James Pearson climbs 9a at Perles in Spain

He mentioned that he was trying the line the other day when his girlfriend Caroline Ciavaldini repeated Mind Control at Oliana, now the good news has arrived: James Pearson has managed to redpoint his first 9a, Escalatamasters at Perles in Spain.

Established by Ramón Julián Puigblanque, Pearson first attempted the route in December 2011 and finally linked all the moves yesterday evening of what he considers as being "perhaps the most visually beautiful route I have ever seen!"

Not bad for one of the strongest British climbers who also has impressive achievements on dangerous trad routes (up to E10), in bouldering (in 2007 he flashed 8B) and difficult multi-pitches, such as the 800m Joy Division 8b in Val di Mello.