I’d never felt such power from a wall. We were really scared, but at the same time amazed. We knew that Orbayu was what we were searching for.

What did you think about the grading?

I know the Pou brothers ver y well. I told them I think the route is graded too hard. They graded the route at 8c+/9a ( 5.14c/ d,) but Lechat and I think it is no harder than 8c ( 5.14b). We graded the pitches as 8a ( 5.13b), 8a ( 5.13b), 7c ( 5.12d), 7a ( 5.11d), 8c ( 5.14b), 7c +( 5.13a), 6b ( 5.12c), 6b ( 5.12c) and then some easy pitches to the top.

Is it comparable to other big sport climbs you have done?