Last year, Jakob Schubert repeated Alex Megos' 9a+ route from 2017 in the Tirol Clash of the Titans. After much hesitation and consideration, the Austrian now suggests upgrading the line on Götterwandl in Nassereith to 9b.
Video: Jakob Schubert repeats Clash of the Titans and upgrades it
More than five years ago Jakob Schubert Tried Clash of the Titans for the first time. First-time climber Alex Megos rated it as 2017a+ in 9, but for him it always felt much more difficult.
I've already climbed a few 9a+ and 9b's, but none of them cost me as much energy as this route.
Jakob Schubert
The responsibility increases with the level of climbing
When Jakob Schubert was able to climb the route quite quickly last year, the confusion was complete. Had Clash of the Titans really deserves an upgrade? He was no longer sure and therefore waited to publish the inspection.
“First I wanted to have a clear opinion on the level of difficulty,” says the six-time world champion. Ultimately, the route doesn't suit his preferred style as there are quite a few open holds that cause him difficulties.
In general, I think that in recent years we have seen a kind of inflation of difficulty levels in sport climbing, and I think that anyone who is capable of climbing the hardest grades also has a responsibility to give their honest opinion.
Jakob Schubert
For this reason, he has downgraded some routes in the past, said Schubert. “And for the same reason, I now propose upgrading Clash of the Titans to 9b.”
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Credits: Cover picture Alpsolut Pictures