Russian climber Vadim Timonov climbing boulder problem

Vadim Timonov on the First Ascent of Blackflip Sit (8C+/9A)

The Russian powerhouse delves into the next-level project and what it’s like to climb in the Djan-Tugan region

Tenaya athlete Vadim Timonov has dedicated three trips to the area to explore and establish new lines. Yet his main goal, he says, was a boulder close to the entrance, which largely went ignored because of its position and difficulty. The Blackflip project.

Vadim Timonov bouldering in Switzerland

Vadim Timonov in Switzerland

Bagging one 8C/V15 would be a proud feat for anyone, but four in a month? That’s just nuts.

This was the longest journey of my life. From my house in Saint Petersburg, Russia, I drove 2,500 km (1,500 miles) to Ticino, Switzerland…