First repeat of The secret project in Osp cave
Climbing conditions are excellent across Istria
The secret project gets its first repeat
Polish climber Lukasz Dudek has made the first repeat of The secret project (8c+) in the big cave of Osp! The route was bolted and first climbed by Klemen Bečan several years ago, and it has finally received its second ascent.
Located just to the right of Active discharge (8b+), The secret project was originally bolted as an extension to Rudolfo, which shares the final 15 metres of Active discharge. The opening section is relatively easy at around 5c, but things change dramatically once the wall steepens.
The crux section demands everything you have: painful small crimps, extremely long reaches, heel hooks, and high steps over approximately 25 moves, with practically no proper rest. Once you survive this brutal sequence, the route joins the easier finishing section of Active discharge (8b+) and continues to the anchor.
The secret project is a very hard line that offers a slightly different style of climbing compared to the other major challenges in the cave. You can explore more of them in our guide to the Big wall and Big cave of Osp.
Lukasz found a way through the crux while avoiding the most painful crimp, describing the route as a really great line. Hopefully, this first repeat will inspire more climbers to give it a try!
Girls power
The girls have been firing on all cylinders, with several impressive ascents across Istria.
Just 15 years old, Ajda Skukan Mlačnik kicked off the season in Mišja peč with a send of Marjetica (8b). Tia Brnot Mrak took down the powerful, bouldery Highlander (8a+), while Polish climber Julia Leonardi clipped the chains of Corto (8a).
Corto (8a) also received a repeat from Czech climber Simona Prokešová, who added the crimpy classic Sonce v očeh (8a+) to her tick list.
Meanwhile, Croatian climber Nea Gržetić headed to Skedenj, where she powered through the crimpy Happy mix (8a).
Strong climbing, hard sends, and plenty of reasons to look forward to the rest of the season!
Hardcore sends from Mišja peč
The guys were equally busy putting in the effort on some of Mišja peč‘s toughest lines.
Zan Lovenjak Sudar powered his way through Konec Mira (8c), while Hungarian climber Gedeon Péter celebrated an important milestone by sending Strelovod (8c) for his first route at the grade.
French climber Tom Sabathé also got in on the action, taking down the crimpy Lahko noč, Irena (8b).
Mišja peč continues to deliver, with climbers making the most of the excellent conditions and testing themselves on its demanding routes.
Rocktober in Skedenj and Baratro
As autumn settles in, the excellent climbing conditions in Skedenj and Baratro continue. The Sendtember spirit is clearly carrying over into Rocktober, with plenty of hard routes getting done.
In Skedenj, Tim Pahor redpointed El trabajo del borracho (8b), a steep route featuring big moves on decent holds. Carlo Zambetti sent La Roulette (8b), while Iacopo Perelli Cazzola climbed Sežana 31249 (8b).
Iacopo continued his good form in Baratro, where he sent Il Musico (8b/b+).
Another milestone came from Adrian Grbac Lacković, who onsighted his first 8a+ with a successful ascent of the beautiful Sex and candy (8a+) in Skedenj. An impressive achievement and a great reward for making the most of the conditions!
New first ascent in the Croatian part of Istria
There is also something new to try on the Croatian side of Istria. Goran Matika has bolted and completed the first ascent of Too Much Polenta (7c+) in Nugla, adding a new local test piece to the area.
Another reason to put Nugla on your autumn climbing list!
Fixed quickdraws in Baratro
Progetto Verticale Trieste continues its valuable work maintaining the Baratro climbing area, including the replacement of old or worn fixed quickdraws. Thanks to their efforts, climbers can continue enjoying this amazing crag. If anyone wants their gear back, just get in touch!
Read more on Progetto Verticale Trieste’s Facebook page.
Weather forecast
Great climbing weather is expected in Osp over the coming days, with plenty of sunshine, dry conditions, and daytime temperatures around 16–19°C. Perfect autumn conditions for enjoying the crags! Check the latest Meteoblue forecast for Osp before heading out.
Upcoming holidays in Istria
Holidays are coming. It will get busy in Istria! Planning a climbing trip to Istria? Check out our accommodation options and find the perfect base for your next climbing adventure. With excellent autumn conditions and hard routes across the region, it’s a great time to visit!