Broad Peak for Nardi, Panzeri and Gustaffson

Mario Panzeri and Daniele Nardi have doubled their takings: yesterday at 8:17 Italian time the two touched on the 8047m summit of Broad Peak, doubling the 8000m takings after summiting Nanga Parbat almost a month ago. The two Italians were joined by Gustaffson Viekka, while at the time of going to press other climbers including three Finish companions were making their summit bid.

Panzeri and Nardi's perseverance paid dividends and once again confirms the tendency which has recently been in vogue on the highest mountains in the world: after the first 8000m peak, those who have time and the strength to resist see their chances increasing significantly on another peak thanks to the optimal acclimatisation. It goes without saying that luck is always needed (read an extended weather window) and that everything works perfectly.

Nardi and Panzeri reached Base Camp on 7 July. After the normal ascents and descents to the higher camps interrupted by the usual bad weather spells, the moment came for the summit bid right as time was running out.

They left base Camp on 29 July and climbed directly to Camp 2 at circa 6100m. AThe following day they reached Camp 3 at 7100m, from where the started their summit bid at 2.00am Pakistan time to reach the summit main summit of Broad Peak at 8047m in perfect weather. The three are returning to Camp 3 and as always the adventure will only come t an end when they are safely in Base Camp.

Broad Peak is the 9th Himalayan giant for the extremely tough Mario Panzeri from Mandello, and the 8th for Daniele Nardi. Gustaffson Viekka has reached 13 summits and after his recent ascent of GII, all that is missing to complete the list is Gasherbrum I.