The World Cup Series took place this week/weekend against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps in Chamonix. Photographer Thomas Humpage sends us his report and a gallery of images.

World Cup Lead climbing Chamoinx

Spirits weren’t dampened by the evening’s downpour as the crowds
turned up in droves to watch the Finals of the Lead Climbing
Competition.

Sean McColl (CAN) started as favourite after qualifying 1st and being
the only competitor to complete the semi finals route. The big shock
of the night came from local favourite Romain Desgranges (FRA) ranked
5th in the world who fell from just a few meters of the ground, a
disappointing start to the year. Sachi Amma went on to win with a
fantastic climb scoring a 43+ and setting the standard for the next
event.

A tense women’s final saw Mina Markovic (SLO) and Jain Kim (KOR) both
finishing with a 42+ score. Mina Markovic became the overall winner
being the only women to complete the Semi final route. Hélène Janicot
(FRA) looked disappointed just missing out from the medals and
finishing in fourth place in front of the home crowd. This was not the
start the French team were hoping for as none of their climbers
secured a spot on the podium in either the Lead Climbing or Speed
Finals on home soil.

Results

MEN Lead
                 
1. AMMA Sachi                        JPN
2. J’ Puigblanque Ramón         ESP
3. McColl Sean                        CAN

WOMEN Lead
1. Markovic Mina                    SLO
2. Kim Jain                             KOR
3. ODA Momoka                     JPN

From full results and event info see here and here

Photographer Thomas Humpage was on hand to record events here is his gallery. You can see more of Thomas's work at his website 

The spectacular setting of the Chamonix World Cup. Copyright Thomas Humpage

Hyunbin Min dynoing in the semi final. Copyright Thomas Humpage

Jain Kim rests to plan her route in the semi final. Copyright Thomas Humapge

Thomas Ballet in the final. Copyright Thomas Humpage

Rebekka Stotz takes a dramatic fall during the semi final. Copyright Thomas Humpage

Ramón J Puigblanque takes a graceful fall during the Men's final. Copyright Thomas Humpage

Jain Kim shaking out in the Women's final. Copyright Thomas HumpageSachi AMMA wins with this final powerful move. Copyright Thomas Humpage

Womens podium - Mina Markovic 1st, Jain Kim 2nd & Momoka Oda 3rd. Copyright Thomas Humpage

Mens podium - IMG_2561 Sachi AMMA 1st, Ramón J Puigblanque 2nd & Sean McColl 3rd. Copyright Thomas Humpage