Adam Ondra flashes Greenspit in Valle dell'Orco

Greenspit in Valle dell'Orco is one of Europe's classic hard crack climbs. First ascended by Switzerland's Didier Berthod in 2005, as Paolo Seimandi writes in the guidebook published by Maurizio Oviglia Orco 100 selected crack climbs, despite having witnessed two decades of ascents, it "remains a coveted testpiece for the world's best crack climbers.

The first female ascent was carried out by Barbara Zangerl in 2020, while Stevie Haston nabbed the first flash back in 2009; after placing the first cams for his wife Laurence, he downclimbed and belayed her, before sending it first go.

Adam Ondra has now sent it on his first attempt, after getting info from Marcello Bombardi. It's interesting to note that despite having flashed 9a+ on bolts and E11 on gear, the 32-year-old had to dig in deep, especially when his gear fell out right at the end of the route...

GREENSPIT
Greenspit in Valle dell’Orco, Italy, is one of the most famous crack climbs in the world. The crack was originally bolted in the mid eighties by Roberto Perucca with green bolts, hence the name, and in 2003 Didier Berthod chopped the bolts and led the route with pre-placed gear. After his pinkpoint ascent the Swissman returned in 2005 and placed all gear on lead. Over the years the 12m horizontal roof has become a coveted test for some of the world’s best crack climbers.