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Canadians Heading to 2017 Ice Climbing World Cup

The 2017 ice climbing World Cup circuit begins in Durango, Colorado. A number of Canadians have already registered for the World Cup comps, including Gord McArthur, Rebecca Lewis, Nathan Kutcher, Ineke Rhebergen and Noah Beek. We will have interviews with all Canadians on the circuit right here at Gripped.com this season and follow along on Instagram at GrippedMagazineComps.

One of the highlights of the new season will be provided by a groundbreaking visit to China with Beijing playing host to the second of five World Cup events from Jan. 7 to 9. As host country of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, the presence of an event in China is a significant one. “With the support of the Chinese Mountaineering Association, we are delighted that China will feature on the UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour,” explains UIAA President Frits Vrijlandt. “The competition venues in Beijing are first class and we are sure athletes will enjoy the challenge of competing in an exciting new environment.”

Managed to make finals in 7th place! #uiaaiceclimbing #iceclimbing copyright and pc @patrick.schwienbacher.photo

A photo posted by Noah Beek (@thatnoah_kid) on

Following on from the event in Beijing, the 2017 UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour visits well-established ice climbing arenas like Cheongsong in South Korea, Saas Fee in Switzerland and Rabenstein, Italy.

This biennial UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships will also take place. The renowned ice climbing paradise of Champagny-en-Vanoise will host the event. “The valley of Champagny-le-haut is situated at the foot of the glaciers of the Vanoise. At the beginning of December, all of the villages in the valley freeze in the cold,” explains resort Competition Director Nils Guillotin.

“Temperatures won’t reach 0°C before March again. The valley transforms into a Nordic site. It is in this setting that the tower becomes full of ice. The structure, measuring over twenty meters, is unique in Europe. Due to the particular climate, it is possible to create ice walls for all levels. The ice climbing quality on this structure is internationally recognized.”

The UIAA’s commitment to youth climbing is significant. Two events for climbers from the ages of 16 to 22 form part of the schedule. The first is a demonstration competition in Durango (United States) from Dec. 14 to 15 before the main event, the World Championships in Champangy-en-Vanoise from Feb. 10 to 11.

The Calendar
Dec. 16 to 17: Durango, Colorado (USA)
Jan. 7 to 9:Beijing (China)
Jan. 14 to 15: Cheongsong (South Korea)
Jan. 20 to 21: Saas Fee (Switzerland)
Jan. 28 to 29: Rabenstein (Italy)
Feb. 4 to 5: Ice Climbing World Championships in Champagny-en-Vanoise (France)

Youth Comps
Dec. 14 to 15: Durango, Colorado (USA)
Feb. 10 to 11: Ice Climbing World Youth Championshipsin Champagny-en-Vanoise (France)

The 2016 season crowned nine different winners from 16 podiums but ultimately two athletes stole the show in terms of the overall classification. For the first time in the competition’s 16-year history, the same male and female athlete won the lead and speed discipline; step forward the imperious Maxim Tomilov and Maria Tolokonina.

The winners of the 2017 World Cup season will be calculated on accumulated points from all five events. Maxim Tomilov (lead) is one of four defending world champions together with compatriots Alexey Vagin (male, speed), Ekaterina Koscheeva (female, speed) and Shin Woonseon from Korea (female, lead).

The World Championships, taking place from Feb. 4 to 5, welcome a quota of six male and female athletes per country (aside from 12 spaces for host country France) is a one-stop opportunity. Any mistake and your chance is gone. There’s no next weekend. No second chances. Athletes from over twenty countries have already registered for the new season.

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