European Climbing Championships Moscow 2020 debut today

After being postponed on various occasions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Climbing Championships begins today in Moscow, Russia. In any normal year these would be the culmination of the competition season but, given the strange times we are currently experiencing and the challenges and uncertainties we are facing, the competitions are depleted of athletes and teams including the Italian, Austrian, French and Spanish squads. Despite all the precautions set in place, the respective governing bodies preferred not to send their athletes to Russia.

In short, these are decidedly unusual Championships. Having said that, they are also extremely strategic as the last two qualification spots for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are up for grabs. Speed, Boulder and Lead will be disputed between today and Wednesday, and these pave the way for the Combined event on Friday and Saturday. That is the decisive competition for those last two tickets for Japan.

Best of luck to all athletes, to the federations and to everyone involved in the Championships. Stay healthy.

Saturday, November 21: Speed Finals at 6:30 PM
Monday, November 23: Boulder Semifinals – Monday 23 November at 11:00 AM
Monday, November 23: Boulder Finals – Monday 23 November at 4:45 PM
Wednesday, November 25: Lead Semifinals at 11:00 AM
Wednesday, November 25: Lead Finals – Wednesday 25 November at 7:00 PM
Friday, November 27: Combined Qualifications from 10:00 AM
Saturday, November 28: Combined Finals from 3:50 PM