Welcome to Koper, Stage Set for Another Climbing World Cup Milestone

The 417th IFSC Climbing World Cup event is about to kick off in Koper, Slovenia, featuring the 236th Lead World Cup competition, marking an exciting chapter in the sport’s history.

Koper, a city situated on the Mediterranean coast, will host its fourth Climbing World Cup, showcasing the growing global interest in this adrenaline-fueled sport.

Record-Breaking Athletes Aiming for the Top

In the world of Lead climbing, the competition is fierce, with seasoned athletes pushing the boundaries of human endeavor. Here’s a rundown of some record-breaking athletes competing in Koper:

Star Performers in 2025

• Alberto Ginés López (ESP):<$a href="https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/athletes/athlete/5466/Alberto-Gines-Lopez/" target="_blank"> “The Spanish climber has been on the podium at every Lead World Cup in 2025, winning two silvers and three bronzes.”
• Erin McNeice (GBR):<$a href="https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/athletes/athlete/1297/Erin-McNeice/" target="_blank"> “The British climber has podiumed at four out of five Lead competitions in 2025, winning two golds and two bronzes – only missing out in Alcobendas, Spain.”

Century Mark in Sight

• Jain Kim (KOR):<$a href="https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/athletes/athlete/45/Jain-Kim/" target="_blank"> “At 104 Lead World Cup starts, Jain Kim is edging closer to Jenny Lavarda’s all-time record of 119 appearances.”
• Hélène Janicot (FRA):<$a href="https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/athletes/athlete/2659/Hlene-Janicot/" target="_blank"> “With 76 Lead World Cup starts under her belt, Hélène Janicot is also making her mark in the record books.”
• Jessica Pilz (AUT):<$a href="https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/athletes/athlete/2926/Jessica-Pilz/" target="_blank"> “Paris 2024 bronze medallist Jessica Pilz is nearing her 100th Climbing World Cup appearance across all disciplines.”
• Jakob Schubert (AUT):<$a href="https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/athletes/athlete/111/Jakob-Schubert/" target="_blank"> “Two-time Olympic medallist Jakob Schubert returns to competition in Koper for his 87th Lead start and 156th overall across all disciplines.”
• Stefano Ghisolfi (ITA):<$a href="https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/athletes/athlete/599/Stefano-Ghisolfi/" target="_blank"> “Italian climber Stefano Ghisolfi is starting in his 85th Lead World Cup, placing third in the all-time ranking.”
• Sebastian Halenke (GER):<$a href="https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/athletes/athlete/4829/Sebastian-Halenke/" target="_blank"> “German climber Sebastian Halenke is competing in his 65th Lead World Cup.”

Introducing the Climbing World Cup Debutants

The 2025 IFSC Climbing World Cup Koper welcomes a new generation of athletes eager to make their mark on the sport. Here’s a list of debutants:

Female Debutants

• Amanda CRISCUOLI TAVARES (BRA)
• Cedar HENDRY (CAN)
• Brooke WHITE (CAN)
• Ronja Marlene WITT (GER)

Male Debutants

• Juan Ramon PENDONES (CRC)
• Luca NÜNDEL (GER)
• Rolando José LOPEZ RAMOS (HON)
• Alon PELEG LIEBLICH (ISR)
• Inbar Doron SELA (ISR)
• Eojin LEE (KOR)

Did you know?

Unlike the other two Olympic climbing disciplines, Lead climbing is more akin to a sprint, with athletes racing up a 15-meter wall in a speed climbing format.