News from the climbing scene in Istria
Big wall Osp speed climbing competition
Last Saturday, the legendary big wall speed climbing competition in Osp returned after a 13-year break. The event was organized in memory of Janez Jeglič Johan and attracted many climbers and spectators to one of the most iconic climbing walls in the region.
The winners were Jernej Kruder and Mina Markovič. Jernej needed just over 8 minutes to climb the 100-meter-long Magična goba (7c) on top rope, while Mina finished the route in just under half an hour. The standing record still belongs to Klemen Bečan, who climbed the route in 7 minutes and 41 seconds back in 2009.
The competition brought back great memories and hopefully becomes a tradition again, especially with next year marking 30 years since Janez Jeglič Johan tragically disappeared from the summit slopes of Nuptse.
Hot sends from Istria
The Polish climbing team had one of the strongest weeks in Istria. Nineteen-year-old Tymon Herod climbed his first 9a by sending the 20-meter roof testpiece Sanjski par extension (9a) in the left part of Mišja peč.
On the right side of Mišja peč, Grzegorz Lyko ticked the powerful Natural link (8c) and Missing drink (8b+), while Piotr Leo climbed the classic Mrtvaški ples (8b).
Italian local climber Natan Giassi achieved his personal best by clipping the chains of the steep Holokaust (8b+) in Baratro.
Another Italian climber, Simone Costantini, also visited Baratro and quickly succeeded on Apache Kid extension (8b). He later continued to the nearby summer crag Skedenj, where he climbed the very overhanging El trabajo del borracho (8b+).
New routes in Buzetski kanjon & Skedenj
Last year, while rebolting the Befana sector in Buzetski kanjon, Goran Matika Gogo bolted several new routes. The routes have now seen repeats and the grades have been confirmed.
The new additions are:
- Bruman (7c+)
- Medig (7a)
In Skedenj, Gabriele Gorobey Sbisi bolted an extension to Chi la fa la spitti (6c). He also completed the first ascent of the new full line, now named Il viale del tramonto, with a proposed grade of around 8b.
Great work by everyone involved in developing and climbing in Istria!
Weather forecast
The weather in Istria looks a bit unstable for the next two days, with rain and possible showers expected on Friday and Saturday. From Sunday onwards, conditions should improve significantly with plenty of sunshine, pleasant temperatures and excellent climbing conditions expected through most of next week. Perfect timing for spring sessions in the shade and the summer sectors.
Before heading to the crags, check the latest local forecast on Meteoblue – Osp Weather Forecast.