Babsi Zangerl is making history again – this time as the first person to scale a route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The Austrians climbed the route over a period of four days Freerider (VI 5.13a / 7c+)which stretches 34 pitches and 1,000 meters over one of the most famous granite walls in the world. Zangerl had tried to flash with his partner Jacopo Larcher, but the latter fell in the Crux and therefore was not running for the first flash ascent.
Free riders first climbed by the Huber brothers Alexander and Thomas and is a variant of the famous Salathé Wall. This way became famous especially at Oscars 2017 because it was featured in the film single free, he played a central role alongside Alex Honnold.
A new benchmark in big wall climbing
Babsi Zangerl succeeds her Free riders-Flash what others have only nearly achieved so far: Pete Whittaker also attempted the challenge in 2014 with rope partner Tom Randall. But since they were exposed to heavy traffic on the way during their attempt, they could not complete it in one day as planned and had to abseil again. Pete also fell on boulders 7A and chose the easier alternative Teflon corner (5.12d). Cédric Lachat also made a splash in 2009 Free ridersbut they had to switch to another route after falling in the boulder, like Pete.
Babsi Zangerl probably wouldn’t have wanted to try it herself: her friend Kolin Powick had been working on the Vorarlberg native for years, who encouraged her and Jacopo Larcher to try flash. Free riders to start. However, Zangerl was skeptical and doubted that it would be possible.
I had very low expectations.
Babsi told our colleagues at Climbing.com
Although the Austrian-Italian duo had never climbed any of the 30 pitches before and had climbed many of them on sight, they had both familiarized themselves with the route before – in many conversations with climbers who had already climbed the line, but also in the cinema single free,.
Therefore, Babsi Zangerl and Jacopo Larcher are not talking about a visible rise because they already knew a lot about the way before they went.
Although Jacopo was unable to achieve the historic spark due to his fall in the boulder field, both of them can look back on a great team achievement that will strengthen them as a team in the long term:
When we reached the summit it felt unreal. I was happy for myself and sad for Jacopo at the same time. You only have one chance, and with a 1,000m high wall it can be even more brutal. Jacopo accepted and his unwavering, 100% support on the way to the summit was so important to me. This is a real testament to his character and I can’t thank him enough.
Babsi Zangerl because of the flash Free riders
Babsi Zangerl: a glimpse of a historic sail
Barbara “Babsi” Zangerl has been one of the most prominent climbers on the scene for years. She was the first woman to climb 8B boulders and is one of the few to redo traditional routes up to grade 8c+. In addition to 9a sport climbing routes, your impressive portfolio includes alpine routes such as Endless Flamme am Nameless Tower (5.13a) as well as the iconic lines of Yosemite The Nose (5.14a), The Child (5.13c), Zodiac (5.13d) and Magic Mushroom (5.14a). Also the “Alp Trilogy”, consisting of The emperor’s new clothes, Silbergier and The End of Relaxation is in your email list.
Even if historical milestones such as Flash Babsi cannot be fully compared to others, there is one thing to note at this point: it is the first liberation of El Capitan and the first Flash both on this historic wall. it can be traced back to two womenwho have pushed more than a few meters of rock on the climbing world with their respective achievements.
What is the significance of Babsi Zangerl’s ascent of the Freerider route on El Capitan in the climbing community?
This text discusses Babsi Zangerl’s significant achievement in climbing the Freerider route on El Capitan, highlighting her collaboration with Jacopo Larcher. Below is a summary of the key points:
- Climbing Achievement: Babsi Zangerl, along with Jacopo Larcher, made a notable ascent of the Freerider route on El Capitan, which is recognized as a major milestone in the climbing community. Zangerl was initially skeptical about her ability to flash the route but was encouraged to try it.
- Team Dynamics: Despite Jacopo’s fall that affected his attempt, both climbers celebrated their teamwork and the significant experience they shared during the climb. Zangerl expressed gratitude for Jacopo’s unwavering support throughout the ascent.
- Zangerl’s Background: Babsi Zangerl has an impressive climbing resume, being the first woman to climb 8B boulders and having success in various climbing disciplines, including sport, bouldering, and traditional climbing. Her list of climbs includes prestigious routes in Yosemite and major alpine climbs.
- Historic Context: The flash ascent of Freerider is emphasized as a historic achievement for both Zangerl and Larcher, particularly noting that this landmark climb is associated with the trailblazing contributions of women in the climbing realm.
- Reflections on the Climb: Zangerl reflects on the climb as a surreal experience, expressing mixed emotions about her success contrasted with Jacopo’s fall. She highlighted the mental and physical challenges involved in ascending a 1,000-metre wall.
This summary encapsulates the essence of the climbing achievement and provides context about Babsi Zangerl’s role in the climbing world.
