Plan ahead

Plan ahead

The world's best competitive climbers will be in attendance on 24 to 26 November for the Snow and Rock Climbing World Cup. If your present experience of indoor climbing does not extend further than watching Gladiators, then this event offers the perfect opportunity to re-educate yourself.

Over 160 international climbers from 20 countries will be competing on the unique new indoor wall in an attempt to accumulate points in the UIAA World Cup Series. Top male climbers in attendance include France's Francois Legrand, winner of the World Cup for four years and the British No 1 and winner of this year's ESPN Masters in the United states, Ian Vickers.

Vertical gymnastic skills are tested to the limit during this event, with failure measured in airtime, on one of the steepest indoor walls ever built, which includes 12 metre overhangs. Anyone who is unfamiliar with competitive indoor climbing should take the opportunity to witness one of sport's most breathtaking disciplines. The athleticism of these world-class competitors has to be seen to be believed.

National Indoor Arena, King Edward's Road, Birmingham. Tickets for the Snow and Rock Climbing World Cup are priced at pounds 5 adults, pounds 2.50 children for Friday 24 November, pounds 8.50 adults, pounds 3 for Saturday 25 November; pounds 11.50 (upper tiers) pounds 13.50 (lower tiers) adults, pounds 4 (upper tiers) and pounds 5 (lower tiers) children for Sunday 26 November. Three day tickets are at pounds 22 adults, pounds 7.50 children. Discounts for groups, students and OAPs are available, see Box Office for details. National Indoor Arena press office Tel: 0121 233 2666.

Details of forthcoming events with information on tickets and venues should be sent to: The Sports Desk, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL. Fax: 0171 293 2894.

Compiled by Alister Morgan