Salamandre 9a+? by Baptiste Dherbilly

Fanatic Climbing has made an interview with Baptiste Dherbilly after he has done the first ever repeat of Salamandre 9a+ in Saint-Pierre which Fred Rouhling put up in 2007. The 24 year old French, who did it after 17 sessions, says he can not comment the grade as he previously has done just one 8c+, also from Fred. "This route was a myth for me because the poster of Fred was my first climbing poster when I began climbing... I would like to insist on the fact it was really a sharing and collective adventure and this is the reason why I’m climbing. Without belayers and without the hours of discussion it would not have been possible! I would also insist on the importance of the present moment. This is what pushes me to climb routes at my limit because they give unique feelings. It is very great sensation to feel where we have to be very millimetric and 200% in what we do, to focus one movement after another and nothing else matters. This is a state that I find trying this route: a state of both ultimate concentration and letting go on everything else.« (c) Etienne Seppecher Documentary video of Rouhling's ascent