The Baske Eder Lomba, who has been based in Sheffield since 2019, gets Rainman's second ascent. The 9b line is not only the most difficult route in Great Britain, but also the ultimate test piece at Malham Cove.
2017 succeeded Steve mcclure after more than seven years of planning at the age of 46 the first ascent of Rainman (9b). He invested an incredible 128 attempts in his line in the Malham Cove. After his ascent, he wondered if anyone would ever climb this route. Today we know the answer: Yes, namely a young Basque named Eder Lomba.
Video: Eder Lomba climbs Rainman (9b)
Direct jump from 9a to 9b
Eder Lomba worked 46 days on Steve McClure's test piece. Rainman follows the existing line rain dogs (8a), shares the crux with the 9a route Rainshadow and ends with the bat route (8c). Previously, the Basque - also at Malham Cove - had both 9a's Rainshadow and Batman dotted.
From the point of view that he simply left out the grade 9a + and directly projected a 9b, his ascent of Rainman is even more impressive.
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Credits: Cover picture Marsha Balaeva monoculture films