— on the Naked Edge speed record
Laura Pineau, known in the climbing world as Mademoiselle Fissure, is steadily making her mark in the world of trad climbing. Drawn to crack systems and adventurous lines, she’s built a quiet reputation for tackling some of the sport’s most classic and challenging routes. From making the second female ascent of Greenspit (8b trad) to setting the women’s speed record on Colorado’s Naked Edge, Laura approaches each climb with focus, care, and deep respect for the craft.
Most recently, she was part of the first all-women team to complete the Yosemite Triple Crown in under 24 hours — linking three major walls in a single push. For Laura, climbing is as much about learning and connecting as it is about pushing limits. Guided by mentorship, curiosity, and a love for the process, she’s helping to shape a more open and inclusive future for the sport.
“The secret to beating a record? … For Laura: The willingness to sprint down 5th class slab in TC pros.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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A few years ago, I swore to my friends that I would never speed climb. I had heard about several very serious accidents and believed it was something I would never do. That belief held firm—until I heard that Kate Kelleghan was looking for a partner for the Yosemite Triple Crown. In that moment, I felt an unexpected urge to reach out to her and say that this might be a project I’d be interested in. From there, the rest is history.
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Many climbers I’ve met over the past few months have asked me this exact question. I’ve told them how important it is to pursue a goal—whether professional or climbing-related. How can you train harder or work more deliberately if you don’t know why you’re doing it?
I highly recommend that you listen to Simon Sinek’s TED Talk on “Start With Why”.
I’ve never trained a single day in my life without having a goal in mind that I wanted to reach.
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In case you’re wondering—like nearly everyone I’ve met over the past year—what’s next for me: I’m seeking projects that inspire me to push beyond my personal limits and truly understand what I’m capable of. Most importantly, I want to keep sharing these adventures with incredible people I can learn from and grow alongside.