What is lead climbing?

In lead competitions the competitors must climb on lead. This means that the competitors are belayed from below and that they have to clip in each quickdraw sequentially.

• Climbing procedure:
  The competitors are allowed to observe as a group the route they are required to attempt before the start of each round of the competition. After this observation period, all competitors have to wait in the isolation zone. At their turn, competitors receive 40 seconds to commence their attempt on the route. Each competitor's attempt is regarded as started when both feet have left the ground. It is permitted to rest or to down-climb at any time during their attempt on a route, but the climbers must finish their route within the allocated route-time.
  
• Competition ranking:
  A route is considered successfully completed if the competitor safely clips the rope into the karabiner on the final quickdraw. In case of a fall, the maximal height attained determines the competitor's position in a round of the competition. A hold that is 'held' is considered as having a higher ranking than a hold that is only 'touched'. In order to help the judges, the attempt of each climber is recorded on video.