Sylvain Thiabaud is a French climber whose endless passion for climbing keeps him busy all year round. From working hard sport climbs, to large ice falls and obscure multi-pitch aid routes, there is always something in condition. Sylvain also has an appetite for new routing of all kinds, with over a hundred new route to his name.
Lying in a hospital bed after a second operation to repair his shoulder Richard decided to take a new direction and started pursuing expeditions and endurance challenges. He undertook an intensive 12 month ‘baptism of fire’ learning the skills and honing his fitness, climbing steep ice, running and cycling. This included ascents of Denali, Cho Oyu, ice climbing in Italy, mixed routes in Scotland and altitude training at the University of South Wales.
After much preparation this culminated in the 737 Challenge, a successful attempt to climb the 7 summits and poles in 7 months. Since Rich has looked to push boundaries in speed polar journeys and other endurance challenges. Most recently Richard became the fastest Briton (and second fastest ever) to ski solo, unassisted and unsupported from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole. Richard’s build up to this challenge became the subject of a UK TV series, in which he competed in some of the most demanding endurance events in the world to prepare his body and mind for Antarctica.
Notable Ascents:
- 200 routes over 8a Frendo Spur Winner of the Les Balcons de la Baie adventure race Debout les Morts (8a)
- Calcite Cave, Kalymnos - onsight Corazon (8b)
- St-Antonin Noble Val Bolted Crétins des Alpes (8c/+)
- Maurienne valley Aloïs (ED, WI5+, A2+, M3, 210m)
- Cirque de Gavarnie The Shining (A3)
- Aiglun