Anak Verhoeven beats the Bronx at Orgon

After her impressive first-ever first ascent, Ma belle ma muse at Romeyer in France, Anak Verhoeven now checks in with what might well be the first female ascent of Bronx at Orgon. The route featured recently in our news reports thanks to Britain’s James Pearson, and at the time of the its first ascent back in 1994 at the hands of François Petit it was considered one of the hardest sports climbs in the world.

Verhoeven reports "I was trying a project in the climbing area of Pierrot Beach (close to Pont-en Royans), when the weather became so bad that I had to leave and make the decision to go north (home) or south. Sébastien Richard, who made the video and took the photos of me on Ma belle ma muse, encouraged me to go to Orgon and try Bronx. I only had a few days left and he thought it could be a good project for me. The first day I worked it out a few times and did one attempt. The next day I climbed it in my second attempt."

Ever since getting involved in climbing World Cups Verhoeven spends all her time training indoors, except for 3-week rock trip in spring. Given the speed with which she redpointed Bronx, and given the amout of time she dedicates to climbing outdoors, it's clear that the 19-year-old has only just begun tyo explore her limits on rock.