Professional rock climber Alex Megos has flashed the 9a sport climbing route “Baby Cakes” in Nowra, Australia, according to reports published in climbing media. The ascent marks the third time the German climber has successfully scaled a 9a route on his first attempt.
Ascent of Baby Cakes in Nowra
Located on the cliffs of Nowra, “Baby Cakes” was established in 2024 as a physical connection between two existing routes: “Cheesecake,” bolted by Ryan Sklenica, and “Little Baby Cheeses,” bolted by George Eddy, as reported by climbing sources. The line features a sustained overhang, demanding physical movements, and a crux section negotiated using a no-foot technique.
Megos prepared for the attempt by reviewing video footage of the route the previous night. On the morning of his climb, local developers Ryan Sklenica and George Eddy demonstrated the beta and movement subtleties for separate sections of the route. Favorable weather conditions kept the sandstone cliff dry despite the region’s typical humidity, allowing Megos to complete the sequence cleanly.
Context in Megos’s Career and Sport Climbing
The successful flash in Australia adds to a career that includes pioneering achievements in elite sport climbing. Megos previously made history as the first climber to redpoint a 9a route on sight with “Estado Crítico,” and he has established multiple first ascents up to the 9b+ grade.
His previous 9a flash ascents include “Intermezzo XY Gelöst” at Plombergstein in 2021 and “Mr Big” at Margalef. Within the discipline of sport climbing, very few athletes have achieved flashes at the 9a grade or higher. Czech climber Adam Ondra remains the only individual to have flashed a 9a+ route, accomplishing the feat on “Super Crackinette” in 2018.
Additional Ascents During the Australian Trip
On the same day he completed “Baby Cakes,” Megos also climbed “Big Cheese,” an 8c+ route at the Australian crag. Like his primary objective of the day, this secondary ascent benefited from beta provided by his local climbing hosts.