After the legendary bungee jump by 220 agent Pierce Brosnan, the 007 meter high Contra dam in the Verzasca Valley will once again be the venue for a spectacular event: 16 of the world's best climbers will compete in teams of two in the first head-to-head on the Red Bull Dual Ascent. Head multi-pitch climbing competition.
In 1996, in the service of His Majesty, James Bond - played by Pierce Brosnan - fell from a bungee cord from the 220 meter high dam in the picturesque Verzasca Valley. 36 years later, things are spectacular again at the Contra dam: 16 of the world's best climbing athletes compete Red Bull Dual Ascent in teams of two in the first head-to-head multi-pitch climbing competition on two identical routes with tricks.
At the start of the Red Bull Dual Ascent: Who's Who of climbing
The eight teams of two competing against each other include some of the world's best competitive climbers, rock climbers and multi-pitch specialists:
- Petra Klingler (SUI) and Louna Ladevant (FRA)
- Melissa Le Neve (FRA) and Katherine Choong (SUI)
- Sasha DiGiulian (US) and Angie Scarth Johnson (AUS)
- Barbara Zangerl (AUT) and Jacopo Larcher (ITA)
- Alberto Gines Lopez (ESP) and Luca Potocar (SLO)
- Domen Skofic (SLO) and Jernej Kruder (SLO)
- Stefano Ghisolfi (ITA) and Marcello Bombardi (ITA)
- Shawn Raboutou (US) and Matty Hong (United States)
The qualifications took place on Wednesday and Thursday. The four best teams will duel in the final on Saturday. We will be there for you and take a close look at the whole thing.
6 pitches, 180 meters and 200 holds
180 meters in altitude have to be overcome in six rope lengths. The two identical routes consist of more than 200 holds. The degree of difficulty according to the French climbing scale ranges between 6c and 7c+ in the qualification and 8b in the final.
“Experienced multi-pitch climbers will have a slight advantage in rope handling and tactics, while competitive climbers will be more familiar with the new generation moves. In any case, strength, endurance and speed are required.”
Simon Margon, route setter
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Credits: Cover Photo True Color Films/Red Bull Content Pool