Flashes, firsts and format shifts
Speed, Precision and the New Edge of Climbing. This week stretched the limits in every direction: historic flashes, 24-hour big wall pushes, teenage breakthroughs into 9A, and a competition format that rewards instinct over hesitation. The sport isn't slowing down — it's sharpening.
Head-to-Head History & Next-Gen Statements
The first-ever Pro Climbing League delivered exactly what it promised: pressure, pace, and split-second decisions. Flash efficiency beat raw difficulty, and two champions set the benchmark for what this format demands. Outside the arena, a 16-year-old stepped into 9A territory — proof that the next generation is not waiting their turn.
Oriane Bertone Wins First-Ever Pro Climbing League
What a crazy comp, what a crazy concept, and what a night! This format rewards efficiency and execution rather than just difficulty. It's not only about climbing hard moves, but about how quickly you can read the route and how fluidly you move.
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Max Milne Takes the Men's Title at Pro Climbing League
Yeah that was mad. Took the dub at the first ever Pro Climbing League alongside Oriane Bertone. Nights like yesterday are rare and I'm just grateful I got to live what just happened.
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SAIAD — Caldwell & Van Hee Complete 24-Hour Patagonia FA
Siebe Van Hee and Tommy Caldwell completed a historic 24-hour free ascent of the legendary South African Route on the East Face of the Central Tower of Paine. Starting at 3:20 a.m. and topping out exactly 24 hours later — the first-ever one-day free ascent of this 1,200m big wall.
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2026 Para Climbing National Championships Wrap
That's a wrap on the 2026 Para Climbing National Championships. Congratulations to all 2026 Para Climbing National Champion medalists.
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Beckett Hsin (16) Sends First 9A — No One Mourns the Wicked
Beckett Hsin climbs his first 9A boulder with No One Mourns the Wicked, making a strong statement on the international climbing scene at just 16 years old.
Read article →From V16 to 24-Hour Big Walls
Elite bouldering pushed deeper into the 8C–9A spectrum, with major flashes and long-term winter goals ticking off at the highest level. Meanwhile, Patagonia witnessed a 24-hour free ascent that redefined commitment on big terrain. Across grades and styles, the theme stayed consistent: bold decisions, minimal margins, maximum execution.
Adam Ondra Flashes Lion's Share 8C — Second V15 Flash Ever
Such a fight! Still buzzing from my second 8C flash — Lion's Share in Switzerland, which could be my hardest flash of boulder ever. A few more 8C candidates for flash are in the plans for the next few days.
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Jakob Schubert Sends Ephyra 8C+/V16
EPHYRA 8C+/V16. More than a year ago I spent a couple of sessions and thought I might give up. Yesterday I returned just to see how it feels and surprised myself with a quick ascent in the stickiest conditions ever. Another big winter goal done.
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Ghisolfi Sends Road of Life 8B+ in a Few Sessions
After Gioia I wanted to try new projects. Before targeting Long Road of Life (8C traverse), I focused on the easier version — Road of Life, a long 8B+ with a sketchy top out — and climbed it after just a few sessions.
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Pipas del Rey FA — Albarracín
FA of Pipas del Rey (8a+/b) in Albarracín by Titouan Josse — same start as Cjotas but finishing left, adding a new problem to one of Spain's finest bouldering areas.
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Borreguito 7C+ Direct Beta — One Session Send
Did this in just one session! Borreguito 7C+/V10 direct beta. I had never been able to lift off the ground before — then on what was supposed to be a rest day, I tried just for fun and sent a few goes later.
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Adam Ondra Makes Historic Second Flash of a V15
Adam Ondra has become the only climber to flash two V15 boulders, cementing his place in bouldering history with Lion's Share in Switzerland.
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Nicolai Užnik Making Quick Progress on Burden of Dreams V17
Užnik is battling skin and conditions on the iconic V17 boulder in Finland, making fast progress on one of the hardest problems in the world.
Read article →Efficiency Over Difficulty
London hosted the debut of the Pro Climbing League, and the format changed the conversation. Reading speed, composure under time pressure, and clean execution proved decisive. At the same time, Para Climbing Nationals showcased the depth and diversity of the competitive field. The season is widening — not narrowing.
PCL Men's Final — Max Milne vs Colin Duffy
With 4 minutes on the clock and only one winner, Max Milne and Colin Duffy show their full sends in the men's final of the world's first Pro Climbing League. Watch the replay on Red Bull TV.
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Tomoa Narasaki Takes Top Qualifier Spot at PCL London
Took the top position in the qualifiers and heading into tomorrow's show. Let's go! Narasaki arrives in London for the first-ever Pro Climbing League.
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Full PCL London Results — Bertone, Milne, Garnbret, Duffy Podium
Oriane Bertone and Max Milne won the first-ever Pro Climbing League in London. Janja Garnbret and Colin Duffy placed second, Annie Sanders and Tomoa Narasaki placed third.
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Pro Climbing League: Bertone and Milne Win in London
In front of a sold-out crowd and 2,400 cheering fans, Scotland's Max Milne secured a dream home victory, while France's Oriane Bertone won an exciting 19-second women's final.
Read article →Power, Light — and Safety First
Innovation and responsibility shared the spotlight. New-generation headlamps promise smarter adaptation to terrain, while a major ice tool recall reminds us that performance means nothing without safety. Progress in climbing isn't only about going harder — it's about going smarter.
Petzl SWIFT RL — 1200 Lumens, Reactive Lighting
Meet your ultimate night-time companion: SWIFT RL. For mountaineers, skiers, and trail runners who push the pace long after the sun goes down. 1200 lumens in just 92g — REACTIVE LIGHTING technology instantly adapts the beam to the terrain ahead.
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Safety Recall — Petzl NOMIC and ERGONOMIC Ice Axes
Petzl has announced a recall of certain batches of NOMIC and ERGONOMIC ice axes due to a risk of breakage at the handle that could cause a fall. Stop using affected axes immediately and contact Petzl customer service for a handle replacement.
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Petzl Recalls NOMIC and ERGONOMIC Ice Axes
Due to the risk of handle breakage that could cause a fall, Petzl is recalling certain batches of the NOMIC and ERGONOMIC ice axes. Stop use immediately and contact Petzl for a replacement.
Read article →Growth Beyond the Send
Training blocks, 200-try battles, political shifts in international competition — climbing continues to evolve both physically and structurally. Between patience, policy changes, and personal breakthroughs, the sport's landscape is shifting in subtle but significant ways.
Hannah Meul — Five Sessions and 200+ Tries
Stepping beyond your own limits means leaning into the uncomfortable space between 'maybe' and 'impossible.' Somewhere in the repetition, during countless falls and trying again, I discovered parts of myself I didn't know existed.
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Russian & Belarusian Climbers Cleared to Compete Internationally Under Neutral Flag
World Climbing allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete internationally again under a neutral flag. All rules and background details explained.
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