Climbing at the Olympics? Sure, that’s cool — but not cooler than ascending a massive dam in Switzerland. For true extreme sports lovers, it’s hard to beat the spectacular visuals of Red Bull’s annual climbing competition.
For the third year, Red Bull Dual Ascent brings together many of the world’s best competition climbers for a unique event using artificial holds added to Switzerland’s Verzasca Dam. This multi-pitch climbing comp runs Nov. 1-4, with a live stream available on ESPN+ from Nov. 2. This year, 10 mixed teams of top-tier climbers, including Olympic and world champions, will go head to head on parallel 590-foot routes.
Plenty of top-tier climbing talent will compete. That includes Olympic champion Alberto Gines Lopez of Spain, Austria’s Jessica Pilz and Jakob Schubert, and Switzerland’s Petra Klingler. The 17-year-old Romanian climber Darius Rapa will join forces with Slovenian Jennifer Buckley, making them the youngest team.
American climber Michaela Kiersch is teaming up with Brazilian Felipe Camargo, and last year’s champions, brother/sister team Jernej and Julija Kruder of Slovenia.
Set on the iconic 720-foot Verzasca Dam — famous as a backdrop in the James Bond movie GoldenEye — the six-pitch climbing course ranges from 5.11a to 5.13d. So, if you’re looking for a fun sports event for next weekend, this one is unlikely to disappoint. Learn more on the Red Bull website.
Watch the short teaser trailer from Red Bull and get stoked!
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