James Pearson Sends Gritstone Testpiece Elder Statesman
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James Pearson recently claimed the third ascent of the gritstone testpiece Elder Statesman (HXS 7a) at Curbar Edge in the UK’s Peak District. The line was established by Steve “Strong” McClure in 2004 and had been repeated by Steve Dunning before a foothold had snapped off the rig. Some wondered if the line was still possible, until Pearson set his sights on the route and dispatched it in style.