ROCK CLIMBING NEWS ITEM

Madagascar Explored by Austrian Climber

THURSDAY, 27 DECEMBER 2007

Austrian climber Albert Leichtfried discovered Madagascar's climbing paradise during his travel on October and November.

One of the climbing venues is the Montagnes des Français where he made the first ascent of the non-slippery limestone and named the route "Honeymoon". He considered the 7c+ Honeymoon the hardest route in the Montagnes des Français.

Another one is the Nosy Anjombavola, an island to the west of the mainland. It offered 40 bolted routes between 5 and 8a.

History indicates that Madagascar was explored by some of the best climbers in the world because of its immense Tsaranoro walls. Michel Piola, Lynn Hill, and Rolando Larcher are just some of the climbers who witnessed the islands climbing venues.

For more details on this news story, please visit www.planetmountain.com.