The Basque professional climbers Iker and Eneko Pou manage the first free ascent of the Jon (8a + / 8b) route in the Egino climbing area in the province of Álava.
The Egino climbing area looks back on a long history. Climbing was done here at an early age, first in the Alpine style with stepladders and other aids. So moved too Iker and Eneko Pou first time on the walls in the province of Álava.
Long-term project freely climbed for the first time
In September 1992 Rafael Heras and José Otxoa de Eribe set up a difficult line along the imposing rock arch La Leze in Egino. 100 meters of climbing distributed over five pitches with difficulties up to 8a + / 8b led along the edge of the cave, which was visible from afar.
We are very happy about this ascent. When we look back on the 90s and our first steps here. Incredible. We never thought back then that we would one day climb these routes freely.
Iker Pour
For 28 years the route has resisted a free ascent. Until the Pou brothers came along and the line Jon (8a + / 8b, 100m) freely climbed.
Video about the first free ascent of Jon (8a + / 8b) by the Pou brothers
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Credits: Images by J. Canyi-Filmut