Nové Město nad Metují enters a new era: extreme climbing as a path to the European Championships

The Grand Prix of Nové Město nad Metují in Athens Climbing has been one of the most exceptional sporting events in the Czech Republic for more than two decades. However, this year's 22nd edition, which takes place on Sunday 14 June, brings a major breakthrough. With an expanded implementation team and a new strategy, the organisers are beginning to work systematically towards their goal: to host the European Championships in 2027.

14m: Return to the Olympic Absolute

The Athens climb is one of the purest power events - the athlete climbs without using his legs, only the strength of his arms. While regular competitions take place at 4.5m and 8m lengths in gyms, the New Town offers an Olympic length of 14m plus an extreme 20m right in the historic heart of the city.

"The spectators here don't just see a sporting performance, they see a battle with height in its most raw form. Climbing in an open square under the open sky is a completely different discipline than indoor climbing - it's an adrenaline rush you won't experience anywhere else in the Czech Republic," explains race director Martin Mach.

For the best athletes there is also an extreme challenge - a rope 20m long. Climbing to the height of the seventh floor of a building, suspended on the arm of a massive crane, pushes the physical and mental limits to the very limit of human capabilities.

Professionalisation and European ambitions

After years of organising competitions at national level, the team is being significantly strengthened. The newly divided competences in the areas of technical support, marketing and visual communication have one goal: to create a facility that meets international standards.

BASE climbing is not only a sport, but also an elite skill.

"We draw on traditions that have deep roots in the British Navy (Royal Navy) or in the prestigious fire brigades in France and Spain. We want to convey this professional level and adrenaline to the spectators at Hus Square," adds technical director Honza Král.

Sport in the backdrop of the city

The combination of top performance with the backdrop of a historic square and a beautiful castle creates a unique "vertical arena". The open space without barriers allows spectators to watch the battle against gravity at close range. This year's edition is thus a conscious step towards professionalisation and a clear signal that the organising team is moving towards hosting the European Championships.

Background information (22nd edition):

• Place.
• Date: Sunday 14 June 2026
• Programme:
  • 10:45 - 4.5 m rope race (youth, women, public)
  • 13:00 - Main crane race (14 m and 20 m)
• Patronage.

Media contact:

• Monika Uhlířová, monisha.p@seznam.cz, tel.: 737 300 187
• Jan Holan, jan.holan2013@gmail.com, tel.: 732 521 835

For competitors:

Detailed rules for competitors can be downloaded HERE