There were three home victories to celebrate in Innsbruck-Tyrol. At the beginning of the week, Lukas Knapp triumphed in the Speed Europe Cup, which is held as part of the IFSC Climbing World Cup Innsbruck. In paraclimbing, Angelino Zeller was once again in a class of his own. Jakob Schubert provided the grand finale with his victory in lead climbing on Sunday.
"The fight would not have been possible without a home crowd," said the six-time climbing world champion to the 3,000 fans, who created a goosebump atmosphere on Sunday evening despite the rain. "It was incredible, a mega atmosphere. You don't often experience moments like this, they stay in your memory forever."
"Greatest World Cup for all athletes"
The World Cup in the city where Schubert grew up and started climbing is no ordinary one and cannot be compared to any other. "It makes me incredibly proud that the vast majority of athletes describe the World Cup in my home town as the best in the whole world," says the 33-year-old local hero.
The slogan "Climbing is coming home" fits like a glove. "We've already had legendary competitions on the market square in Innsbruck, then the World Championships in the Olympia World in 2018. The World Cup has enormous power and is an international role model, thanks to the audience on the one hand and the perfect organization on the other," Schubert praises the event team and the numerous helpers. "I'm sure this will continue for many years to come - I hope I can be part of it for some time to come."
Olympic champion moved to tears
The IFSC Climbing World Cup Innsbruck is not only a highlight of the climbing year for the local athletes, the international stars also appreciate the competitions in the "open-air arena" on the grounds of the Innsbruck Climbing Center.
Slovenian dominator and Olympic champion Janja Garnbret, who won both the bouldering and lead climbing competitions in Innsbruck, was moved to tears after her triumphs. "It's simply overwhelming, the fans in Innsbruck have grown very close to my heart. They give me so much love, which is why I chose this place as my last competition before the Olympic Games. Climbing here is always special and breathtaking. I can only say thank you."
In bouldering, Japan's men celebrated a triple victory. Sohta Amagasa triumphed for the first time in the World Cup and was overwhelmed afterwards. "It was unbelievable how loud it was in the final. The people cheered me on so much, it felt like a home competition," said the 24-year-old, who won bronze at the FISU University World Championships at the same venue two years ago. "It's always great in Innsbruck. The people are nice, the venue is beautiful. Hopefully I can come here many more times."
"Praise to the entire team"
The KVÖ team was also delighted. All four days on which tickets were required were sold out in advance. In addition, thousands of people made the pilgrimage to the Innsbruck Climbing Center for the qualifications (free entry), with a total of more than 17,000 people attending the event week - a new record for the IFSC Climbing World Cup Innsbruck.
"The whole team deserves huge praise. The feedback from the athletes confirms that we are on the right track and shows what is being achieved here. Competition climbing is presented at its best in Innsbruck, it is advertising for our sport and for the entire region," summarizes KVÖ Sports Director Heiko Wilhelm.
Julia Pinggera, responsible for the World Cup at the Austrian Climbing Association (KVÖ), is also delighted. "It was an intensive few days and weeks, and our small but excellent team mastered it brilliantly. The feedback from the athletes and fans makes up for the long working days. Thanks to everyone who helped."
