Eneko and Iker Pou have opened an extremely difficult multi-pitch route on the south face of Peña Santa de Castilla in the Picos de Europa massif: Truenu (600m, 9a+). If the difficulty level is confirmed, their route could be one of the most difficult multi-pitch routes in the world.
Not far from their extremely demanding multi-pitch route Rayu (600m, 8c) on the Peña Santa de Castilla in Picos de Europa, the the Pou brothers recently first climbed a new and even more difficult route. Truenu leads through the steepest part of the south face at 600 meters and checks in at 9a+ according to Eneko and Iker's assessment.
Truenu: New test piece at the highest level
"The first part consists of about five rope lengths (about 300 m) with difficulties up to a maximum of 7b+/c," says Eneko, the older of the two brothers. The level of difficulty should not disguise the fact that there are only a few fixed safety devices and that potentially dangerous falls are possible. "Even here, full commitment is required."
The second part with its seven rope lengths is really tough: "It is the hardest and most overhanging section. The route is so steep that there were moments when we were really scared - floating in nothingness."
This part was a real struggle, and this is also where the crux of the ninth difficulty level is located.
Iker Pou
Free climbed up to key pitch
Eneko and Iker Pou were able to redpoint most of their route, Truenu. Only the key pitch with its 8A+ boulder crux successfully resisted free ascent. The combination of extreme difficulty and bad weather meant that Iker was unable to put the individual sections together.
Even though the complete redpoint ascent is still pending, the Pou brothers are more than satisfied with their performance: "We had marathon sessions and climbed for 15 hours straight... We were exhausted, but so happy. We gave it our all, and when you give 100%, it just feels great."
One of the most beautiful moments was bivouacking halfway up the wall, experiencing the incredible sunrises and sunsets and sleeping under the stars at night.
Now we just need to come back stronger and have more time for a proper redpoint attempt.
Eneko and Iker Pou
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Credits: Cover picture the Pou brothers