The German professional climber Alex Megos continues his success story in Flatanger. With Move (9b) and Illusionist (9a) he manages two more tough test pieces by Adam Ondra – and all within one day.
“These are the days I work towards for a climbing trip – when everything comes together and the projects are ticked off,” enthuses Alex MegosThe recent successes of the strong franc: Move (9b) as well illusionist (9a).
Hats off to Adam Ondra
Alex Megos climbed both lines with two knee pads each. This experience prompted him to pay tribute to the first ascentionist Adam Ondra, who opened both lines without knee pads. The key section of Move does not change with the pads, says Megos. "But getting to the crux is definitely easier with knee pads.
It is absolutely inspiring that Adam Ondra made the first ascent more than ten years ago.
Alex Megos.
As for the grade of Move, Megos estimates that the line is definitely at the upper end of the 9b scale. "I would even rate it 9b/+." In his opinion, Ondra Move could have been rated 9b+ at the time of the first ascent (without knee pads). Illusionist is rated rather soft for the grade due to the new kneebar beta.
Megos in the flow
With his latest ascents, Alex Megos extends his impressive series of ascents of the most difficult lines in the Hanshelleren Cave in Flatanger. First he made short work of Change (9b+), a little later he scored the 9a route Little Bagger in the second Go.
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Credits: Cover picture @henning_wang_