At the limit: Speed climbing - Times Onlinethe display read 2hr, 47min 33sec. Some have criticised Steck’s achievement, and the new obsession with speed, as demeaning to the efforts of other climbers, but Sir Chris Bonington believes it to be an inevitable progressionnew routes, the top climbers need to measure themselves against something. So there is a definite trend to go in for speed climbing. It is the game we play – it is just a natural development.” Steck is not alone in takinghours. And in September climbers will converge on Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest mountain, for the fourth annual speed climbing competition where competitors discard much of the equipment previously thought essential in an effort to shed weight and increase speed. So has the daunting reputation of the north face of the Eiger, the mother of all peaks, been lessened The Times Luxx Great escapes, perfect kit and heroic obsessions Services Dating Business City Guides Free Finance Brochures Restaurant Booking IFA Search
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