Spanish Climbing Cup: Block Specialists Take Center Stage on Second Day of Competition
The second day of the Spanish Climbing Cup saw the block specialists take center stage, with athletes of all ages and skill levels competing for top honors. The event was held at the Plaza del Sol in Móstoles, which has become a hub for climbing competitions in Spain.
The rise of climbing as an Olympic sport has led to a surge in popularity and investment in the sport. Spain is unique in that it hosts its national cup events in outdoor walls, a departure from the norm in which most countries hold their competitions indoors.
In the absolute category, Julia Benach and Eneko Carretero were among the standout performers. Benach, just 16 years old, made a remarkable debut in the senior category, completing all four blocks with ease. Carretero, meanwhile, overcame two of the four blocks, showcasing his impressive skills.
The block modality was also a highlight of the day, with athletes like Paula Traverso, Rebeca Pérez, and Lucia Sempere impressing with their performances. In the men’s category, Hugo Martin, Cedric Milles, and Alejandro Crespo all shone, with their creativity and skills making the test entertaining from start to finish.
The walls were witnesses to new talents emerging, with dozens of children participating in categories from under-14 to under-18. Alberto García Rodríguez, a member of the Community of Madrid and part of the national selection, impressed in the under-18 male category, completing the course in 6.042 seconds in the semifinals and 6.011 seconds in the final.
Other notable winners included Matthew Vasconez in the under-14 male category, Telma Flores in the under-14 female category, Nora García and Dario Ruiz in the under-16 categories, and Aida Miguel Ochoa in the under-18 female category.
The event was marked by a strong representation from Galicia and Madrid, highlighting the growth of climbing in these regions. The next stop for Spanish climbers is the Paris Olympic Games, where Alberto Ginés and Leslie Romero will represent Spain in the second edition of the Olympic climbing competition.