Brits Win Top Alpine Award

North Face-sponsored climbing tax collector Mick Fowler and his partner Paul Ramsden have become the first Brits to be awarded the presigious Piolet D'Or for the most important alpine achievement of the year.

Mick Fowler pic: www.thenorthface.com

The pair were presented with the award in Paris earlier this month for their ascent of the north face of Siguniang, in the Sichuan province of China. The 1500m newroute (ED+. VII/AI6/M6) was climbed in April 2002 in pure alpine style. During their ascent, Fowler and Ramsden spent seven days on the climb, and spent six nights without portaledges or tents, often not even having a ledge to sleep on.

Interestingly, of the six teams nominated, Fowler and Ramsden were the only ones who aren't professional climbers, with Ramsden earning his keep as a health and safety consultant. Other candidates this year included Jean Christophe Lafaille and Alberto Innurageti (Annapurna), and fellow Brits Jules Cartright and Rich Cross for a stupendous ridge route on Ama Dablam.

Fowler is something of a legend in British climbing circles. Seemingly indifferent to the limelight which some other mountaineers crave, he has consistently tackled difficult and commiting routes across the world, while holding down a regular job and raising a family. You can find more information about Mick Fowler and other TNF-sponsored athletes on the TNF web site.