The huge National Indoor Arena at Birmingham, England, provided the grand setting for a self-styled "festival of climbing." A bevy of events, including films, lectures, and competitions, all battled with the final competition of the UIAA World Bouldering Cup for the attention of an estimated 6000 spectators over the event's three days. The World Cup had no problem living up to its headline billing, thrilling the crowds with superb climbing, including two extraordinary performances in the women's event.

Sandrine Levet, a 19-year-old Frenchwoman, had already secured the overall World Cup Bouldering title, but showed no sign of resting on her laurels. In the final, seven climbers topped the first three problems and it looked like Levet would be locked in a battle with fellow countrywoman Miriam Motteau and Vera Kotasova of the Czech Republic. Up to the challenge, Level put on a display of Gallic grace and power, flashing the first four problems effortlessly.

Meanwhile, with the crowd dazzled by Levet, another competitor was putting on an equally impressive performance. American Lisa Rands, in her first major international event, proved she had the character necessary for the World Cup. Her fighting spirit showed as she battled up five of the six problems to qualify in the ninth spot.

While others faltered in the final round, Rands gained strength problem by problem. In contrast to Levet's effortless fluidity, Rands' powerful determination was evident by the grimace on her face. She cranked into overdrive for a flash of the fifth problem, a double overhang that temporarily stymied even Levet, and it firmly established her in second place.

"I'm really happy with how I did," said Rands afterward. "I didn't get a chance to train and so I was worried about how fit I was."

The final problem was a desperate 45-degree overhang sparsely decorated with slopers that spit off competitor after competitor. When Levet -- the final competitor -- stepped up, she had already won the event but the crowd maintained an expectant silence. They were not disappointed, as she calmly and precisely reached the last hold and pulled toward the lip with ease. The audience erupted into a roar as she snagged the finishing move and turned to wave to the crowd.

For Rands, her second-place finish confirmed her ability to compete at the World Cup level. "I've decided to do the whole series next year," stated Rands.

The men's overall title was wide open with four climbers from four different countries with a chance. First to fall by the wayside was Spanish strongman Daniel Andrada, who after a strong qualifying performance looked drained of energy and finished a disappointing 12th in the final. This left the door open for Jerome Meyer of France, who clinched the overall title courtesy of third-place finish after topping out on five of the six problems. One better on the day was Christian Core of Italy, who surmounted all six problems with only eight falls. But it was his fellow countryman Mauro Calibani who ultimately won the event with the fewest number of falls.

-- Ian Parnell