Date of Ascent: Spring 2024
Location: Elbe Sandstone Mountains (Saxon Switzerland), Germany
First Ascent: Robert Leistner (2012)
Grade: Xb (Saxon scale) / approx. 8a/8a+ (French scale)
Czech climbing phenomenon Adam Ondra has added another bold achievement to his resume by repeating Circus Maximus, a notorious and highly respected route on the sandstone towers of Saxony, Germany. Originally established in 2012 by local legend Robert Leistner, the route is a true testpiece of mental fortitude and technical mastery.
In strict accordance with the traditional climbing ethics of Saxon Switzerland, Ondra climbed the route ground-up and completely without the use of climbing chalk. The area is famous for its strict rules forbidding chalk and metallic protection like nuts or cams, relying instead on sparsely placed ring bolts and knotted slings jammed into cracks.
Circus Maximus is characterized by its terrifying runouts, fragile rock sections, and highly technical sequences. Ondra’s successful ground-up, chalkless repeat pays immense respect to the local traditions and highlights his incredible versatility as one of the world's best climbers, proving he can dominate not just sport climbing and bouldering, but also the boldest traditional lines.
