Josh Ibbertson repeats the most difficult route in Great Britain with Rainman (9b). Just two weeks after Eder Lomba was the first to repeat the Steve McClure test piece in Malham Cove, the 18-year-old Briton follows suit with his third red point ascent.
The British climber scored a few days ago Josh Ibbertson the 9b sport climbing route Rainman in Malham Cove. He is after first ascent Steve mcclure and Eder Lomba only the third climber who succeeds. The fact that the Brit managed the country's most difficult route at the age of 18 added spice to his performance.
Video: Josh Ibbertson climbs Rainman (9b)
The way to grade 9b
Josh Ibbertson made headlines at the age of ten when he scored two 8a routes. Since then, the British climber's climbing career has gone from strength to strength. Before he was 14, he managed 100 eighth grade routes. At sixteen he climbed Rainshadow (9a), one year later Batman (9a/+), both in Malham.
Video: Steve McClure on the first ascent of Rainman (9b)
After these successes, the Steve McClure line Rainman (9b) seemed the next logical step. Rainman follows the existing line rain dogs (8a), the crux shares with the 9a route Rainshadow and ends with the bat route (8c). Josh Ibbertson's ascent is impressive not only for his age, but also given the fact that he's currently juggling climbing and final exams.
Video: Eder Lomba with first repetition of Rainman
That might interest you
- These are the most difficult climbing routes in the world
- Adam Ondra tries the hardest route in the UK
- Britain's most difficult route scored with 46 years
+ + +
Credits: Cover picture Marsha Balaeva