Shawn Raboutou Tries World’s Third V17
Soudain Seul climbs a burly line in Fontainebleau. It's seen three ascents in two years
Belgium climber Simon Lorenzi, 24, made the first ascent of Soudain Seul, the sit start to The Big Island in Fontainebleau at the start of 2021. The first ascent of The Island was in 2008 by Dave Graham, and in 2010 Vincent Pochont added an extension two holds lower and dubbed it The Big Island V15.
The Soudain Seul project had been tried by Jimmy Webb and Jan Hoger. The second ascent of Soudain Seul was by Nico Pelorson and he suggested a downgrade from V17 to V16. Pelorson and Lorenzi used a book under their kneepad to stick a crux move.
In 2022, Camille Coudert climbed Soudain Seul (without a book under the kneepad) and said that he thinks it’s V17. He spent nearly 100 sessions working on it and climbed The Big Island 43 times in the process. After climbing two new V17s in 2022, Shawn Raboutou has been attempting other V17s, including Soudain Seul.
Soudain Seul Project
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