Firstly, at just 19 years of age, French climber Louna Ladevant won gold in the 2020 Ice Climbing World Cup first stage, before going on to achieve a second gold medal in the third and finals stages in Switzerland.

By taking first place in the Swiss stage, Louna made a lasting impression with an outstanding performance and won the overall classification of the World Cup with the title of Senior World Champion. He is the first in French history to reach this level and win among seniors. Louna will now be in the running for Junior World Champion in March in Kirov, Russia.

Ice Climbing World Cup Gold for Louna Ladevant photo credit UIAA Kaspar Kellerhals

Louna Ladevant commented: “I’ve had the perfect run and all went smoothly, but it wasn’t until I watched a rerun of the footage that I realised the state of flow I was in, thanks to a balance of physical and mental training. I’m now looking forward to the challenge of competing in the Junior World Championships in March.”

Meanwhile another MHW ambassador has been celebrating a personal climbing goal. Hugo Parmentier successfully completed his first 9b route in early January. After nearly a month on the track, progressing slowly and optimising his methods, Hugo successfully completed ‘Eagle 4’ in Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux.

Hugo Parmentier first 9b GM-Aurèle Bremond

Hugo Parmentier commented: “It feels great to have achieved my first 9b and I’m more motivated than ever to keep improving. I may eventually try a 9c route, but I prefer to try long routes and harder blocks with beautiful passages in Fontainebleau and in the Verdon.”