Countdown To 2008 Bouldering World Cup In Vail

Two weeks from today, internationally sanctioned competition climbing will make its return to U.S. soil at the Teva Mountain Games.  It seems like just yesterday we were at ABS Nationals in Boulder watching people qualify!

As the comp nears, it is interesting to take a peek at the list of registered climbers to get an idea of how the field is shaping up.  The focus will undoubtedly be on the American contingent and how they stack up against the experienced European field.  Familiar U.S. powerhouses with prior World Cup experience like Daniel Woods, Chris Sharma and Lisa Rands will be joined by newcomers Paul Robinson, Alex Puccio and Alex Johnson among a growing list of other aspiring Americans.  Here is the full list:

The comp should be exciting on several fronts.  It will give America the chance to showcase our talents on the routesetting front as well as our climbing.  Daniel Woods proved with his recent 3rd place finish at the World Cup event in Austria that he can contend for the top spot.  Hopefully other Americans on both the male and female side can join him on the podium in Vail.  Given the caliber of competition that will probably be tough though.

Best of luck to everyone obviously, but particular well wishes to Climbingnarc.com participants Ryan Olson and Paul Robinson!  Also, big ups to recent Midwest youth climbers Alex Johnson, Kasia Pietras, Grady Bagwell and Tyler Haack who will all be competing!

Anyone have thoughts or predictions on how the U.S. is going to fare??

For more World Cup Info, check out these links:

• Official IFSC Itinerary
• Teva Mountain Games Climbing Site
• Teva Mountain Games World Cup Site - lists how various American climbers qualified
• Routesetter.com has the inside scoop on how the comp walls will be taking shape
• Jamie Emerson, who will be one of the few Americans involved in setting for the comp, will undoubtedly have more first hand information as the comp draws near as well.

Stay Tuned!