Rivalries, records and retirement mark the 2013 UIAA Ice Climbing World as it arrives in Kirov, Russia for grand finale

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Athletes have arrived in Kirov, Russia, for the grand finale of the 2013 UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour.

Opening cermonies begin on 8 March at 1330h followed by the start of Lead qualification for women and Lead qualification for men if time perimts.

There will be live-streaming of the event with coverage ending at 2000h.

Some memorable moments from this year's tour which began in Cheongsong, Korea in January which has been marked by rivalries,records and retirement include:

• Russian champion Maxim Tomilov's dismal showing in Cheongsong, Korea which has put him behind Park Hee Yong in the quest for the overall champsionship title in Men's Lead
• Czech climber Lucie Hrozova's first World Cup win in Busteni, Romania
• Austrian climber Markus Bendler's memorable quest in Rabenstein, Italy and his decision to retire
• Pavel Batushev (Russia) who ran a blistering 7.77 seconds climb in Busteni, Romania
• Park Hee Yong's jump off the top of the Lead wall in Rabenstein, Italy
• The ongoing duels between Angelika Rainer (Italy) and Maria Tolokonina (Russia) in the Women's Lead category and the battle royal between Maxim Tomilov and Park Hee Yong in the Men's Lead

UIAA photographer Lukasz Warzecha captured these moments that personify competition in all four competition categories:

Men's Lead

Park Hee Yong of Korea is leading in the race for Men's overall Lead champion (Photo: Lukasz Warzecha / UIAA)

Women's Lead

Czech climber Lucie Hrozova won her first World Champion title in Busteni (Photo: Lukasz Warzech / UIAA)

Men's Speed

Pavel Gulyaev leads in the Men's Speed but is just one point head of Pavel Batushev who ran a blistering 7.77 seconds climb in Busteni (Photo: Lukasz Warzecha / UIAA)

Women's Speed

Maria Tolokonina who leads the Women's Lead looks at the Speed time clock in Cheongsong (Photo: Lukasz Warzecha / UIAA)
 

CURRENT OVERALL RANKING AFTER BUSTENI, ROMANIA AS THE COMPETITION HEADS TO KIROV, RUSSIA

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