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Simon Lorenzi suggests V17 for his new Soudain Seul in Font

The hard problem had been tried by some of the best boulderers in the world before the FA

Belgium climber Simon Lorenzi, 24, has made the first ascent of Soudain Seul, the sit start to The Big Island, at Coquibus Rumont in Fontainebleau, France. The project had been tried by many strong climbers, including Jimmy Webb and Jan Hoger, and if confirmed would be the second V17 ever climbed, and first on a sandstone boulder.

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 first and only other suggested V17 is Nalle Hukkataival’s Burden of Dreams from 2016, which has not been repeated. Charles Albert sent No Kpote Only in December 2018 and graded it V17, but it was downgraded to V15/16.

Lorenzi’s first 5.14d was Action Directe and his first V15 was Dreamtime in Switzerland. Last year, he flashed L’Insountenable V13 in Font. Lorenzi is 168 cm tall and has a +8 cm ape index.

Dave Graham on the FA

Vincent Pochon The Big Island FA

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