Le Voyage at Annot in France repeated by Barbara Zangerl, Jacopo Larcher, Siebe Vanhee

Le Voyage, one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, trad climbs in France, was repeated recently three times within the space of just 24 hours by Jacopo Larcher, Siebe Vanhee and Barbara Zangerl. The single pitch at the very particular sandstone crag Annot was established by British climber James Pearson in 2017 and the almost 40m line had been graded E10 7a overall, indicating a difficult physical test coupled with an acceptable risk.

Zangerl and Larcher travelled to Annot a short time while ago and after trying the moves on toprope and learning the trad placements, Larcher made the first repeat on his first go on lead. In the meantime expedition partner Siebe Vanhee joined the duo and, on form after having sent his first 9a a few weeks ago (Estado Crítico at Siurana in Spain), he pulled off the second ascent a few hours later, once again first lead go after prior toprope practice. The following day Zangerl checked in with the first female ascent, underlining once again her immense class and talent.

Le Voyage was described by Pearson as "the best new trad route I have ever done" and all three have now confirmed the beauty of the line. Although at the time of writing it's not 100% certain, it may well be that these are the first repeats.