American Climbers Crush in Switzerland
In the two weeks that Jimmy Webb and Alex Puccio have spent in Ticino, Switzerland, they have already covered a lot of ground … or rock.
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In the two weeks that Jimmy Webb and Alex Puccio have spent in Ticino, Switzerland, they have already covered a lot of ground … or rock. Most recently Webb pulled down his third V15 in a week; Carlo Traversi’s The Kingdom. It was the second ascent.
“Definitely one of the bunchiest problems I have ever done!” Webb reported on his 8a.nu scorecard. “Since it’s basically my anti style I think it may sit more in the 8B+ [V14] range. Either way, a rad problem!! Props to Carlo on the FA. Classic.”
Webb has also sent Dai Koyamada’s Insanity of Grandeur (V14/15), Dave Graham’s From Dirt Grows the Flowers (V15) and Big Paw (V14), three V13s, and flashed two V12s.
Ticino, located in southern Switzerland next to Italy, is home to Cresciano, Chironico, the Gotthard Pass, the Verzasca Valley and the Bavona Valley, which are visited by thousands of local and international climbers every year for its world-class bouldering.
“There’s enough here to keep me plenty busy!” Webb told UKClimbing. “Lots of nice projects too.”
Webb will stay in Europe until May 20.
Puccio made strides in female climbing history by flashing Pamplemousse (V11). By doing so she joins only a handful of women, including Ashima Shiraishi, who have flashed a problem of that grade. Pamplemousse is Puccio’s 41st V11 ascent.
“I gave her all the beta and she climbed it perfectly,” Webb reported on 8a.nu. “[It] was really cool to see.”