Manuel Werth, 36, goes from 8b to 8c+ in 4 months

Manuel Werth, who did his first 8b+ four months ago, has completed Solitary Souls (8c+) in Arco. The 36-year-old runs an apple and wine farm close to Bolzano.

Can you tell us more about your climbing background and your rapid progress the last few months?
I think I've been climbing for 15 years, but for the last two years I've been doing simple training exercises and noticed a small improvement right away. During the last seven months, I've been consciously following a healthy diet, and incredibly, that's why I've improved so much.

How come you started training more and what type of exercises did you begin with?
I was lucky enough to meet Alfredo Webber who always accompanies me to his bolted routes in Arco and he motivated me to project something harder.

I started with fingerboard and fingerlift training as well as a little bit of spray Wall climbing and also one time a week a moonboard session.

Last year, a friend made me a training plan that I incorporate into my training week. I think The best and hardest thing is to maintain consistency and not lose motivation.

How much do you train nowadays compared to two years ago?
Three times a week training and once a week rock. Before only two training sessions a week?

Have you lost weight due to the more healthier diet?
I control my food closely, which isn't easy. I was able to lose 10 kg without losing almost any muscle mass. Yesterday [after the send] I ate pizza, icecream and a lot of Bier 😅🥳

Which are the next routes you plan to try?
My wife forbid me to think about that😝😅. I want to climb some easier routes that I have had in mind for a long time. Then I heard about the new 9a 3 Mou polacche. Maybe I could try and also Thunder Ribes in Massone I think can be my style. I like endurance routes.