Patxi Usobiaga Sends New Hard Route on Classic Spain Wall
Patxi Usobiaga sent his first 5.14d over 14 years ago and celebrated with a 5.14d/15a linkup of two classic routes in Spain. After his send, he wrote on Instagram, “It is with pure joy and restless motivation that I write this post.
“I am so overwhelmed right now. Just days after celebrating the 14 year anniversary of my first 9a [5.14d] ascent (Il Domani) I sent a new linkup between Joe Blau (8c+) [5.14c] and Papichulo (9a+) [5.15a] and I think it could be dubbed Patxitxulo 9a/+ [5.14d/5.15a].”
Usobiaga has been projecting a number of routes on the steep wall, including Power Inverter 5.15a, Pachamama 5.15a, Joe Mama 5.15a and Papichulo 5.15a. “This new link up seemed logical to me, requiring pure resistance as it crosses the crux of Joe Blau and the second hard section of Papichulo,” said Usobiaga on his blog. “The sheer endurance and pumpiness of this line makes me feel that it is similar to its neighboring line, Papichulo. However, I haven’t yet clipped the chains of Papichulo, falling from the top of the line just a week ago. Temperatures since have gone up.”
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