Anak Verhoeven on Sang neuf/Sweet Neuf, 9a+, Pierrot beach, France © Sébastien Richard Anak Verhoeven has made the first ascent of Sweet neuf, 9a+, at Pierrot Beach, France. This is the hardest single pitch first ascent and only the second ever 9a+ by a woman.

Anak writes on Instagram:

Sweet neuf 9a+ - First ascent

After having climbed Sang neuf [another 9a first ascent] I had 1 climbing day left.

Sébastien Richard suggested that I could try to link Sang neuf 9a with the 25 meter second pitch of Home sweet home 8c/+ and I accepted the challenge.

After a rest day I climbed Sang neuf 9a again but this time I did not stop at the chain, but climbed on to the chain of Home sweet home. 😀



This new route is now called Sweet neuf: Sang neuf & Home sweet home combined.

Anak is perhaps best known as a competition climber. She is currently ranked #2 in the World in Lead and earlier this year she won the European Championships at Campitello di Fassa.

She is hardly a beginner on rock though and has climbed a number of 8c+'s, a couple of 8c+/9a's and one 9a, Era Vella.

Anak Verhoeven is sponsored by: La Sportiva and Petzl