Alexander Megos shines on Supernova 9a+/b , the hardest climb in the Frankenjura

After almost a dozen first ascents up to 9a+, Alexander Megos has now taken his climbing game one stage further with the first ascent of Supernova at the Planetarium in Germany’s Frankenjura. Graded 11+ (9a+/b), the new route heralds a new level of difficulty in the entire region, where the hitherto hardest routes had checked in at 9a+. At the same time, this is also the most difficult route Megos has climbed to date.

Described as "steep and hard", Supernova was bolted a few years ago by Joshi Schulz, who then agreed to Megos trying it this year. After a mere 5 days of effort the 21-year-old from nearby Erlangen clipped the final anchor.

Megos told Planetmountain.com "the route is steep and hard, but above all it's a top quality line, through a steep bulge up superb rock. Difficult from start to finish, past crimps, pockets and a difficult heelhook. Supernova has it all."

Alexander Megos thanks his sponsors: DMM, Patagonia, Tenaya, Entreprises and Blue Water Ropes