Climbing · Worth knowing

Guiyang, China will host a World Climbing Series speed climbing competition on September 11-13, 2026. The event features men's and women's speed competitions, mixed relay, men's relay, and women's relay events. Recent results show Antasyafi Robby Al Hilmi won the men's speed event and Lijuan Deng won the women's speed event, with Chinese teams claiming relay victories.

The 2026 Scarpa Origin VS climbing shoe has been updated with improved comfort and precision compared to the 2024 model. Key refinements include a better toe profile with a slightly larger, more asymmetrical toebox that enhances performance on small holds, premium microfibre uppers designed to reduce odor, and availability in half sizes up to EU 47. The shoe maintains excellent all-day comfort for both indoor and outdoor climbing while offering good friction through its S72 rubber compound, with M50 rubber on the toe for superior grip on hooks and jams. The sole can be resoled through Scarpa's service, extending the shoe's lifespan. Priced at £100, it remains an excellent entry-level option suitable for climbers from beginner to intermediate grades, with a female-specific version (Origin VS WMN) also available.

At 49 years old, Alfreddo Webber is developing into a 9a climber while working full-time in a quarry. After stepping away from climbing at 26 and recovering from a serious accident in 2013, he returned to the sport and completed four 8c routes last year, including an 8c+ ascent. Training just 1.5 hours twice weekly on his home wall using long sequences and interval training, Webber emphasizes energy management and self-knowledge over raw power, focusing on overhanging terrain where his shorter stature (1.59m) allows him to find creative movement solutions.