Red Bull Dual Ascent 2024 – Austria’s Jessica Pilz & Jakob Schubert dominate adrenaline-fuelled climbing competition
The spectacular backdrop is located in the stunning Verzasca Valley in close proximity to the Lago Maggiore in Southern Switzerland, surrounded by some of the best bouldering and climbing spots in the world – and a picturesque destination for the global climbing community. It is a unique head-to-head multi-pitch climbing competition on artificial routes.
In the final compete the Austrian duo Jessica Pilz & Jakob Schubert versus the Swiss Andrea Kumin & Sascha Lehmann. Battling soaring temperatures of 32°C on the wall, as well as a final 8b pitch that awaits, heart rates rise in highest regions and pump levels spiked as the Austrian and Swiss duos go all-in. They are tested to their absolute limit in this one-of-a-kind climbing competition.
With their impressive pace having set a new Red Bull Dual Ascent record in the semi-finals, the Austrian team’s speed and dominance remains unmatched in the final as they make their way to the win through the massive wall.
The Swiss team rushes with stunning skill until Andrea Kümin slips of one hold in the purple pitch. She takes one penalty for the Swiss team at the hand crack feature. Their Austrian rivals’ lead becomes as good as impossible to catch up with. With impressive climbing both master it through the challenging sequences leaving no doubts about being the favorites. Although both Swiss try hard with everything they have, it becomes more and more clear that the duel is decided.
Olympic bronze medalists Jakob Schubert and Jessica Pilz reach the top with a finishing time of 48:46min. The cheering crowd celebrates with them. After another taken penalty point in the last pitch Andrea Kümin joins her partner at the exit with a time of 56:43min and two penalty points in the end.
The third place goes to youngsters Jennifer Buckley from Slovenia and Romanian Darius Rapa following the withdrawal of the Ukrainian-Spanish duo Jenya Kazbekova Alberto Gines Lopez due to injury. To demonstrate the spectators exceptional climbing action, local hero Petra Klingler (SUI)and her French teammate Louna Ladevant climb beside the 3rd placed team in a show climb ahead of the final. 17-years old Jennifer Buckley, rising star in the climbing world, representing Slovenia with impressive accomplishments at her young age already, shows her great skills. Her partner is Darius Rapa, who made history as the first Romanian to climb a 9a route at just 15 years old, and both youngsters impress with their pace up the wall.
RESULTS:
- Jessica Pilz AUT & Jakob Schubert AUT – 48:46min
- Andrea Kumin SUI & Sascha Lehmann SUI – 56:43 (2 penalties)
- Jennifer Buckley SLO & Darius Rapa ROU – 51:53 (semi-final)
- Jenya Kazbekova UKR & Alberto Gines Lopez ESP – 1:00:38 (1 penalty, semi-final)
