Gianluca Vighetti, 17, does Niobe (9a)

Gianluca Vighetti has repeated Adam Ondra’s recent Niobe (9a) in Arco. ”3rd go. Epic slab, a lot of flexibility is required.” (c) Nicolò Conterno

Can you tell us more about your quick ascent?
The moment I saw Ondra's video on his FA of this route, I was immediately captured by these incredible moves and excited to give it a try. The route was as amazing as l imagined it to be, one of the best l've ever tried for sure. After one attempt I unlocked all the cruxes and almost sent it on my 2nd go falling at the very last hard move due to a slightly wrong foot placement, then after resting very little I gave one last try when there was almost no light and sent it.

Honestly, I don't have the experience to give a real opinion on the grade because l've never tried an hard slab route before but It's so beatiful that (even if it's necessary) I'm almost sorry to talk about the grade, I know that this thing is 100% my style but, even if I think it's difficult enough to be 9a, I don't exclude the possibility that it might be easier.