Italian climbing prodigy Laura Rogora has capped off a historic 2025 season with yet another milestone. The 24-year-old has claimed the First Ascent (FA) of Malkuth, a new sport route located in Ferentillo, Italy.
The Route: Malkuth (9a / 5.14d)
Located in the Umbria region, Ferentillo is a historic crag known for its technical limestone, but it has long lacked a route of the highest modern difficulty. Rogora’s establishment of Malkuth changes that.
- Route Name: Malkuth
- Location: Ferentillo, Umbria, Italy
- Proposed Grade: 9a (5.14d)
- Ascent Style: First Ascent (FA)
Rogora commented that Malkuth is likely the first confirmed route of this grade in the area, significantly raising the bar for local testpieces.
A Season of Dominance
This First Ascent serves as a victory lap for what has arguably been Rogora's best year to date. In 2025 alone, she solidified her place in climbing history with an unprecedented run of form:
"Laura Rogora has been consistently sending hard sport routes all year. In 2025 alone, she onsighted seven routes graded 8b+ (5.14b) or harder."
2025 Highlights
- Onsight Records: She became the first woman to onsight 8c+ (5.14c) with her ascent of Ultimate Sacrifice in Gorges du Loup, and later repeated the feat on La Ligne Claire.
- Hardest Redpoints: In addition to her onsights, she ticked multiple 9a+ (5.15a) routes, including Supercrackinette and Le Cadafist in Saint-Léger.
Why It Matters
While Rogora is no stranger to the 9a grade (having climbed as hard as 9b/+ with Erebor), the establishment of Malkuth highlights her contribution to developing new lines, rather than just repeating existing classics. By bringing 9a difficulty to Ferentillo, she helps modernize one of Central Italy's beloved climbing sectors.
