As part of filming for a Servus TV Bergwelten documentary in mid-October, the German Alexander Huber managed a free solo ascent of the symbol of rock climbing in Sardinia, the Aguglia di Goloritzè. The 54-year-old German climber repeated the „Easy Gymnopedie“ to reach the 148 metre high summit of Punta Caroddi, as the famous needle is correctly called. This route was set up by Enzo Lecis in 2003 and partly follows a route opened by Mirco Amadori and Lorenzo Nadali in 1988. With a maximum difficulty of 6b+, it is considered the easiest climb on the Aguglia.

Even if this is not ground-breaking news for Alex in terms of pure Feeesolo difficulties, it is clear that it is a very respectable ascent.

Alexander Huber can point to numerous outstanding free solo ascents. These include Hasse-Brandler on the Grosse Zinne in 2002, the routes „Der Opportunist“ (8b) in 2003 and „Kommunist“ (8b+) in 2004 on the Schleierwasserfall (Austria). Then the Dent du Géant in 2006, the „Swiss route“ on the Grand Capucin and the alpine classic „Locker vom Hocker“ on the Schüsselkarspitze in 2008. Huber rated his most recent free solo as follows: „Not a highlight in terms of climbing technique, but definitely world class in terms of aesthetics…“

As a reminder: the first solo ascent of the Aguglia di Goloritzé was carried out many years ago by Patrick Berhault. As Maurizio Oviglia wrotes in his excellent book „Linea Invisibile“, the Frenchman was so impressed by the beauty of the tower that, as he couldn’t find a partner, he quickly climbed the route „Sole incantatore“ (6c). He had a rope with him and only had to belay himself on a few short sections…

Photo:  (c) @timeline_production