Seb Berthe risks, fights and is rewarded

Seb Berthe manages the onsight ascent of Ajo Crudo (8c) in the Spanish climbing area La Cicera near Picos de Europa. For the Belgian professional climber it is the first 8c route that he can climb in this style.

Seb Berthe, known for his successes on difficult multi-pitch routes around the world, stands out for once with another achievement: he succeeds with Ajo Crudo (8c) in La Cicera his most difficult onsight ascent so far.

Balance between risk and good beta

The inspection of Ajo Crudo really means a lot to him, says Seb Berthe. "Onsight climbing is a discipline that I really love and have done many times."

In order to be able to make the necessary decisions quickly, Berthe had to fall back on his entire wealth of experience, which he had collected from all the kilometers on the rock. "8c onsight was definitely a big goal for me in 2023."

Catch the right moment

Ajo Crudo turned out to be a good route choice in this respect: long, crimpy, slightly overhanging and with good resting positions between the individual sections. A climbing style in which Seb Berthe feels comfortable. "I took the opportunity and just didn't let go, even if my body wanted it several times during the inspection."

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Credits: Cover picture Christopher Muster