(Photo IFSC)
The final IFSC Para Climbing World Cup of the 2025 season began at the Espace Mayenne in Laval, France, with many of the sport’s biggest names delivering commanding performances, topping the standings in their respective categories, and advancing confidently to the final rounds.
The visually impaired categories saw a strong mix of experience and emerging talent. Daniel Morante Clemente of Spain made a perfect international debut in men’s Lead B2, topping both routes and finishing first in qualification. In men’s B1, Aita Sho of Japan also secured two tops to lead his class heading into finals.
In the women’s B1 category, Nadia Bredice of Italy continued her dominant season by topping both qualification routes. Already unbeaten at World Cups in 2025, Bredice now has the chance to complete a sweep of the Series with another gold in Laval.
In the AL and AU events, French athletes led the way: Thierry Delarue of France and Lucie Jarrige of France once again ruled AL2 fields, both qualifying for finals in first place. In the AL1 sport class, Angelino Zeller of Austria impressed with two strong climbs to take the top spot.
With Solenne Piret of France not competing in Laval, the women’s AU2 field opened and Lucia Capovilla of Italy, already a three-time World Cup gold medallist, led qualification and will look to capture the fourth victory of her career.
The RP sport classes were headlined by some of the sport’s most consistent performers. Aloïs Pottier of France dominated men’s RP1, topping both routes to qualify in first position. Takashi Tadano of Japan did the same in men’s RP3, continuing his excellent season form.
In the women’s field, Jasmin Plank of Austria overcame a recent finger injury to top the women’s RP2 standings, while world champions Melissa Ruiz of the USA and Marina Dias of Brazil led RP1 and RP3 respectively — both maintaining the same form that earned them gold at the IFSC Para Climbing World Championships Seoul 2025.
