UKC

Fred Rouhling's visionary route Akira at Les Eaux Claires, France, has finally had a repeat after 25 years and not only one, but two! Seb Bouin and Lucien Martinez made the 2nd and 3rd ascents of the route.

At last! I remember everyone taking the piss out of Rouhling when he did it, that he was overgrading etc etc as it was such a jump in standards...

Seb Bouin is awesome. Hopefully the fuss can be over now. Whether it's 9b or 9a it was a very impressive ascent and ahead of its time. In an extra segment of Peter Mortimer's film First Ascent, Rouhling comes across as a kind, quiet, and impressive climber eager to share his love of the sport.