CLIMBING WORLD CUP - NEWS
Ramón Julian Puigblanque and Mina Markovic top the podium in Lead in Chamonix
The first stop of the IFSC Lead World Cup has just come to an end here in Chamonix, and it saw the victory of Ramón Julian Puigblanque (ESP) and Mina Markovic (SLO). Supporters came by the thousands to cheer on the athletes, and the atmosphere was truly electric at the foot of the Mont-Blanc!
In the men’s category, Ramón Julian Puigblanque took gold after a stunning performance. He managed to grab the very last hold of the men’s finals, but could not control the wild swing and took a spectacular fall 20m above the screaming Chamonix crowd. All-time favourite Adam Ondra (CZE) fell one move below and came second with a 52+, while outsider Sebastian Halenke (GER) took bronze after a very solid performance. Local favourite Romain Desgranges (FRA) finished fourth.
The women’s competition saw incredible performances from the Slovenian team. Both Mina Markovic and rising star of Slovenia Janja Garnbret, aged only 16, topped the Final route, and Mina Markovic won thanks to her result in Qualification. Jessica Pilz (AUT) completed the podium, while all-time favourite Jain Kim (KOR) placed fifth.