Two 9a's again by Alex Garriga

Alex Garriga has done La Bongada (9a) (giving it a personal 8c+ grade) and Wild Publico (9a) in Margalef. In total, the 23-year-old has now done 31 routes 8c+ and harder in 2021 and he is #1 in the 8a ranking game. (c) Esteban Lahoz

How was the process taking them down?
I travelled to Margalef for six days and climbed five days and could do the two routes and some easier ones. I tried Bongada two times during the first day and did it on the second day, on my first try. Then I tried Wild Público for two days, rested one day and did it the day after.

How has your last climbing month been?
I have spent the last month studying and training at home. I am preparing for the competitive firefighter exams.

How much and How have you been training lately?
I always train on my board and do physical training (pull-ups, weights and rings) besides climbing outside. Normally I train six days a week but depends, some weeks five and some weeks all seven.

How often do you go to a big public gym?
In the last month I have been to the climbing wall in my city once. For 1.5 years I have had a steep big climbing board in our confinement.

Could it be that this new board at home is the reason for your great progress lately?
Yes, yes!

What about going for a 9b?
I have to learn to be more patient with the routes or get stronger. 🤣🤣 I find it difficult to focus on a single route.