Laura Rogora FA’s Malkuth (9a)

Laura Rogora, who earlier in 2025 climbed a dozen routes graded 9a or 9a+, has made the first ascent of Malkuth (9a) at Ferentillo. In addition, with six 8c or 8c+ onsights and getting the bronze in the Lead World Cup, the 24-year-old Italian is the Vertical-Life climber of 2025. (c) Marco Marotta

Can you tell us more about the great sending day?
A few months ago, Cody Roth had told me about this route he was trying at Gabbio, and when I went down to Rome for the holidays, I immediately went to try it. The route starts from Jorgao, a short 8b+, then traverses left just before the chain and connects to an 8c, Die Hard. Yesterday, even on the first attempt, I felt good, but I a foot slipped just before the connection with Die Hard; I did it on the second try of the day. After that, I climbed Kether, an 8c which is the exit variation of Jorgao, and Nel buii 8b, another classic at Gabbio that I hadn’t climbed yet. I also got my hands on a new project bolted by Cody.

How can you best explain your great progress in 2025?
For sure, the fact that I’ve been focusing exclusively on lead climbing with my coach Alessandro Marrocchi and spending a little more time on rock climbing has contributed to my progress.