Dutch Lead Championships 2026

DUTCH LEAD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026

Saturday, the 30th of May, we had, once again, the pleasure of setting for the Dutch National Lead Championships. But this time it was a special edition for us. It took place in the brand new National Climbing Center in Nieuwegein. The last 2 years we worked hard and with full passion on this mega gym, so it was the cherry on top of the cake to set a comp on this steep and long wall.

We are used to setting big lead competitions, mainly from the ropes. This time we had full luxury (it almost felt like a holiday) working with a lift. Working with a lift allows you to save energy and put more focus and time into testing and tweaking routes to perfection, which ultimately leads to a way better comp. Furthermore, we had more than enough choice of volumes, macros and holds, including some big elements, which allowed us to create a full 3D experience and take the steep angle out of this wall. Playing around to create interesting, risky and crowd-pleasing sequences has never been easier.

All in all, we were very happy with the results. The routes were appealing and challenging, had the right level and allowed the climbers to fight. And this is what lead climbing is all about, and what makes a lead comp appealing.

Big props to the team: Victor (chief), Sam, Arlen, Nikki and Cyrille.