Grand Opening National Climbing Center & Flashtest PRO | 14 November

Saturday 14 November 2026 | 09:00 – 00:00

On Saturday 14 November we celebrate the Grand Opening of the National Climbing Center in Nieuwegein. A day full of climbing, bouldering, clinics, demonstrations, inspiration and elite sport for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

Meet international top athletes Alberto Ginés López, Molly Thompson-Smith, Leo Cea and Héloïse Doumont, attend the talk by big wall climber Siebe Vanhee and check out the finals of the Flashtest PRO.

Come and see the NCC for free, try climbing and bouldering or join a clinic for €10. In the evening, catch the Flashtest PRO finals, where national and international top athletes battle for the combined title in lead and bouldering.

Check the timetable here

Discover the National Climbing Center

During the Grand Opening you can explore everything the National Climbing Center has to offer:

• three indoor climbing halls;
• several outdoor climbing walls;
• 43 auto-belays;
• three bouldering halls with over 1,500 m² of bouldering surface;
• a large strength & conditioning room;
• a spray wall and simulator boulder walls;
• an official speed wall;
• the La Sportiva & Petzl Experience Center;
• FysioHolland on site.

Just want to look around? You're welcome free of charge all day. Want to climb or boulder yourself? Then you can use the sports facilities at the reduced rate of €10.

Activities for everyone

The Grand Opening is for:

• residents of Nieuwegein and the surrounding area who want to discover the NCC;
• beginners who want to try climbing and bouldering;
• climbers and boulderers who want to experience the NCC;
• visitors who want to attend clinics, demonstrations and presentations;
• fans who want to cheer on the national and international elite at Flashtest PRO.

Join yourself, get inspired, or simply soak up the atmosphere and the sport.

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Clinics, workshops and activities

Throughout the day we're running a range of clinics, workshops and demonstrations. The program includes:

• introductory bouldering lessons;
• introductory auto belay lessons;
• Lead Climbing: The Basics;
• dyno and volume-run challenges;
• spray wall training;
• fingerboard and strength training;
• demonstrations and presentations;
• climbing films by La Sportiva and Petzl;
• activities for beginner and experienced climbers.

Several clinics and workshops have a maximum group size, so booking in advance is required.

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Music, food and party

Off the wall, plenty is going on too. Enjoy music, food and drinks, meet other climbers, and close out the Grand Opening with us at the prize-giving and party.

During the Grand Opening in Nieuwegein, we will make sure that you are fueled and energized for all the activities;

• The best falafel from FLFL.
• Lowlander Beer Bar with their Lemon & Elderflower Special.
• Schulp Sap Bar for a healthy energy boost during the day.
• Thrive Protein Beer is a refreshing beer with extra protein, perfect for after exercise or if you're looking for those extra benefits.
• Holies Energy Bars with new flavours for those hungry for the perfect snack.

Taste the dishes from our new menu and enjoy!

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Presentation by Siebe Vanhee

You don't want to miss the talk by top Belgian climber Siebe Vanhee in the NCC’s impressive 18-metre hall.

Siebe takes you through the defining moments of his climbing career: from his first expedition in Venezuela to a nineteen-day ascent in Patagonia. He also goes into detail about his attempts on the legendary Dawn Wall.

Throughout his story, Siebe gives a personal look at the challenges, doubts and choices that come with life as a professional climber.

There are still places available. Registration in advance is required, and you’ll need a €10 day ticket to take part.

Flashtest PRO & route setters

One of the highlights of the Grand Opening is the Flashtest PRO, a showcase competition where top national and international climbers go head to head.

Several top international athletes will also be there for the competition. La Sportiva athlete Alberto Ginés López won the first-ever Olympic gold medal in sport climbing at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Petzl athlete Molly Thompson-Smith is an Olympian and has been one of the world’s best lead climbers for years. Alberto and Molly will also be at the Grand Opening for a meet & greet.

We’re also welcoming thirteen-year-old rising star Leo Cea, the youngest climber ever to climb a 9a+ route.

Competitors in the Flashtest PRO include Belgian champion Héloïse Doumont and several athletes from the Dutch national climbing team, such as Noor Witte, Yara Meye, Lynn Robichon and Vincent van Hage.

The athletes compete in two disciplines: lead and boulder. Their results are combined using a points system based on the 2024 Olympic format, so versatile climbers who perform well in both disciplines have the best chance of taking the overall win.

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QUALIFIERS

• 09:30 – 13:00: lead qualifier
• 14:00 – 17:00: boulder qualifier

Athletes climb one on-sight lead route and four qualifying boulders. Per gender, three selected top athletes are seeded directly into the final.

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FINALS

• 19:00 – 20:00: lead final
• 20:30 – 22:00: boulder final
• After 22:00: prize-giving and party

In the finals, athletes face one lead route and three boulders. The results from both disciplines are then combined, and we crown the winners of Flashtest PRO.

The lead final is free to watch, no ticket needed. For the boulder final, you need a separate €10 spectator ticket. The regular day ticket does not give access to the boulder final.

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THE ROUTE SETTERS

The routes and boulders for Flashtest PRO are set by a strong international team:

• Max Deelen
• Nikki van Bergen
• Sam van de Vorstenbosch
• Victor Meulendijks
• Christian Bindhammer

Together they create a competition where strength, technique, creativity and tactics come together.

Access & practical information

Want to take a look around the National Climbing Center and get to know the venue? You're welcome free of charge. You don't need a ticket for this.

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Climb yourself, take part & reading – €10

With the €10 day ticket you can climb or boulder independently during the Grand Opening. Please note: to climb independently you need a Dutch climbing proficiency certificate (KVB) or proven experience. Clinics and workshops also require you to reserve a spot, as places are limited.

Try climbing for the first time

Want to get to know climbing? You can during the Grand Opening. Book an introductory bouldering lesson or a Funclimbing activity. Guided by an instructor, you’ll get to know climbing in a safe and accessible way.

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Flashtest PRO finals – lead free, boulder €10

The lead final (19:00 – 20:00) is free to watch. The boulder final (20:30 – 22:00) requires a separate €10 spectator ticket.

Please note: the regular day ticket does not include access to the boulder final. The day ticket and the spectator ticket are two separate tickets.

Please note: the day ticket and the boulder final ticket are two separate tickets.

Practical information

Date: Saturday 14 November 2026
Time: 09:00 – 00:00
Location: National Climbing Center, Nieuwegein
Viewing: free
Day ticket climbing and bouldering: €10
Flashtest PRO lead final: free
Flashtest PRO boulder final spectator ticket: €10
Clinics and workshops: book in advance while spots last

The program is subject to change. Keep an eye on this page and our social media for new activities and the announcement of the participating top athletes.

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Celebrate the opening with us

Whether you're trying climbing for the first time, want to discover the National Climbing Center, or want to see the best climbers in action up close: you'll want to be there on 14 November.