Everest 2005: ExWeb interview - Valencia’s return to Everest
Mar 1, 2005 02: 54 EST
A four-member team from Valencia (Spain) will be climbing Everest South this spring. These guys are quite familiar with the ‘Top of the World’, at least from the other side: In 2001 one of them made the summit from Tibet.
Jorge Verdeguer reached the summit, while his climbing mate David had to turn around on the Second Step due to problems with his supplementary O2 system. Back in Camp 4, they met an exhausted, snow-blind Juanito Oiarzabal on his way down from the summit. The climbers helped the old veteran and all came down safely.
Climbing buddies
David Rosa, Jorge Verdeguer, Endika Urtarán and Joan José Haya are long time friends. They started climbing together, and shared their first Himalayan summit - on Cho Oyu in 1998. One year later they attempted Manaslu. After Everest, they made a partial trip to the North Pole and attempted Nanga Parbat. So why the return to Everest, why not another 8000er?
Jorge Verdeguer told ExplorersWeb: “Everest is the better known of the 8000ers, and as such the most appealing to our sponsors. In addition, my team mates are looking forward to give the summit another try. It looks like a totally different mountain on the South side, so the climb will still feel like unknown grounds.”
No O2 attempt?
“As for me, well… I have already summited so, if I feel really strong on the summit bid, I could consider attempting the summit w/o O2. Otherwise, we are all bringing supplementary O2, and two high altitude Sherpas.”
The team will fly from Spain on April, 6. They have hired logistics up to BC and Sherpa porters from a local outfitter, but will be climbing as an independent team. As for fixed ropes, Jorge reckons they will reach agreements with other expeditions once in BC.
Image of Juan José (left) and Jorge on Nanga Parbat, 2003, courtesy of the expedition
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