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.

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: our climbing and bouldering halls, auto belays, speed wall, training facilities and the La Sportiva & Petzl Experience Center.

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.

No climbing experience yet? No problem. In several introductory lessons, an instructor introduces you to climbing in a safe and approachable way.

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.

More information about food and drinks will follow on this page.

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Presentation by Siebe Vanhee

Well-known Belgian climber Siebe Vanhee will be at the Grand Opening to give an inspiring presentation.

Siebe is one of the world's leading rock climbers, known for his impressive ascents of technically demanding and adventurous routes. In his presentation, he takes you through his experiences, challenges and remarkable projects.

You'll find the time of the presentation in the full day program.

Flashtest PRO & route setters

One of the highlights of the Grand Opening is Flashtest PRO: a showcase competition featuring national and international top athletes.

La Sportiva and Petzl are also sending several top athletes to this special competition. We'll announce who's competing over the coming weeks via our website and social media.

Athletes compete in two disciplines: lead and boulder. Results are combined using a points system based on the 2024 Olympic format, so versatile climbers who perform strongly in both disciplines have the best chance of overall victory.

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Qualifiers

• 09:00 – 12:00: lead qualifier
• 14:00 – 18:00: 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.

To watch the Flashtest PRO finals, you need a separate €10 spectator ticket. The regular day ticket does not give access to the finals.

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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 and take part – €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.

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Flashtest PRO finals – €10

The evening lead and boulder finals of Flashtest PRO require a separate €10 spectator ticket.

Please note: the day ticket and the finals 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 finals 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.