Amongst this was a personal best performance for Natalie Berry with her ascent of Dolce Vita (8a+).
Commenting on her blog, Natalie described her ascent:
"...It was getting late and my skin was sore. I was tired but wanted to do this route on my next go. I went for a run to warm up and got on, not feeling as comfortable as before but my determination won through – my sequence worked and I roared through the crux. Once again, mind had won over matter!
Watching the footage of me climbing this route taken by Robbie really inspired me, I had never seen myself climb like that before from a distance, and looking on as a spectator gave me a different perspective on my climbing. I had surprised myself and my foot was now in the door for climbing a harder grade!
In all I realised what I am capable of if I put my mind to it – as someone once said to me, I reckon I climb about 3 grades harder in competition than I do in training - purely because of my determination to succeed and the way my mind has adapted to competitive environments. I have had to learn to be competitive with myself and the routes I try outdoors, and to believe in my abilities. I feel fitter and stronger than before I went out, and can't wait to get back on a trip with friends and meet more new people. I would like to thank everyone on the trip who gave support in some way – whether it was a quiet "Allez Nat!" or a full-on "PUSH IT OUT!" We had a great team spirit at the crag..."
You can follow Natalie on her blog on Robbie Phillips' Website
Every one likes a tick list - so here is a list of routes above 8a from some young Britson holiday at Ceuse this summer:
Natalie Berry:
- "Petit Tom" (8a)
- "Carte Blanche" (8a) - 3rd go
- "Bourinator" (8a) - 3rd go
- "Les Colonettes" (8a) - 3rd go
- "Dolce Vita" (8a+) - 4th go
Robbie Phillips:
- "Petit Tom" (8a)
- "Dolce Vita" (8a+) - 3rd go
- "Soeurs Froides" (8a+) - Flash
- "Violent Illusion" (8b) - 3rd go
- "L'ami de tout le monde" (8b)
- "The Black Bean" (8b+) - 4th go
Ed Hamer:
- "Petit Tom" (8a) - Flash
- "Bourinator" (8a) - Onsight
- "Carte Blanche" (8a) - Onsight
- "Les Colonettes" (8a) - Flash
- "Seurs Froides" (8a+) - Onsight
- "Violent Illusion" (8b)
- "L'ami de tout le monde" (8b) - 2nd go
- "Radote Jolie Pepere" (8b) - 2nd go
Sam Hamer:
- "Bourinator" (8a)
- "Carte Blanche" (8a)
- "Petit Tom" (8a)
- "Les Colonettes" (8a)
- "Dolce Vita" (8a+)
- "Femme Blanche" (8a+)
Luke Tilley:
- "Bourinator" (8a) - 2nd go
- "Carte Blanche" (8a) - Flash
- "Les Colonettes" (8a) - 2nd go
- "Seurs Froides" (8a+) - Flash
- "Femme Blanche" (8a+) - Flash
- "Le Poinconneur des lilas" (8a+) - Flash
- "L'ami de tout le monde" (8b) - 2nd go
- "Radote Jolie Pepere" (8b)
Ed Hamer is sponsored by Wild Country , Red Chili , Moon, Beal
Natalie Berry is sponsored by Scarpa , Entreprise , Petzl , Beal
Sam Hamer is sponsored by Wild Country , Red Chili, Beal
Robbie Phillips is sponsored by Edelrid , Evolv
Luke Tilley is sponsored by Alpkit, Evolv
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