TEAM GB OLYMPIC CLIMBERS TAKE FASHION TO NEW LEVEL WITH VERTICAL CATWALK

Team GB members will be among a group of elite UK climbers taking part in a unique challenge this weekend when a climbing wall at the Boulder Hut in Ellesmere Port, Chester, becomes a catwalk.

The contest, which is part vertical fashion launch and part ‘bouldering’ climbing competition will feature future Olympics hopefuls Jen Woods and Billy Ridal among the eight climbers participating in the mixed-sex event on Sunday 25 April, which will be streamed live and free to watch, hosted by sustainable activewear brand 3RD ROCK.

The SPRING LAUNCH GAMES will be a culmination of fashion-show meets competitive contest as the eight pro climbers from the UK embark on a set of four bouldering ‘problems’ while modelling the brand’s new collection at the Boulder Hut. 

Breaking with tradition, the participants will be placed in mixed gender teams – less commonly seen in professional climbing contests. 

Taking part will be members of the GB Climbing Team Billy Ridal, Jen Wood and former Team GB climber turned Team GB Climbing Coach, Rachel Carr as well as members of the Team GB Paraclimbing Team, having seen multiple podium finishes in their careers, Mikey Cleverdon and Matthew Phillips.  Joining these Olympic hopefuls will be pro-climbers Holly Rees and Ayeesha Khan that have an impressive history of competition, and multi-disciplined climber James Taylor, who can boast first ascents from big walls in Brazil to boulders in Wales. 

They will compete in teams of two until a final winning team is crowned champions of the very first SPRING LAUNCH GAMES. 

Climbing and sports-fashion fans alike will be able to watch the event via a live stream on the night with commentary on the clothes by 3RD ROCK co-founder, designer and pattern cutter Jessica Mor, and minute by minute analysis of each climb from Mike Langley, experienced climber, British Mountaineering Council national route setter and official at multiple world cups.

Full backstage preparation, vox pops with the participants and post-climb reaction will be captured and broadcast via a live stream, available on the 3RD ROCK Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

Action kicks off at 7pm. For more information or to sign up to the live stream visit the sign-up page.

About the participants:

Billy Ridal: Member of Team GB climbing team, IFSC World Cup Athlete in Bouldering and has featured in World Cup Semi Finals. Ran for Olympic selection and has a top class outdoor pedigree bouldered 8b+ and led routes up to 8c+.  Alongside a rigorous training schedule Billy is also a route setter.

Matthew Phillips: Member of the Team GB Paraclimbing Team, Multiple time World Para Climbing Champion in his category. 

Mikey Cleverdon: Member of the Team GB Paraclimbing Team with multiple podium finishes on the competition circuit.  Mikey is a coach and route setter and serial outdoor first ascensionist. He has climbed 8b+ boulders around the world. 

James Taylor:  Multi disciplined climber and accomplished in bouldering, lead climbing and trad.  James has made first ascents from big walls in Brazil to boulders in Wales.  

Rachel Carr:  Former Team GB climber turned Team GB Climbing Coach. Rachel is a dedicated boulderer and has multiple 8a ascents in multiple countries. 

Holly Rees:  Former competitor in both the Welsh and British climbing Championships, Holly is now a dedicated sport climber but did come out of competition retirement to compete at the British Bouldering Championships in Sheffield in 2019.  With impressive ascents of outdoor routes up to 8b+ and boulders up to 8a.

Jen Wood:  Part of the Team GB climbing team and former European Universities Combined Champion. 

Ayeesha Khan: Ayeesha is a route setter with a history of competition and has climbed up to 7c+. Mainly a boulderer she dabbles in a bit of lead climbing too.