We are pleased to inform the local climbing community that the Malta Climbing Club has been in contact with the current number 1 British sports climber Steve McClure regarding holding climbing workshops in Malta.  Whereas dates have not yet been confirmed, Steve, who is currently climbing in Norway, is hoping to slot in the Malta workshops following a visit to China in October.

Steve created a stir recently in the UK after completing the first one day ascent of Johnny Dawes’ classic “The Quarryman” , an E8 classic route whose ascent was filmed in the classic “Stone Monkey” dvd .  The route features a smooth glassy groove that goes at least at F8a.  Here’s a link to the video: http://vimeo.com/24931434

Steve’s F9a+ route “Overshadow” at Malham Cove in England was attempted last year by Adam Ondra who however failed to redpoint the route on that occasion.  Adam said  “There is some unfinished business, so I should be back next spring. Overshadow is waiting…”.  Adam did return and completed the route after 7 days of effort!: http://vimeo.com/24461554

“With a vast amount of experience in all areas of rock climbing Steve can identify areas of weakness and structure a programme to push standards to whole new levels.

Steve has been a professional coach for over six years with experience in both one-one and group sessions. Well over 150 individuals have enjoyed his informal and relaxed coaching holidays in locations such as Sardinia, Kalymnos, Turkey and Spain. He has worked extensively with both beginners and high end athletes alike and is currently part of the training team for the British Lead Climbing Squad.”

From his bio:

“Steve McClure is one of the best rock-climbers in the world, having climbed numerous new routes at the grade of 9a, and onsighted up to 8b+. Despite being better known for his sport climbing achievements, you might also find him wiggling in wires in Pembroke or sleeping in a portaledge on a 1000m wall in Greenland.
Brought up in Cleveland near to the North York Moors, and with both parents keen climbers there was no escape from the sport. Climbing from the moment he could walk his first extreme was at 11, his first E3 at 13 and first E5 onsight at 16. ”

Check out his website: http://www.steve-mcclure.com/

Any climbers interested in taking part please contact me as places are likely to be limited!