|
2. Claimed ascent-only time on Umbwe Route: |
|
acclimatised, solo, 4 prepared resupply stations |
|
Stangl is a highly accomplished mountaineer and athlete. It is extremely unfortunate that insufficient care was practised in recording his ascent start time and having this witnessed. Measurement accuracy proved critical in the event. Eyewitness Wilbert Mollel has indicated that Stangl’s speed and apparent progress were entirely consistent with his claim however, his stated start time was ‘around 5:45’ and not 0545 precisely. Taken at precisely 0545 Stangl would have bettered the current ascent-only time by just 2 minutes and 2 seconds. It is of course equally possible that Stangl began his ascent more than this margin ahead of his estimated start time and so was outside of Brunod’s standing record. What is certain is that Stangl’s is one of the most impressive feats accomplished on Kilimanjaro to date. |