Chris Sharma repeats La Dura Dura at Oliana

"So happy to have finally sent La Dura Dura! What an epic battle. A huge thanks to everyone for all your support along the way! Ahora a disfrutar!!!!!!!" Words of joy and relief, posted an hour ago by Chris Sharma after having finally redpointed La Dura Dura, the line he bolted at Oliana and touted intensely together with Adam Ondra. Both were close to freeing the route, yet it was Ondra who succeeded first at the start of February, suggesting the massive grade of 9b+ and indicating it might even be slighly harder than his Change at the Hanshelleren - Flatanger cave in Norway. During the last month Sharma lost none of his motivation and even managed to find that little extra yesterday to clinch the first repeat. This is fantastic achievement from the man who, like few others, has shaped the development of sports climbing.

Chris Sharma's 9b first ascents
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