Quick answer
Two climbers race up identical standardized routes. Electronic timing starts with the race and stops at the finish pad.
The setup
Parallel lanes allow direct racing while athletes are secured from above.
The start
Competitors assume the prescribed starting position, and the system detects relevant start events.
Qualification and elimination
Competition commonly separates timed qualification from paired elimination rounds.
Source note: Rules, formats, specifications and records can change. Verify competition decisions against current World Climbing and national-federation documents.