Stefano Ghisolfi has been tirelessly projecting Silence, the world's first 9c route, for the past few weeks. In order not to return home from Flatanger completely empty-handed, the strong Italian finally picked out a small side project: Move Hard (9b).
Stefano Ghisolfi was aware that he Adam Ondra's 9c route Silence will not be able to climb yet during this trip to Flatanger. That's why he chose a small side project to round off his trip to Norway. The choice fell on move hard (9b), also first climbed by Adam Ondra.
There are not many people in the world who can pick out a 9b route as a consolation, so to speak, and then climb it within a reasonable period of time. Stefano Ghisolfi can do both, even though he could never have imagined having a 9b sport climbing route as a side project. "But Silence puts everything into perspective," says Ghisolfi.
"I could never have imagined in my life that I would have a 9b as a side project, but Silence puts everything into perspective."
Stefano Ghisolfi
Move Hard (9b) more logical choice
The Italian chose first Little Badder, a long 9a to the left of Silence to round off his trip to Norway. But then he realized that Move Hard (9b) was the more logical choice, says Stefano Ghisolfi. "I understood that it made more sense for me to try the 9b route Move Hard, which starts like Move and ends with the second crux of Silence."
Stefano Ghisolfi secured the second ascent of Move Hard (9b) just on the last day. It was the perfect end to a magical trip.
Such are the handles of Silence (9c)
The strong Italian has not yet been able to climb his main project. However, Ghisolfi continued to make progress so it's only a matter of time before he returns to Flatanger for serious send attempts.
Stefano Ghisolfi not only worked incredibly intensively on the world's first 9c route, he also meticulously documented each of his steps. In his latest video, he provides exciting insights into the variety of Silence handles.
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Credits: Cover picture @nicoloconterno @diegoborello_ @zio_banda