Chris Sharma frees a new 9b at Santa Linya

"The last couple of years I've been focusing all of my energy trying these in insanely hard projects that I've rarely had the pleasure to actually send a route. Today in Santa Linya was one of those elusive moments... It's nice to remember what that feels like and that I still have it in me!" This is how Chris Sharma sums up his latest experience, his new route at Santa Linya called Stoking the Fire. A "pretty solid 9b" bolted initially by Czech powerhouse Tomaz Mrazek and freed yesterday by the 31-year-old American. And yes, given the quantity and quality of the projects that still await a first ascent (first and foremost the famous Dura Dura at Oliana), it's nice to know that Sharma still has it in him. We never had our doubts!

Chris Sharma's 9b
2006 Es Pontas Maiorca - Deep water solo up the immense arch with massive 2m dyno
2008 Jumbo Love - Clark Mountain, USA. 80 superbly overhanging meters.
2008 Golpe de Estado, Siurana, Spain.A bouldery start and stamina finsh up Estado Critico. First 9b to be confirmed by Adam Ondra's repeat in 2010.
2009 Neanderthal 9b, Santa Linya, Spain. Marathon outing up the massive cave.
2011 First Round first Minute, Margalef. A short and intense physical a psychological battle.
2011 Fight or Flight, Oliana. Fantastic stamina fest up the Rumbau bastion at Oliana
2012 Stoking the Fire, Santa Linya. Complex and technical route up the lefthand side of the cave.

More information on www.instagram.com/chris_sharma