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25 February 2006, 15:52. Aconcagua, all programs »

Peruvian Holmes Pantoja Bayona completed the

fastest ascent on Aconcagua (6962 m) to date. Holmes reached the summit in only 13 hours – scoring a total time from BC to BC of 20 hours and 35 minutes. The previous record was held by Argentinean Willie Benegas – who climbed to the summit and back in approximately 23 hours.

Chocolate, music and snickers.

Two days prior, 28 year old Holmes acclimatized on Cerro Penitentes (4880m). The Peruvian climber, who also works as a guide in the area, ran up the normal route from Horcones Valley, taking along nothing more than some chocolate, water and a CD player. He wore sneakers instead of rougher mountain boots. Damian Benegas (precisely ex-record holder Willie’s twin brother) has also been guiding three consecutive teams this season to the roof of South America. Among them, a lady climber who accomplished the first female ski descent of the Polish Glacier.