Jorge Díaz-Rullo repeats Sleeping Lion (9b)

The strong Spaniard Jorge Díaz-Rullo secures the third ascent of Sleeping Lion. Before him, only Alex Megos had managed to repeat Chris Sharma's new kingline in Siurana.

“I was finally able to make the third ascent of this fantastic line after Chris Sharma and Alex Megos,” he said happily Jorge Diaz-Rullo after his successful climb. sleeping lion had cost the 25-year-old Spaniard more tries than he originally expected.

It was very difficult to get the right day without being too tired, with good skin and good conditions here in Siurana

Jorge Diaz-Rullo

Sleeping Lion helped him get in shape and motivate him to continue working on his next projects. «At the same time, it was an important experience because while I was working on this route, I personally wasn't in my best phase. But in the end I did it.”

I am incredibly grateful for all of my friends who have supported me and made this process easier.

Jorge Diaz-Rullo

Sleeping Lion: hard 9b

Sleeping Lion was first climbed by Chris Sharma in March 2023 and was rated 9b+. The Californian Spaniard had been on the line for several years The pati sector in siurana worked.

It took Alex Megos just eight days before he could repeat the line. This led the 30-year-old German to rate Sleeping Lion 9b. Jorge Díaz-Rullo took some time after his climb before commenting on the level of difficulty. In the end he rated the line as a hard 9b.

Sleeping Lion is a fantastic line with incredibly explosive movements in the style of Chris Sharma

Jorge Diaz-Rullo

The 25-year-old says he had a particularly difficult time with the dynamic move at the beginning of the route. He was able to climb the rest of Sleeping Lion on the fourth day. Once he had figured out the jump, other factors such as skin, weather or fatigue prevented him from making the climb quickly. In the end, it took Jorge Díaz-Rullo 15 days to make it to the diverter without falling.

Based on the whole process and my experience at this level, I think Sleeping Lion could be a hard 9b.

Jorge Diaz-Rullo

«I have previously climbed six 9b and two 9b+ routes. That's all I can compare this line with," said the strong Spaniard. As is often the case at this level, the perceived difficulty always depends heavily on the style and morphology of each individual.

That might interest you

+ + +

Credits: Cover picture Marco Zanone

News

Climbing and knee problems: where they come from and how to prevent them

Knee pain is common among climbers. Klaus Isele explains what to do in case of knee pain.

A tie in the final: The decision at the German Lead Championships 2026 was that close.

Anna Maria Apel (cover photo) and Yannick Nagel remain Germany's number one in lead climbing. Both successfully defended their titles at the German Championships in Darmstadt. While Apel had to wait anxiously until the very last moment, Nagel set the decisive mark in the men's competition.

Ice climbing and ski touring in Norway: The Mountain Equipment Oreus and Xenith jackets put to the test

Frozen waterfalls, steep approaches, and cold belay stations: Norway is one of the most impressive destinations for ice climbers in Europe – but it also places high demands on equipment and clothing. Ice climber Anna embarked on a winter trip through Norway and tested two models from Mountain Equipment under realistic conditions. In the following review, Anna explains why these jackets complement each other surprisingly well in winter conditions.

Competition: Edelrid indoor set in the Bergfreunde edition

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Bergfreunde has released special editions – we're giving away three indoor climbing sets: one Edelrid Twentie Exclusive (40m) and one Ohm II Exclusive. Just in time for the indoor climbing season.

Climbing and knee problems: where they come from and how to prevent them

Knee pain is common among climbers. Klaus Isele explains what to do in case of knee pain.

A tie in the final: The decision at the German Lead Championships 2026 was that close.

Anna Maria Apel (cover photo) and Yannick Nagel remain Germany's number one in lead climbing. Both successfully defended their titles at the German Championships in Darmstadt. While Apel had to wait anxiously until the very last moment, Nagel set the decisive mark in the men's competition.

Ice climbing and ski touring in Norway: The Mountain Equipment Oreus and Xenith jackets put to the test

Frozen waterfalls, steep approaches, and cold belay stations: Norway is one of the most impressive destinations for ice climbers in Europe – but it also places high demands on equipment and clothing. Ice climber Anna embarked on a winter trip through Norway and tested two models from Mountain Equipment under realistic conditions. In the following review, Anna explains why these jackets complement each other surprisingly well in winter conditions.