The day after his success in Sleeping Lion (9b), Alex Megos tackled the heavily overhanging sport climbing route Ursus (8c+) in Montsant. For his flash attempt, Megos used two knee pads for the first time in his climbing career - a daring strategy for the strong Swiss franc.
It's no secret that Alex Megos preferably climbs without a kneepad. But even a professional of Megos' caliber cannot escape this development forever. The top German climber celebrated his kneepad premiere in Montsant during a flash attempt Ursus (8c +).
This is the first route I've ever climbed with two knee pads and it feels like shit.
Alex Megos
At first the experiment looked pretty promising. But then, during a tough sequence, Megos suddenly dropped the begging. “These damn things, I can’t climb with them.” His tirade was directed at the two knee pads he had strapped on.
He could no longer feel his legs, said Megos. Despite this small incident, Megos kept the kneepads on in the next go and scored Ursus (8c+) in his usual manner.
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Credits: Cover picture Christopher Hanke