Alexander Megos wrote climbing history four years ago when he was the first to climb a 9a onsight. Yesterday he announced the second onsight ascent of a route of the same grade: Tito Claudio Traversa (TCT) in Gravere.
The route Tito Claudio Traversa is a combination of the two existing lines L'extrama Cura and Base Jump in the Italian territory of Gravere. The combination was first climbed by Stefano Ghisolfi in 2014. Interestingly, the route has already experienced an onsight ascent. It should come as little surprise that Adam Ondra succeeded in doing this.
No planned 9a onsight inspection
Apparently, Alex's onsight-style inspection of the route was not planned well in advance, but rather a coincidence. Stefano Ghisolfi's car, which Alex was traveling with, broke down, so the two joined another Italian climber and drove to Gravere. There, Alex spontaneously decided to try the Tito Claudio Traversa onsight route. With success. His comment: "OOPS I DID IT AGAIN! When people ask if I can onsight 9a I would say "no". I never felt at a level where onsighting 9a felt in reach. But totally I started to realize that I might be able to get to that level! What a great day at Gravere where I after more than 4 years did my second 9a onsight! What a feeling!
Alexander Megos in the key position of TCT
Stefano Ghisolfi on the first ascent of Tito Claudio Traversa in 2014
Alexander Megos on the first ascent of Fight Club
Unfortunately, there is no video of the onsight inspection in Gravere to date. But the recently published video of Alexander Megos inspecting the first 9b in Canada is also worth seeing.
Credits: Image Alexander Megos