James Pearson and Gaz Parry, the British elite climbers on their 40 days round trip across Europe stoped in the end of April in Czech Sandstones and climbed there another 8a route. Look at the video interview they did with CzechClimbing.com reporter Simona Ulmonova.
On 28th April 2009 they climbed on Czech sandstones in Labak, river Labe valley, North Bohemia, with Czech elite climber Ondra Benes. They did the route "Skuruti beh" 8a (Xb in the local Czech-Saxon scale) on the wall Tvar.
Gaz Parry
photo by Ondra Benes - DZC
James Pearson
photo by Ondra Benes - DZC
The team photographer Keith
photo by Ondra Benes - DZC
James in Skuruti beh Xb
photo by Ondra Benes - DZC
The route "Skuruti beh" 8a (Xb) has quite demanding and dangerous 2nd clipping and UK climbers considered it as a bit similar to Peak District traditional style.
meditation before the attempt
photo by Ondra Benes - DZC
Czech Sandstones - Labak
photo by Ondra Benes - DZC
On 40 days long The North Face® 2009 Summit Series Road Trip they climbed and met people. It began on 1st April 2009 with a Climbing Festival at the Castle Climbing Wall in London, UK. Continuing through 14 countries and covering a distance of over 11,000 km, the journey culminated on May 10th at the MelloBlocco bouldering festival in Val Masino, Italy. In each country there was a mixture of challenging climbing, slideshows, master classes, demonstrations and press and store appearances; with 20 ‘summit’ days in classic venues climbing 20 of the best 8a routes in Europe, and 20 ‘approach’ days talking to young climbers, the public and the press.
From the Peak District in the UK, James Pearson has made a name for himself on God’s own rock. By the age of 19 he was one of the UK’s brightest talents and his outstanding affinity with rock has since led him worldwide. His passion for climbing are inspiring. Gaz Parry is one of Britain’s most successful climbers and has achieved the highest levels in competition.