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Not Just a Climb — A Show of Willpower at the National Cup

Not Just a Climb — A Show of Willpower at the National Cup
Photo By ClimbPhotos.com / Climber Andre Neres

A Show Worth Repeating

Photo By ClimbPhotos.com

Once again, the stage was set. And once again, the show delivered.

A massive round of applause goes to the Federação Portuguesa de Montanhismo e Escalada (FPME) and the tireless team at Vertical Climbing Gym in Estômbar, Algarve. Together, they pulled off another unforgettable event—the National Cup of Bouldering for the Sub 21 and Absoluto +15 divisions. Their dedication to elevating Portuguese climbing is nothing short of remarkable.

Photo By ClimbPhotos.com / Climbing Gym Vertical
1ª Prova da Taça de Portugal de Escalada de Bloco - Lagoa
FPME
Vertical
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Check out all the Photos in my gallery Climbphotos.com.

A New Format: One Division, All Ages 15+

Photo By ClimbPhotos.com / Climbing Gym Vertical

This year brought a meaningful change to the division structure. The traditional “Seniors” category made way for the new Absoluto +15 division—opening the field to every athlete aged 15 and up. This means younger climbers now get the rare opportunity to compete directly with the country’s most experienced athletes.

Photo By ClimbPhotos.com / Climber Guilherme Féira

It’s a bold change that raises the level of competition while preparing the next generation for what lies ahead. What better way to learn than to compete side by side with the best?


Power, Precision, Performance

On the 28th of March, Portugal’s top climbers came together and delivered a stunning display. This wasn’t a competition for the timid—it was a performance of strength, control, creativity, and nerve.

These athletes weren’t just climbing—they were telling a story with every move. The pressure was high, but so was the level of execution. Bouldering at its finest.

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Check out all the Photos in my gallery Climbphotos.com.

It’s More Than Reaching the Top

If you still think climbing is just about making it to the top, this competition proved otherwise. It’s about the way you get there. The problem-solving, the tension, the elegance under pressure—that’s what turns this sport into something unforgettable.

And this event? It was a masterclass.


Respect to All, Glory to the Podium

To every athlete who stepped onto those walls : bravo. Your effort, focus, and heart were visible in every move.

To those who made it to the podium: congratulations. You’ve earned your place in the spotlight and inspired the next wave of climbers in the process.

🥇🥈🥉FINAL RESULTS Sub 21 - M/F

MALE

🥇 Rodrigo Carvalho (Clube Gravity 9.8)

🥈 João Almeida (ATV)

FEM.

🥇 Mariana Sousa (Clube 9.8 Gravity)

🥇🥈🥉FINAL RESULTS Abs +15 - M/F

MALE

🥇 André Neres (Clube 9.8 Gravity)

🥈 Gustavo Cunha (Clube 9.8 Gravity)

🥉 Daniel Augusto (Clube 9.8 Gravity)

FEM.

🥇 Natércia Crisanto (CM Figueira da Foz)

🥈 Sofia Cabaço (PICO)

🥉Clara Vinci (PICO)


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Let's give a huge shoutout to the magicians "Route Setting" Team.
Photo By ClimbPhotos.com / Routesetters Diogo Batista , Pedro Pato , Joao Pena , David Zuquete


Some Climbing Gyms that where present in this last National Cup.


Up Next: The Future Takes the Stage

But the season doesn’t stop here.

Mark your calendars—April 12th, the spotlight turns to the youngest talents in our community. The  National climbing Cup will be held in Torres Vedras, featuring the Sub 15 Sub 17 and Sub 19 divisions.

A new generation steps forward—and if what we’ve seen so far is any clue, the future of Portuguese climbing is already in strong hands.

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Four more information on all the climbing events check out our calendar.