Innsbruck continues to be a lucky venue for Austria’s paraclimbers. In the AL1 category, Austrian men secured yet another one-two finish. Angelino Zeller topped the podium with 47+ holds, followed by teammate Markus Pösendorfer with 44. For the 28-year-old from Styria, this marked his twelfth World Cup victory—and his fourth on home turf in Innsbruck. The three-time world champion once again showed why he’s the one to beat, delivering another commanding performance. Slovenia’s Matej Arh, competing with partial leg function, added to the excitement and completed the podium with 43+ holds.
“It was a super cool route,” said Zeller after the final. “There was a tricky section in the middle, but it turned out to be easier than expected. I’m just happy it all came together so well. It felt like I could have done a few more moves. We put on a great show for the crowd today. This was an important benchmark for us ahead of the World Championships in September.”
Pösendorfer was equally pleased with his climb—especially as it was the first time his parents were there to watch him compete live. “I was a bit nervous, but that actually gave me a boost. Climbing at home is always special, and having them here made it even better. In the end, it’s like a party—and I love being part of it,” he said with a smile. As for narrowly missing out on gold, he took it in stride: “Gini and I climb in a similar style, so we always exchange ideas about the routes. Of course, I would have liked to finish ahead of him—but you can always count on him, not just when it comes to winning!”
Plank Remains in a League of Her Own
Jasmin Plank was all smiles—and with good reason. After narrowly missing out on victory last year, the 36-year-old made a triumphant return in Innsbruck: a home World Cup win in the RP2 category, securing first place with an impressive 29 holds. She finished well ahead of Emily Seelenfreund (USA, 24+) and Sarah Longhi (SUI, 22+), once again making a statement on Austrian soil.
“When I previewed the route, I thought: oh my god, this isn’t going to work again this year,” Plank admitted candidly. She had particular respect for the traverse section. “My coach told me: get through the traverse quickly, then it’s time to fight—and that’s exactly what happened. I’m really satisfied with my performance today—just happy and relieved. I gave it everything I had!”
After her season-opening win in Salt Lake City (USA), Plank remains unbeaten this year. The emotional victory at home meant the world to her. “There’s nothing like competing at home. Since I moved into a different category, things hadn’t really clicked for me—so this win feels even sweeter. I want to carry this momentum through to the World Championships and the final World Cup of the season. My goal is clear: stay undefeated all season,” said Plank, who now has seven World Cup wins to her name.
Second Place Fuels Motivation
“It was fine—right up until that last black hold.” That’s how Linda Le Bon described her climb in the final. With 42+ holds, the 60-year-old secured second place in the B2 category, just behind Seneida Biendarra (USA, 44). Luise Gruber (GER) came third with 25. Despite standing on the podium for a second straight World Cup—she won in Salt Lake City—Le Bon was self-critical: “I don’t think I climbed particularly strongly. It was solid, but not what I’d hoped for. There’s definitely room for improvement.” The main challenge? The heat. “Up at the top it was really tough today. The sun was blazing and my head felt like a boiling pot,” she said of the conditions.
Still, Le Bon is focused on her two big goals. The 2025 World Championships in Seoul (KOR) are the next major target—but the ultimate dream is clear: “The LA 2028 Paralympics.” Until then, she’s committed to training hard and consistently. Alongside regular climbing sessions, the NFÖ Vienna athlete continues to work on her fitness at the Olympic Center in Salzburg-Rif.
