Robbie Phillips has made the second ascent of Dave Macleod's route Project Fear on Cima Ovest in the Italian Dolomites with partner Willis Morris. Dave made the first ascent in September last year (UKC News Report). The route takes a direct line up and through the large roof feature on the Cima Ovest, joining Alex Huber's Pan Aroma (XI-) just before its crux 8c pitch.

Following an ascent of the nearby Bellavista (X+) 8b/+ last year (UKC News Report), Robbie was keen to go back for more:

"This year I planned to make a return to the Tre Cime, inspired by the walls and the area and of course “Project Fear”. I must admit, I knew very little about the climb… I am very bad at studying and about the only preparation I did before going to try the route was to check how hard each pitch was on Dave’s blog during the walk in!"

The crux pitch is a short, steep roof section of around 12m in length. Robbie wrote in his blog:

"Willis and I then reached the famous 8c pitch from “Pan Aroma”, the Alex Huber classic. I had one go to work out the moves and was blown away that it didn’t feel too hard. 8c usually feels a lot harder… but this was really steady. We came back for a work session the next day and on my first go, I redpointed the pitch!"

Having recently climbed Silbergeier 8b+ in the Ratikon in Switzerland (UKC News Report), Robbie is certainly enjoying the multi-pitch climbing experience:

"To climb a wall like this in the mountains is a privilege few on this earth get to experience…I love challenge and adventure; so doing these big walls and multi-pitches is the perfect way for me to be at one with myself."

Summing up Project Fear, Robbie wrote:

"'Project Fear' was a wonderful direct link into one of the most classic alpine rock climbs on earth, “Pan Aroma”. Although it is not a “new” route as it includes only two new pitches; it is a completely obvious direction to take and I am surprised nobody thought of it sooner! Respect to Dave Macleod for seeing the link and for opening the line."

Read Robbie's blog for more information.

Watch a video of Dave Macleod's first ascent from Cold House Collective below:

Robbie is sponsored by: Edelrid, Edinburgh Carpet and Flooring Warehouse, Evolv, Jöttnar, Ratho - EICA and Steedman and Company and is an Ambassador for the charity Urban Uprising.