Melloblocco ready steady go!

The most famous international bouldering meeting has already broken all previous records. More than 2200 climbers have pre-registered for the event, of which over 400 are from countries other than Italy. This authentic crowd of passionate climbers will once again experience 4 days of full immersion between the boulders, rock faces and alpine meadows of the Val di Mello, the valley of wonders for all boulderers. This "playground" offers thousands of problems for the "Melloblockers" on the splendid boulders in a valley which has recently been granted Natural Reserve status.

Melloblocco is as always a game for all, from champion climbers to passionate boulderers, school children, families and beginners alike. Melloblocco is a great festival for all to meet up and climb together while respecting nature. It is unsurprising therefore that climbers were among the first supporters of the Val di Mello Natural Reserve, which only a few months ago was sanctioned officially. And it comes as no surprise that the motto of the meeting is "no cars", as the Melloblockers will reach the climbing areas on foot or via shuttle buses.

Naturally there will also be Boulder Clinics and side events such as the LA SPORTIVA (surprise, as usual) and the LA SPORTIVA Slack Line Contest on Saturday evening. Added to these are evening shows on Thursday and Friday night at the Meeting Center, with videos and talks by top climbers belonging to the team THE NORTH FACE who will be concluding their European Tour. Furthermore, there will also be the premier of the film "Pesce fritto da Pietro" by legendary Mauro Calibani. Friday evening will also be the moment for an exceptional new event: the night bouldering session by the light of the moon. But the highly anticipated moment has already arrived: let the bouldering games begin!

THE CHAMPIONS
Adam Ondra (Czech Republic), Anne Laure Chevrier (France), Anthony Lamiche (France), Barbara Zangerl (Austria), Cedric Lachat (Switzerland), Christian Core (Savona), Daniel Woods (USA), Gabriele Moroni (Italy), Gareth Parry (United Kingdom), Giulia Giammarco (Italy), Guillaume Glairon Mondet (France), James Pearson (United Kingdom), Jenny Lavarda (Italy), Lucas Preti (Italy), Mauro Calibani (Italy), Michele Caminati (Parma), Nalle Hukkataival (Finland), Nicolas Favresse (Belgium), Olga Bibik (Russia) e Yulia Abramchuk (Russia) 

SPONSORS
MELLOBLOCCO is organised by COMUNE DI VAL MASINO
Main Sponsor: LA SPORTIVA
In collaboration with: THE NORTH FACE, ENEL, CREDITO VALTELLINESE
Patronaged by: PROVINCIA DI SONDRIO, COMUNITà MONTANA VALTELLINA DI MORBEGNO, ERSAF, REGIONE LOMBARDIA SPORT, FORESTE DI LOMBARDIA, ASSOCIAZIONE OPERATORI VALMASINO, CONSORZIO TURISTICO PORTE DI VALTELLINA, BIM, COLLEGIO REGIONALE GUIDE ALPINE DI LOMBARDIA, IFCS, VALTELLINA
Communication partner: PLANETMOUNTAIN.COM, VERSANTE SUD, PARETI, KLETTERN, ALP
Sponsor Village participants: DF-SPORT SPECIALIST, E9, STERLING ROPE, CASSIN, PETZL, REVOLUTION, SHERPA ON LINE, BLURR, LEGAMBIENTE.

PROGRAM
Thursday, May 7th – Not Only Melloblocco©
10am-6pm: Melloblocco© Baby - for children and school classes. Arrampicabile – for young people, beginners and disables. Wilderness - Discover bouldering and wilderness in Val Masino: Cyclops pathway and Val di Mello trails
9pm: Presentation of the new Val Daone bouldering guide-book ("DAONE PROG" - Ed. Versante Sud) at Centro Polifunzionale della Montagna

Friday, May 8th – Melloblocco©, Ready … Go!
9am-6pm: Bouldering time
11am-5pm: Judges at the base of the most difficult money-awarding boulders
9pm: Music and video clips at Centro Polifunzionale della Montagna:
* The North Face Climber Team ends at Melloblocco© the 2009 European tour: its best athletes present their experience among the most popular European crags and boulder sites
* La Sportiva presents: the brand new bouldering video "Pure" by Chuck Fryberger and the new climbing shoe Speedster, along with live performances of Writers and Percussionists

Saturday, May 9th – No Boulder... No Party
9am-6pm: Bouldering time
10:30am: Bouldering Clinics for all with La Sportiva athletes. Meeting at Val di Mello car park
11am-5pm: Judges at the base of the most difficult money-awarding boulders
9pm: La Sportiva Party at Sasso Remenno Camp Site. Special Event: La Sportiva Slackline Contest

Sunday, May 10th – All to the Top
9am-3pm: Bouldering time
10am-3pm: Judges at the base of the most difficult money-awarding boulders
3pm: Closing of the event at Centro Polifunzionale della Montagna. Money-prize awarding to the climbers who have sent the most difficult boulders and drawing of the gear-prizes for the lucky ones

N.B. The event will also be held in case of rain (be equipped for it). Participants must bring their own crash pads. The organisers disclaim all responsibility for any injury occurring to participants.

INFO: www.melloblocco.it