Adam Ondra Downgrades Erebor to 5.15b: “I am aware that I might be criticized for downgrading”
It was first climbed by Stefano Ghisolfi and recently repeated by Laura Rogora
Adam Ondra has made the third ascent of Erebor, a line first climbed by Stefano Ghisolfi, and has suggested a downgrade. Ondra, 28, is well known for downgrading routes, including a famous one in Canada.
Ghisolfi recently downgraded Alexander Megos’s Bibliographie from 5.15d to 5.15c. And Ondra’s downgrade of Erebor is from 5.15b/c to a solid 5.15b. The steep and powerful line took him only four days to send.
Ghisolfi wrote of Erebor: “In my opinion I never climbed in Italy something as hard as this route, but I still think it doesn’t reach the full 9b+ [5.15c] comparing it to Change or Perfecto Mundo. Therefore my grade suggestion is 9b/+ [5.15b/c] that makes it the hardest route in Italy and my proudest first ascent, and I’m looking forward to someone coming and repeating it soon.”
Earlier this season, top Italian climber Laura Rogora made the second ascent of Erebor. Ondra, who downgraded Evan Hau’s Honour and Glory from 5.15a to 5.14d in Canada, has said that he’s aware that downgrading a hard route recently sent by a woman opens him up to criticism, but that he’s just being honest about how he feels about the grade.
“I am aware that I might be criticized for downgrading a route that was recently climbed by a woman,” said Ondra. “The fact that Laura did Erebor is one of the most impressive feats in climbing ever, but my suggestion is just my honest opinion and not a way to put down her achievement. Not talking about the fact she can definitely climb harder than that.”
Watch Ondra, Rogora and Ghisolfi send Erebor
Erebor by Laura Rogora
Erebor by Stefano Ghisolfi
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