The Boulder WC is booming

Last year, 115 male and 78 female participated in the Meiringen Boulder World Cup which was an increase with 34 % to 2016. Already now, there are 96 are female and 101 male registered to compete 13-14/4 although Italy and some smaller nations have not signed up, so we are looking at a big increase also in 2018. With so many athletes, it is very important to be part of the World Ranking, i.e. having been Top-30 in an event in 2017, as you otherwise might end up with seven hours in isolation, and on top of that, bouldering on holds with less friction. Further more, the #1 ranked could have some five hours more rest before the semifinal. In total, you are allowed to participate with 6 + 6 athletes but due to extreme results in 2017, Japan will participate with 12 male in comparison to maximum 9 last year. In 2017, Japan had five guys among the Top-8 and that domination just might increase with more Japanese participating. (c) Eddie Fowke