Six Slovenian climbers reach the World Cup semifinal in Koper

Six Slovenian climbers reached the semifinals of the sport climbing World Cup in Koper, where Janja Garnbret returned to competition after a 75-day break.

Garnbret, a two-time Olympic champion and record holder for World Cup victories, advanced alongside Rosa Rekar, Lučka Rakovec, Sara Čopar, Mia Krampl and Luka Potočar. The semifinal was scheduled for Friday evening, with the finals for the top eight competitors in each category set for Saturday evening.

“I climbed the qualifications very well. It went as I had imagined,” Garnbret said. She added that finishing the qualification round with two tops was a strong platform for the semifinal. “I climbed quickly, efficiently and smartly,” she said.

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I climbed the qualifications very well. It went as I had imagined.

Garnbret is seeking her sixth victory in Koper, her 51st World Cup win and a record 33rd victory in lead climbing. The event is being held on an outdoor wall at the Plus Climbing Koper center.

The competition marks 30 years of World Cup sport climbing events in Slovenia. Kranj hosted the event for its first 25 years, but Koper took over after the international federation withdrew Kranj’s license because of its outdated wall and unsuitable venue.

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I climbed quickly, efficiently and smartly.