Ilias Hosain ticks Traffic (8C)

Ilias Hosain has done Traffic (8C) in The Scoop. ”I needed this one. Spent 9(?) sessions falling on the cross because my foot on kept picking, but the first time it stuck, I took it all the way. So fucking psyched.”

Can you tell us more about the ascent and the process behind?
I started trying Traffic in October of 2025, knowing right away it would suit my style. I’ve always liked longer power-endurance boulders, and after doing Muscle Car on the same boulder in 2024, it felt natural to invest some time into Traffic, especially since they share the same intro.

The crux for me revolved around maintaining tension on a really low foot before the foot cut. Nearly every attempt, that foot would pop, and I spent so many sessions falling on the same move. Eventually, I bought a new pair of shoes specifically for this climb and it made a huge difference. The first time I managed to keep my foot on, I took it all the way.

This line has loomed over me for the past few months, and I’m beyond psyched to finally wrap it up. Climbing 8C has been a dream of mine since I first started climbing, and it feels surreal to finally bring that dream to fruition.

What is your climbing background and what about 2026 plans?
I started climbing when I was 13 at Springs Climbing Center and joined their youth team shortly after starting. SCC was a huge part of my upbringing and completely shaped my view of climbing. I went on through competing in the youth circuit and eventually moved to Boulder, CO for school. Throughout college I was heavily involved with CU climbing team and was competing in the collegiate circuit. I since don’t compete anymore and instead have been focused soley on climbing outside the past 3 years. Outside of my own climbing, I have coached for the past 10 years, coaching at SCC and ABC kids climbing. I now work as a routesetter and am right where I want to be! In 2026, I am so excited for lincoln lake to open back up and to spend some time in the alpine wrapping up some other long term projects! I don’t have any trips planned right now but am hoping to finally make my way down to Hueco sometime this year.