IFSC World Youth Championships 2019 in Arco, Italy

"The show must go on!" One of the fathers of the Rock Master Festival, Albino Marchi, recently passed away after a long illness. The president of the festival had two big news in store, but with great professionalism had delegated the handling of the IFSC World Youth Championships and the legendary Duel that will decide the Rock Master 2019 in Arco’s Climbing Stadium.

Final details are still being worked on but at present the unofficial program starts with the first competitions on 22 August and finishes on 31 August. Ten intense days of bouldering, lead and speed competitions promise no time to get bored, with 1000 athletes expected representing over 50 national teams. This will be the last major youth event before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where climbing makes its Olympic debut with the special Combined formula which, as the name suggests, sums up the results of all three disciplines.

The Youth Championships will end with the classic icing on the cake, on Saturday 31 August with the legendary Rock Master Duel. The event that has captivated thousands for 33 years will certainly see extraordinary Adam Ondra compete for his unprecedented run of five consecutive victories.

Arco remains the heart of world climbing, and more news will be announced in due course. The date is set though: 22 to 31 August 2019 for the world’s best.

Info: www.rockmasterfestival.com