Finals day at the IFSC Para Climbing World Cup Innsbruck 2025 brought an electric end to two days of competition, as athletes from across the world climbed the iconic Kletterzentrum walls in pursuit of glory in all 20 sport classes.

B CLASS DOMINANCE FOR CANDOI AND BREDICE

Italy’s Nadia Bredice extended her reign in the women’s B1 event, claiming a fourth consecutive gold stretching back to last year’s stop in Innsbruck. In the B2 sport class, Seneida Biendarra of the USA powered to her second World Cup victory of the season with a commanding performance on the final route.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy and pride,” said the US climber. “The teamwork spirit we had here with the caller is the perfect example of why blind Climbing is a team sport, unlike any other form of Climbing.

“Last year, my usual sight guide was unavailable for the event in Innsbruck, so I reached out to the Innsbruck location of the company I work with and asked ‘Do you have any climber who can help me out?’ and Angelina stepped up and was the best I can ask for. It’s really full circle that last year we got second place, and this year we won together.”

Meanwhile, Biendarra's teammate Linn Poston proved unbeatable in the women's B3 final, securing her second win of the year and reaffirming her position at the top.

On the men’s side, Japan’s Aita Sho returned to the top of the B1 podium, now holding an astonishing 15 wins from 16 international participations. Fellow Japanese athlete Hamanoue Fumiya captured gold in men's B2, edging out strong competition for his second title of the season. Romania’s Cosmin Florin Candoi remained flawless in the B3 final, earning his 13th gold in as many appearances and further cementing his legacy in the sport.

AL AND AU CLASSES SEE VETERANS SHINE AND NEWCOMERS RISE

The AL and AU classes featured a mix of seasoned champions and breakthrough performances. Angelino Zeller of Austria thrilled the home crowd in men’s AL1, securing his fourth Innsbruck gold and continuing a podium streak that dates back to 2019. Thierry Delarue of France triumphed again in the men's AL2 final to collect his third gold in the iconic Austrian venue.

Germany’s Kevin Bartke showed his consistency with another win in men’s AU2, keeping his remarkable medal streak alive at all 18 of his international starts. Hungary’s Bence Kerekes made an immediate impact in his World Cup debut by taking gold in AU3, signalling the arrival of a promising new contender.

"I can't really say how I feel, everything is happening so fast!" said Kerekes. "Everything is new for me, I'm wandering around most of the time, trying to get to know some people, but of course I'm happy I was able to introduce myself with a win!

"When I heard the news that Para Climbing was going to be a Paralympic sport I thought it was a good opportunity to start competing. I have been climbign for a while, but mostly outdoor."

In the women's events, Lucie Jarrige of France delivered a commanding run in AL2 to claim yet another gold. In the same event, Japan’s Watanabe Masako finished third and celebrated her first career podium. Belgium’s Pavitra Vandenhoven marked her 10th international podium in AL1, while Solenne Piret of France continued her winning ways in women’s AU2. Germany’s Rosalie Schaupert rounded out the gold medallists in AU3, adding to an already impressive medal collection.

MULTIPLE WORLD CUP STREAKS CONTINUE IN RP CLASSES

France’s Aloïs Pottier once again proved untouchable in men’s RP1, climbing to his second gold in as many World Cups this season and continuing his reign as both World and European champion. The RP2 final saw a return to form for Benjamin Mayforth of the USA, who clinched his first World Cup victory since 2022 in a tightly contested final.

In men’s RP3, Camille Caulier of Belgium earned his first-ever World Cup gold, overcoming reigning champion Takano Tadashi of Japan in a breakthrough performance.

Team USA swept the women's RP1 podium, led by Melissa Ruiz, who now owns four World Cup golds, including her first in Innsbruck. Austria’s Jasmin Plank delivered in front of the home fans, winning the RP2 final to claim her 13th career World Cup medal. In RP3, Nat Vorel of the USA continued her dominant streak with a fourth straight World Cup gold, underlining her position as the athlete to beat in the class.

NEXT UP

The next Para Climbing event of the season will be the highly anticipated IFSC Para Climbing World Championships in Seoul, South Korea, taking place next September from Saturday 20 to Thursday 25.

News and updates about all IFSC events will be available on the IFSC website and on the Federation’s digital channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, and exclusively for the Chinese audience, Douyin, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu.