Sean McColl is hot off an impressive year of winning competitions left, right and centre. He is now settled into France and has been climbing at Col du Marocaz.

On Oct. 2, McColl onsighted Putain Strates Offerts, his first 5.14 onsight. The following day, he made a one-day ascent of Tonnerre d’Orage 5.14c. He said of the send, “Did this one in a day. My first try I Couldn’t figure out one crux move. On the second try I finally figured it out and onthe third try, I Sent. We walked out in the dark.” A few days later, McColl nearly onsighted Chasseur De Nuage 5.14a. A hold broke near the top and he fell off the finish slab.

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Col du Marocz is located just southwest of Chambery, near Arbin. The limestone wall has about 45 routes, most 5.13 and harder.

For those who are unaware of McColl, he is one of North America’s strongest climbers. He is the only Canadian with the following titles: five-time junior and two-time overall world champion in lead. He is the boulder world cup winner and has climbed hardest grade by a Canadian 5.14d (which he shares with a number of other Canadians. He is also the only Canadian to have climbed V15.