Gripped Magazine
Marine Thevenet Sends V14 in Switzerland
French climber Marine Thevenet recently topped Manhattan Reine Cantonale V14 (8B+) in the Pralong bouldering area of Valais, Switzerland. The problem was established in 2016 by Swiss climber Théo Chappex. The problem is crimpy and overhanging, featuring a key left heel hook and a punchy toss that leads to a classic foot cut. Thevenet’s send is likely the first female ascent. It took her 10 sessions to unlock the problem.
“By far, the most challenging project I’ve ever taken on (mentally and physically),” said Thevenet on Instagram. “A typical day at Pralong: work in the morning, load 7 crash pads into my car at noon, hit the road at 2 pm, start climbing at 5 pm, stop around 9 pm, and get back home around midnight. Once a week. Trust the process. Wow, it was good. It was so good.
“There are lots of little rocks out there, many that leave a mark, few that I’ll never forget; and among them will be the one at Pralong,” she continued. “Growth comes from the journey, not just the send. And that’s it.”
Thevenet, 35, has sent many hard boulders. Manhattan Reine Cantonale V14 marks her third problem of the grade, having sent New Base Line V14 in Magic Wood in 2020 and Compass North at Val de Bagnes in 2022. Last October, she sent her hardest problem to date, Juneru V15 in Albarracin. With the ascent, she is one of nine women who have sent the grade of V15.
Sam Weir on Manhattan Reine Cantonale V14
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