At the conclusion of the IFSC Climbing World Cup Innsbruck, the 3,000 fans packed into the open-air arena at the Innsbruck Climbing Center were treated to a spectacular Men’s Lead final featuring no fewer than five tops.
The final began with a bang as Germany’s Yannick Flohé, who was the first out after qualifying eighth in the semifinals, climbed all the way to the top. In the end, however, Flohé would have to settle for fifth place, as four other athletes also topped the route. The semifinal rankings ultimately decided the podium, crowning Japan’s Neo Suzuki as the winner of his first World Cup gold. Olympic champion Toby Roberts (GBR) claimed silver, while Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Alberto Ginés López (ESP) took bronze, with Japan’s Satone Yoshida finishing fourth.
“I knew I needed to top the route to win. That was a huge motivation, but it also brought a lot of pressure,” Suzuki said, celebrating his victory. “I’m incredibly happy that I managed it and won my first gold medal.”
Schubert Impressed by the Atmosphere
The lead finals took place without Austrian climbers in the lineup, as Olympic bronze medalists Jessica Pilz and Jakob Schubert were both sidelined due to injuries. Nevertheless, both athletes were on-site to watch the competition.
“It does sting a bit,” admitted Schubert. “When you see the route up there on the wall, you just want to climb—especially in front of a crowd like this.” Still, he says the experience fuels his drive. “At the same time, it gives me energy and reminds me how much I still love this sport. It’s a huge motivation to keep climbing here in front of this amazing audience.”
The open-air arena was filled to capacity every day, with all ticketed sessions sold out earlier in the week. The atmosphere left a strong impression even on Schubert, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist and six-time world champion.
“It really says a lot about this World Cup and about Innsbruck that the arena is packed even when there are no Austrian athletes in the final,” Schubert said. “The crowd cheers for everyone, and you just don’t see that anywhere else. It’s what makes Innsbruck so special.”
