Sport Climbing World Cup Chamonix: Rivalries To Watch

IFSC Sport Climbing World Cup 2025 heads to Chamonix, France for yet another stop of the season. Climbers will battle out from 11-13 July in the 11th round.

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The event will feature both speed and lead competitions against the backdrop of the breathtaking Alps.

Sport Climbing World Cup Chamonix: Rivalries To Watch

Speed: Hunt, Katibin Set the Pace

On the women’s side, Emma Hunt of Team USA clings to a narrow lead in the Speed overall standings, with China’s Zhou Yafei breathing down her neck. The American’s consistency has paid dividends, but the slightest slip could open the door for Zhou—or for Poland’s Natalia Kałucka and Olympic gold medalist Aleksandra Miroslaw, both of whom remain within striking distance.

Meanwhile, in the men’s Speed competition, Kiromal Katibin of Indonesia has firmly established himself as the athlete to beat. After a dominant series of performances, he holds a comfortable points buffer ahead of American world record holder Sam Watson and China’s Long Jianguo, a World Cup winner in his own right. Katibin’s momentum is undeniable, but the chase is far from over.

Lead: McNiece and Seo Spark Rivalry

The women’s Lead discipline has seen the rise of Erin McNiece, who sits atop the overall standings heading into Chamonix. The 21-year-old Brit has already claimed two Lead victories this season and now seeks a third in the French Alps. Her consistent form has made her the athlete to watch.

Challenging her is Seo Chaehyun of the Republic of Korea, who tied with McNiece earlier this season in Wujiang. The two have matched each other move for move in a compelling rivalry that’s captivated fans and reignited excitement in the Lead competition. With both climbers just 21 years old, this could mark the beginning of a defining generational duel.

Also Read: Sport Climbing World Cup: Indonesia Shines With Double Golds

Men’s Lead: Japan’s Rising Force

The men’s Lead field is also heating up, led by the Japanese duo of Suzuki Neo and Yoshida Satone. The two young climbers have worked their way to the top of the leaderboard, supporting each other with beta and strategy as they fend off fierce challengers.

Among them is Alberto Gines Lopez of Spain, the Tokyo 2020 combined champion, and fellow Japanese standout Anraku Sorato, who has already claimed this season’s Boulder title. With such talent stacked across the board, every route in Chamonix could prove pivotal.