Aconcagua 7000: and it’s a record for Nico Valsesia!

After setting off earlier than planned to make use of a “window” of exceptionally good weather at 15.41, on Saturday 24 January 2015, Italian athlete Nico Valsesia reached the summit of Aconcagua. That’s 6963 metres, just 22 hours and 41 minutes after leaving the beach at Las Ventanas, near Vina del Mar, in Chile, setting the world record for the greatest positive difference in altitude! At h 17:00 on 23 January, Nico climbed on his bike on the seafront of Vina del Mar (Chile) and began the to climb for 200 km to Los Horcones (Argentina), altitude 2900 metres: an evening and night-time climb that took him up to the entrance to the Aconcagua National Park at one in the morning. From here, a quick change of clothes, backpack, front, and after 20 minutes, it was off on foot to the summit in Plaza de Mulas, at an altitude of 4300 metres, then another change of clothing – this time for the high mountains, with an ascent towards Nido de Los Condores, at 5500 metres. At this point, the fatigue was beginning to make itself felt and then to hit hard, but Valsesia’s determination meant he managed to overcome it and at 15.41, he finally reached the top. 7000 metres of difference in altitude in less than 23 hours: but it is hard to quantify this achievement in terms of measurement units... just think of the 200 km and 2900 metres of difference in altitude by bike, and just the part on foot is usually covered in something like 10 to 15 days, and until now, no one had ever managed to do this. Sleeping bags, tents, backpacks and accessories from Ferrino were there the whole time, helping Nico and all his support staff. In the words of Anna Ferrino: "Nico’s new record is most definitely representative of unique dedication and strength. His ability to be so versatile and technical reflects the very values that Ferrino uses to develop its products. Our sincerest, heartfelt compliments go to this great champion”. To read more details about this great achievement, visit Nico Valsesia’s blog at: www.nicovalsesia.com/blog [gallery ids="8586"]