Starting Friday, October 2nd, Jakob Schubert will be back live: The Austrian will attempt to send Seb Bouin's "DNA" (9c) in the Verdon Gorge and broadcast his efforts via livestream. After "BIG," this is the second 9c route that the climbing community can follow the Tyrolean in real time as he climbs the rock.
First go on Friday
Jakob Schubert Schubert has been in the Verdon Gorge for about a week and has immediately resumed work on "DNA." He says he's got the moves down pat and has already climbed several long sections. Now it's time for proper ascent attempts. Schubert plans his first attempt for Friday, October 2nd, likely between 13 and 14 pm. A second attempt is planned for about three hours later. The exact time, however, depends on the wind and conditions. Schubert will announce any last-minute changes in his Instagram stories, and YouTube notifications will also keep viewers informed about the start.
"Ready for real trials"
In his Instagram post, Schubert sounds confident: “France has been kind to us so far […] I arrived in the Verdon about a week ago and immediately started checking out the routes again. I've already managed a few good links, so I feel ready for proper ascent attempts. From now on, we'll be streaming all ascent attempts LIVE! The first one is tomorrow – if nothing goes wrong.” So, not just selected attempts will be streamed, but all of them – from now until the ascent.
I believe this route could be the toughest line in the world.
Jakob Schubert
From “BIG” to “DNA”
The format isn't entirely new: Schubert had already broadcast his ascent of "BIG" (9c) live. The route in the Hanshelleren Cave He himself made the first ascent in Flatanger in 2023. “DNA” comes from Seb Bouin, who established the line in the Verdon Gorge a year before "BIG" in 2022. None of the five 9c routes have been repeated so far – this is nothing less than the first confirmation of the highest grade in sport climbing.
Projecting without editing software
Climbing ascents usually reach the public as a finished, edited clip, weeks or months after the climb. A livestream, on the other hand, also shows the attempts that ultimately fall short. Schubert secured "BIG" on his sixth livestream attempt.
How many Gos Schubert will need this time is uncertain. The schedule is, of course, also subject to change depending on the circumstances. Viewers can watch live in any case – whether at the first attempt on Friday or at a later date.
To get in the mood for this grand undertaking, here is Schubert's vlog about his time in La Ramirole:
That might interest you
- Jakob Schubert rates BIG 9c | formerly Project Big
- Everything you always wanted to know about Silence (9c) | Stefano Ghisolfi
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