Chongqing, Nanjing, Hachioji; the Asian leg of the World Cup Circuit.
First up, Chongqing, China. After having trouble getting my visa in time I had to change my flight to arrive at midnight one day before the competition. This meant I was severely jet lagged but I was still going to try my hardest. I topped enough boulders to make the semi-final but unfortunately, I had taken too many attempts. I didn’t feel like I could give it my usual fight, I just felt drained from lack of sleep but nevertheless I’m happy with the result considering the circumstances.
Next up, Nanjing, China. We spent the week exploring the area and topping up on some much needed, sleep. Feeling recovered and ready to go again, it was time to compete once more. This time I felt good and fought my way to the top of 4 out of the 5 boulders securing my place in the semi final. I went in hard the next day trying 100% on every boulder and I managed to get my best result in a World Cup so far. 14th place, Psyched!
Trying hard in Nanjing semis. Photos: thecircuitclimbing.com
Hachioji Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo is my favourite city in the World. The people are really friendly, the food is amazing, and the climbing gyms are second to none (except White Spider). If you get the chance to go there, I would highly recommend taking it. The comp didn’t go as well as I hoped but it was still another great experience.
Since coming back from Asia I’ve been back to training but I’ve also been bouldering outside quite a bit. With some 8A+/V12 and 8B/V13 sends as well as an 8A+ first ascent and an 8B flash of Ropes of Maui in North Wales it’s looking very promising for our trip to Rocklands in a few weeks time.
The British Bouldering Championships
The event was better than ever! I made it into the finals without much trouble but with such a strong field making out the top 6, it was going to be tough to take the top spot.
The crowd was huge! It was great to see a climbing event in the U.K. With so many people turning up to watch.
It all came down to one boulder for me, one of my complete anti style. I tried my best and managed to get past the bit that I knew I would find difficult. A foot slip and I was swinging around wildly trying to stay on. I somehow was able to stay on the wall but it had taken too much out of me and I fell on the next move. The first few moves had taken their toll and I couldn’t reach the same point again. If I had topped the boulder on that first attempt I would have won the competition. Unfortunately, that’s how competitions work, small slips can be costly and make all the difference.
I finished up in 3rd place behind Tyler Landman, and Anze Perharc of Slovenia. I know, I can take the title one day, but for now it’s back to the rock!
What’s Next… tomorrow, I fly out to South Africa for a month to climb in Rocklands. Then the final World Cup of the year and European Championships will be held in Munich. Hopefully, I can show my best and push for another semi-final and more.
Once again, thanks to White Spider for funding my World Cup travels this year. I simply could not afford to compete without them.
