlier than they begin, their makes an attempt might be flash-style.
Sadly, it seems to be such as you’ll must get to the dam to look at Twin Ascent reside. Purple Bull stated there’s “restricted house” there for spectators. However not all is misplaced — you’ll be able to catch a documentary concerning the comp on Purple Bull TV as soon as it concludes.
“Being invited to participate amongst the primary athletes to tackle a brand new idea brings all kinds of challenges technically, however that is what we reside for. The competitors has been specifically designed to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s doable,” Camargo stated. “We hope this additionally evokes the climbing neighborhood and newcomers to tackle their very own challenges.”
