Gerhard Richter (53) going for 8c

Soul Sacrifice, 8b in Gorges du Loup. © Anna Gatta

Gerhard Richter interview, by Anna Gatta

What is your age?
53. And it’s getting worse every year!

When did you start climbing and what inspired you to start?
I started climbing when I was 21. When I was a teenager. I read all the great books from Desmaison, Messner, Livanos and I was really fascinated by mountaineering. I did some nice Alpine routes, but progressively, I switched to pure rock climbing as I wanted to push further my climbing skills.      

Which were the hardest routes you din in 2011?
Dernier jour de democatie, 8b and Je est un autre, 8b.