Jakob Schubert in the Red Rocks: Is the 9a boulder threatened with devaluation?

A few days ago, Jakob Schubert started his trip to the USA. Now the goal of his stay in Las Vegas is known: He projects the Boulder Return of the Sleepwalker (9a). When will the ascent work? Is the Boulder threatened with devaluation?

Accompanied by his buddies Nicolai Uznik and Michael Piccolruz is Jakob Schubert Arrived in Las Vegas late last week. It quickly became clear in the climbing scene what the goal of the trip was: the sport climbing route Jumbo Love (9b) or the 9a boulder Return of the Sleepwalker? Nicolai Uznik then gave the ultimate hint: Jakob Schubert aims to repeat the Boulder ROTS.

“On the road again – with Michael Piccolruaz and Nicolai Uznik. I'm really happy!"

Jakob Schubert

Return of the Sleepwalker was first climbed in April 2021 by the American Daniel Woods and rated 9a. Never before has Daniel Woods Invested so much time in climbing a boulder, which led him to rate the boulder with the magical grade 9a. The line is the sit launch version of the 8c+ rated Boulders Sleepwalker.

Jakob Schubert aka Mr. Downgrade

To date, a total of four boulders have been rated 9a, viz Burden of Dreams (Nalle Hukkataival), No Kpote Only (Charles Albert) and Soudain Seul (Simon Lorenzi). The latter two were repeated a short time later and downgraded in their difficulty. That leaves the lines of Nalle Hukkataival and Daniel Woods.

Will Jakob Schubert repeat the line Daniel Woods climbed first during the trip? A look at his performance over the past few weeks and months suggests that he will be able to repeat it.

Nicolai Uznik announced on the first day: "All trains climbed." (Picture Nicolai Uznik)
Nicolai Uznik announced on the first day: "All trains climbed." (Photo Nicolai Uznik)

The even bigger question is whether Schubert will confirm the level of difficulty. At least since his trip to Spain in December, Schubert has been carrying the takeovers “Mr. downgrade". Several difficult sport climbing routes (King Cappella, La Capella, etc.) in the upper ninth French degree, the Austrian climbed within a few days and devalued all by one degree.

Meets the same fate as Daniel Woods with the boulder The Return of the Sleepwalker Will Bosi with the King Capella and La Capella routes? The presence of Jakob Schubert is guaranteed to give Daniel Woods sleepless nights.

That might interest you

Do you like our climbing magazine? When we launched LACRUX, we decided not to introduce a payment barrier. It will stay that way, because we want to provide as many like-minded people with news from the climbing scene.

In order to be more independent of advertising revenue in the future and to provide you with even more and better content, we need your support.

Therefore: Help and support our magazine with a small contribution. Naturally you benefit multiple times. How? You will find out here.

+ + +
Credits: Cover picture Nicolai Uznik

News

00:08:55

Daughter cheers on – Shauna Coxsey boulders Mito (8B+)

Since the birth of her daughter, Shauna Coxsey has turned her back on competitive climbing and devoted herself to outdoor bouldering—with success. In February, she successfully climbed an extremely difficult boulder—thanks to her daughter's encouragement.

DAV responds to Megos' appeal for donations for national team

Because the German Alpine Association (DAV) postponed increased funding for its national team for a year, Alex Megos launched a fundraising campaign for the athletes last week. Now the DAV is also speaking out.

Chris Sharma goes swimming | Legendary DWS first ascent of Black Pearl

In 2023, Chris Sharma climbed Black Pearl, the hardest deep water solo route of his career. His new video shows him making the first ascent on the cliffs of Port de Sóller in the DWS hotspot of Mallorca.

The DAV national team lacks money – appeal for donations from Megos

The German Alpine Skiing Association (DAV) national team is short of funds for World Cup participation and training expenses. The athletes, including Alex Megos, are launching a fundraising appeal.
00:08:55

Daughter cheers on – Shauna Coxsey boulders Mito (8B+)

Since the birth of her daughter, Shauna Coxsey has turned her back on competitive climbing and devoted herself to outdoor bouldering—with success. In February, she successfully climbed an extremely difficult boulder—thanks to her daughter's encouragement.

DAV responds to Megos' appeal for donations for national team

Because the German Alpine Association (DAV) postponed increased funding for its national team for a year, Alex Megos launched a fundraising campaign for the athletes last week. Now the DAV is also speaking out.

Chris Sharma goes swimming | Legendary DWS first ascent of Black Pearl

In 2023, Chris Sharma climbed Black Pearl, the hardest deep water solo route of his career. His new video shows him making the first ascent on the cliffs of Port de Sóller in the DWS hotspot of Mallorca.