The news

news from Everest base Camp in the 2003 pre-monsson season. Fabio Meraldi in 24 hour summit attempt

Cristian Brenna and Marzio Nardi free the historic Itaca in Valle dell'Orco. The photos and story by Andrea Gallo.

On 14/05 Christian Bindhammer repeated Action Direct 9a in the Frankenjura, first climbed by Wolfgang Güllich in 1991.

On 24 April the Italian climber Stefania Daniele repeated “La danza dei cavalieri”, 8a+, at the Grotta dell’Areonauta, Sperlonga.

On 13/04 Christian Bindhammer frees "Zauberfee" 8c+, at the Eremo di S. Paolo (Arco). And his brother Andreas Bindhammer repeats it a few days later.

Luca Giupponi spent his Easter holiday in France's St. Leger du Ventoux, where he on-sighted his first 8b, “Stiquell Man”. he then spent the remaining days redpointing Abregenenief” 8b, “Moi…” 8a/8a+ and “Le maride de la balene” 8a+.

Alexandre Chabot and Martina Cufar win the Goldfinger International Master 2003 in Brussels on 26/05/2003

Damien Farquet, Rico Elmer and Rolf Zurbrugg win the 14th Mezzalama in in 4 hours 38' 05'. Follis, Favre and Raso win the women´s event and establish new record.

Cristian Brenna repeats Cristallica (Fb7c/c+) followed by Miki" Giannattasio and Simone Pedeferri. Brenna also repeats Spirit Walker (8c) as does Giorgio Piasini at the Sasso Remenno.

Luisa Iovane and Christian Sordo win the first stage of the Italian Cup 2003

15 year old Gabriele Moroni climbs Fb8b before settting off to Fontainebleau. Ascents also by Luca and Giulia Giammarco.

Christoph Hainz talks about his speed ascent up the North Face of the Eiger in 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Josune Bereciartu sends Solaris Fb 8a+ at the Cueva de Balzala

At the end of April the Croatian Paklenica National Park, famed for its natural beauty and, amongst climbers, for its compact Verdon-like limestone, will host the fourth edition of the “Big Wall Speed Climbing”.

Robert Jasper and Markus Stofer have repeated the great mixed climb 'No Siesta' up the North Face of the Grandes Jorasses in the Mont Blanc massif from 17 - 19 March 2003 .

Ezio Marlier and Arnaud Clavel repeat Goulotte Nord by Patrik Gabarrou and together with Massimo Farina makes the first ascent of Stop the War at Aiguille de la Brenva, Mont Blanc