The finale was being kicked-off at Rock/Creek Outfitters with a slideshow presentation from Tommy Caldwell and Beth Rodden on Friday evening. Over 150 climbers had packed in to the shop for a chance to meet the two infamous climbers and to talk about the unbelievable weather that had come to town. “The conditions are perfect…,” said John Dorough, Five Ten sales representative, to several climbers, “…and that is a fact.”

There was also lots of discussion about the “French Contingent” that had come to town. Tony Lamiche and crew, had made a month long visit to the south for a chance to compete at Triple Crown and to sample southern sandstone. Word had spread throughout the climbing community about long-standing projects that had fallen quickly to the Frenchman. “I heard he sent every project at LRC—I heard he did the Shield in just a couple of goes—Somebody said he sent the Dragonslayer Project—,” were just a few of the whispers from huddled groups at the slideshow.

The weather, the presence of Tommy and Beth and the rumors of Lamiche only served to ignite the desire for the next day’s festivities. After the show, the throng moved away from Rock/Creek, and closed out the evening with food and spirits from restaurants in the unique North Shore setting in downtown Chattanooga. The comp was just a few short hours away, however, so competitors and volunteers alike, made it a short night—after all, the finale was at hand.

Comp morning broke with chilly temps, and competitors bundled in down jackets quickly filled the enormous First Tennessee Pavilion to sign-in. Attendees nabbed some coffee from the Mountain Hardwear Tent, and made their way through the line for their comp goody bag. All the while, Kurt Smith slowly pumped music and information to the competitors, and soon the convoy of buses arrived to take the climber mob of over 400 just north of the city to the fabled Little Rock City/Stone Fort.

After the short ride, competitors exploded from the buses, ripped through the massive pad stack, and made for the field. They wasted no time and began taking full advantage of the perfect conditions—cobalt blue skies and temps that topped-out in the low fifties provided the perfect medium for sick scorecards.

As the day continued, word began to spread-- Lamiche was having his way. Having missed Hound Ears, it was obviously impossible for the French powerhouse to place in the strong field of competitors…or was it? What kind of scorecard would it take to make the podium in the series. After all, he would be attending only two of the three comps?

Many competitors from other categories were putting in their own blistering scores as well—

In the Men’s Advanced Category—
Paul Fuelling of Boone NC was ripping through boulderfield with a scorecard that included such classic (hard) notables as Space V8, Special Agent V7, Jut Strut V8, and Spyro Gyro V7. Doing his own ripping was Mike Bacon from nearby Lafayette GA. It was shaping up to be a podium showdown between these two Senya Iaryguine, Nate Draughn, and Series Men’s Advanced leader John Reger.

In the Women’s Elite Category—
Kate Reese, reigning queen of the Triple Crown, and leader going in to the finale was having a tough go at LRC early on, but was still turning in a super strong showing with sends like Blind Spot V8, Jut Strut V8, Grimace and a slew of other V8s—
Sasha Diguilian, at only 14 years old, was having a fantastic day, and although Kate had wrapped up the series with insurmountable scores at Hound Ears and Horse Pens, she was creating a scorecard that would make for a “photo finish” at LRC.

In the Ancient Hardperson Category—
What is there to say…Special Agent, John Woodruff was once again putting on a clinic at LRC. Space, Odyssey, Grimace, Psychosomatic, Mann Haut, Jut Strut, Cleopatra….you get the point. Ultimately, he racked up enough on his card to place him fifth in Men’s Open!

There were strong scorecards in every category, but in the end, it was the Frenchman Tony Lamiche that walked away as the new standard bearer. Lamiche sent a project in the front area of the field, Flying High V11 (recently established by him), The White Face V11, Dragon Slayer V12 (long standing project recently established by him), The Law V11, Biggie Shorty V10, New Sensations V11 (recently established by him), Bed Wetters V10, King Cobra V10, and wrapped up his day with The Chattanoogan V12. Amazing—

Check out the complete scores below—

After the comp competitors returned by bus to the Pavilion for BBQ from Shuford’s, music, and a slideshow of images from the entire series courtesy of Jon Glassberg. Prizes were awarded to LRC and series winners. Once again Kate Reece was crowned as Queen, and Paul Robinson King of the series.

Giant Thanks to all of our sponsors—
Rock/Creek Outfitters
Marmot
Chaco
The North Face
Prana
Mammut
Rock&Ice
Clif Bar
Five Ten
La Sportiva
Metolius
Mountain Hardwear
Black Diamond
Montrail
Misty
Topo Ranch
Smartwool
Powersox
Footsloggers
Oakley
Mountain Khakis
Urban Outpost

This series would not be possible without the full support of these sponsors. Additionally, these are the businesses that continue to “give back” to the outdoor community, and support the SCC’s efforts to gain and maintain access to our climbing areas.

Our goal with this year’s series was to help raise enough money to close the note on Boat Rock in Atlanta, and in January that will be accomplished. We also wanted to once again support Habitat for Humanity, and we raised $2,500 for that organization.

Very, Very Special Thanks to Henry and Kelly Luken, the Montlake Golf Club, and Kim White for allowing us to climb at The Stone Fort/LRC! Without the support of a gracious landowner and land manager, this event and all climbing at this area would be impossible.

Visit RockCreek.com/TripleCrown for more information on the series.

A huge well done to everyone on making it such a fantastic competition. An extra special well done to all the competitors who took part.