Following suspension of competition climbing due to Covid-19, the IFSC has announced the resumption of sport climbing starting on August 21 and 22.
These World Cups will be held in accordance with the recently updated IFSC rules which cover pandemics. The addendum guidelines specifically cover ‘hygiene, social distancing and the use of personal protective devices during sport climbing competitions.’
In accordance with the current conditions and the decision of the French authorities, the Fédération Française de la Montagne et de l’Escalade and the city of Briançon are ready to host an international event.
Originally, Briançon was set to welcome a Lead World Cup on July 18 and 19.
Furthermore, the IFSC Sport Department is currently working on a series of IFSC adapted world cups:
- Briançon (FRA) from August 21 to 22: Lead
- Salt Lake City (USA) from September 11 to 13: Boulder and Speed
- Seoul (KOR) from October 7 to 11: Boulder, Lead and Speed DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
- Chongqing (CHN) from October 23 to 25: Boulder and Speed
- Wujiang (CHN) from October 30 to November 1: Boulder and Speed
- Xiamen (CHN) from December 4 to 6: Lead and Speed
The event will be the first one to be contested under the recently updated IFSC Rules: the 1.4 version of the rulebook, in fact, includes the Addendum to the IFSC Rules to be used during the COVID-19 pandemic, a document redacted by the Climbing During COVID-19 Working Group that enlists specific guidelines and rules concerning hygiene, social distancing and the use of personal protective devices during Sport Climbing competitions.
Since travel restrictions might not allow the participation of athletes belonging to some areas of the world, no points will be attributed, including World Ranking and World Cup 2020 Ranking. No seasonal trophy will be assigned at the end of the year.
IFSC President Marco Scolaris said:
“I have seen an extraordinary willpower to move on in several organisers. We are aware of the difficulties, the challenges and the uncertainty. However, the world needs a message of hope. The health and safety of our athletes, officials, staff and volunteers will always be our top priority, but looking at the passion living in Briançon, today we are confident that, together with FFME and in full compliance with the French laws and regulations, we will be able to deliver a good competition. We trust the same could
