Team GB members will be among a group of elite UK climbers taking part in a unique challenge later this month when a climbing wall becomes a catwalk – which is part vertical fashion launch and part ‘bouldering’ climbing competition.
Future Olympics hopefuls Jen Woods and Billy Ridal will be among the eight climbers featuring in the unique mixed-sex event on Sunday 25 April, which will be streamed live and free to watch, hosted by sustainable activewear brand 3RD ROCK.
The SPRING LAUNCH GAMES will be a culmination of fashion-show meets competitive contest as the eight pro climbers from the UK embark on a set of four bouldering ‘problems’ while modelling the brand’s new collection at the Boulder Hut in Cheshire.
Breaking with tradition, the participants will be placed in mixed gender teams – less commonly seen in professional climbing contests.
Taking part will be members of the GB Climbing Team Billy Ridal, Jen Wood and former Team GB climber turned Team GB Climbing Coach, Rachel Carr as well as members of the Team GB Paraclimbing Team, having seen multiple podium finishes in their careers, Mikey Cleverdon and Matthew Phillips.
Joining these Olympic hopefuls will be pro-climbers Holly Rees and Ayeesha Khan that have an impressive history of competition, and multi-disciplined climber James Taylor, who can boast first ascents from big walls in Brazil to boulders in Wales.
They will compete in teams of two until a final winning team is crowned champions of the very first SPRING LAUNCH GAMES.
Climbing and sports-fashion fans alike will be able to watch the event via a live stream on the night with commentary on the clothes by 3RD ROCK co-founder, designer and pattern cutter Jessica Mor, and minute by minute analysis of each climb from Mike Langley, experienced climber, British Mountaineering Council national route setter and official at multiple world cups.
Full backstage preparation, vox pops with the participants and post-climb reaction will be captured and broadcast via a live stream, available on the 3RD ROCK Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Action kicks off at 6pm BST. For more information or to sign up to the live stream visit the sign-up page.
Check out the entire new collection via the 3RD ROCK website https://bit.ly/3rvRnxT or social channels @3rdrocking (i) / @3RDROCK (t) / @3RDROCKCLOTHING (f)