Cédric Lachat scores the endurance test piece Chilam Balam (9a+/b) in Villanueva Del Rosario. For the Swiss professional climber, it is the 50th route in the ninth level of difficulty.
Cédric Lachat has had a pretty successful year: in March he made the first ascent of At Home Cornus (9a+) and a little later he joined us Fantasy fabric for the first time in grade 9b. Lachat crowns his season with another tough ascent: the Andalusian endurance test piece Chilam Balam (9a+/b).
I'm so happy and proud that I was finally able to clear the diversion of this amazing route.
Cédric Lachat
Chilam Balam: Gradual Approach
Since his work in the field of speleology and canyoning took up a lot of time this year, his fitness was not the best, says Cédric Lachat. That's why he began to tackle the mega line Chilam Balam with its 85 meters of climbing and 218 trains in a staggered manner.
The first 8c+ length alone took him three days. He then set out on the 9a route Chilam Salsera, which shares the first pitch with Chilam Balam and pulls upwards at the beginning of the traverse. And when he was able to climb Maldita Envidia, the second 9a in the huge overhang, Cédric Lachat devoted his full attention to Chilam Balam.
The big challenge for him was to master the last boulder on tiny ledges before the diverter after 80 meters of strenuous climbing. After 3 attempts in which it dripped in the said spot, everything fell into place.
The fact that I was able to climb my 50th route in the ninth grade before my 40th birthday is the icing on the cake on this ascent.
Cédric Lachat
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Credits: Cover picture @mimi38000