Seb Berthe risks, fights and is rewarded

Seb Berthe manages the onsight ascent of Ajo Crudo (8c) in the Spanish climbing area La Cicera near Picos de Europa. For the Belgian professional climber it is the first 8c route that he can climb in this style.

Seb Berthe, known for his successes on difficult multi-pitch routes around the world, stands out for once with another achievement: he succeeds with Ajo Crudo (8c) in La Cicera his most difficult onsight ascent so far.

It was definitely a big moment, cheered on by good friends to fight up this seemingly endless groin route.

Seb Berthe
Deserved fist bump: Seb Berthe manages the onsight ascent of the 8c route Ajo Crudo in La Cincera. Image: Christoph Muster
Deserved fist bump: Seb Berthe manages the onsight ascent of the 8c route Ajo Crudo in La Cincera. Image: Christoph Muster

Balance between risk and good beta

The inspection of Ajo Crudo really means a lot to him, says Seb Berthe. "Onsight climbing is a discipline that I really love and have done many times."

Onsight climbing is all about finding a good balance between the risks you can take and the beta.

Seb Berthe

In order to be able to make the necessary decisions quickly, Berthe had to fall back on his entire wealth of experience, which he had collected from all the kilometers on the rock. "8c onsight was definitely a big goal for me in 2023."

The Ajo Crudo route offers everything Seb Berthe needed for an onsight ascent: sustained, slightly overhanging climbing on ledges with good resting points between the individual sections. Image: Christoph Muster
The Ajo Crudo route offers everything Seb Berthe needed for an onsight ascent: sustained, slightly overhanging climbing on ledges with good resting points between the individual sections. Image: Christoph Muster

Catch the right moment

Ajo Crudo turned out to be a good route choice in this respect: long, crimpy, slightly overhanging and with good resting positions between the individual sections. A climbing style in which Seb Berthe feels comfortable. "I took the opportunity and just didn't let go, even if my body wanted it several times during the inspection."

Catching the right moment on the right route is what onsighting is all about.

Seb Berthe

That might interest you

Do you like our climbing magazine? When launching the climbing magazine Lacrux, we decided not to introduce a paywall because we want to provide as many like-minded people as possible with news from the climbing scene.

In order to be more independent of advertising revenue in the future and to provide you with even more and better content, we need your support.

Therefore: Help and support our magazine with a small contribution. Naturally you benefit multiple times. How? You will find out here.

Don't miss anything - receive our newsletter

* Indicates required
Interests

+ + +

Credits: Cover picture Christopher Muster

News

Jules Marchaland climbs new 9b with Mega-Dyno in Claret

It is his hardest tour so far: Jules Marchaland proposes grade 9b after his first ascent of Le Bruit de l'Acid in Claret, France.

Head-to-head race on Mount Everest: Andrews & Egloff plan record attempts

Speed ​​climbers Tyler Andrews and Karl Egloff both have their sights set on new record times on Mount Everest – without artificial oxygen.

Japan dominates Bouldering World Cup final in Keqiao

The IFSC World Cup season kicked off this weekend in Keqiao, China. The international climbing elite competed at the Bouldering World Cup for the first time at World Cup level. Young Japanese talent Anraku Sorato took home gold in the men's competition, while Annie Sanders of the United States topped the podium in the women's competition.

Impressive solo first ascent on the northeast pillar of the Wildgall by Simon Gietl

On April 12, 2025, South Tyrolean mountaineer Simon Gietl made the first solo ascent of the Northeast Pillar of the Wildgall. The 300-meter-long mixed route Lumina (M7 A0) follows a striking, logical dihedral and offers varied passages that can be securely protected with friends.

Jules Marchaland climbs new 9b with Mega-Dyno in Claret

It is his hardest tour so far: Jules Marchaland proposes grade 9b after his first ascent of Le Bruit de l'Acid in Claret, France.

Head-to-head race on Mount Everest: Andrews & Egloff plan record attempts

Speed ​​climbers Tyler Andrews and Karl Egloff both have their sights set on new record times on Mount Everest – without artificial oxygen.

Japan dominates Bouldering World Cup final in Keqiao

The IFSC World Cup season kicked off this weekend in Keqiao, China. The international climbing elite competed at the Bouldering World Cup for the first time at World Cup level. Young Japanese talent Anraku Sorato took home gold in the men's competition, while Annie Sanders of the United States topped the podium in the women's competition.