Radek Votocek does Kreuzigung (9a)

Radek Votocek has repeated Christian Bindhammer’s Kreuzigung (9a) in Allgäu. The 24-year old sent his first 9a in March and now he has completed nine.

Can you tell us more about the ascent?
A nicely powerful and technical route on small holds with several possible betas in the crux section. On my fourth session, I fell three times on the final hard move before finally sending it. The line was first climbed by C. Bindhammer and has seen only about four ascents so far, even though it’s located on the popular Jesuswandl wall. I chose a beta with fewer holds but longer and more powerful moves — it felt more direct and suited me better.

How can you explain your extreme progress in 2025?
My progress was definitely helped by the Isele method and dry needling technique. It’s important to avoid stress — even though that doesn’t always posible for me 😅

I discovered this Isele method while treating my fingers, as I had often suffered from tendon injuries in previous years. The needling technique helped me by activating the inflammation using a wooden stick, which was pressed directly onto the injured area. It’s a very painful but effective method. In the case of dry needling, the main focus was on releasing tension in the forearm. The procedure is done with a thin needle and is also quite an intense experience 😆. I underwent both treatments at Fyziogym Cooper in Prague and was very satisfied with the results. 😌