Usobiaga and Lama Win the Climbing Oscars at Arco

by Mick Ryan As well as the climbing competitions held this weekend at Arco, Italy (see report below) the second year of the Arco Rock Legends was awarded. This is split into the Salewa Rock Award (for the climber who distinguished himself most sports climbing or bouldering) and the La Sportiva Competition Award (for last season´s most Impressive competition climber).A jury comprised of 14 specialised climbing magazines nominated 5 rock climbers and 3 competition climbers and on Friday (7th September) they selected the winners. This years Salewa Rock Award went to Patxi Usobiaga from Spain and David Lama from Austria was awarded the La Sportiva Competition Award. Patxi Usobiaga, 27, was recognised for the first ascent of Begi Puntuan, 9a at Etxauri, Navarra, Spain, his second 8c on-sight Pata Negra, at Rodellar, Spain and a myriad of 8b+ on-sights. David Lama, 17, was recognised for his debut in the senior World Cup: European Champion Lead, 2nd place in the World Cup Lead 2006 and winner of one stage of the Bouldering World Cup 2006. You can read the full nominations at www.rockmaster.com Last years Arco Rock Legends was won by Josune Bereziartu from Spain (Salewa Rock Award) and Angela Eiter from Austria (La Sportiva Competition Award)

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