XX Mezzalama behind the scenes...

On Friday 1 May the weather was very bad. Mountain guides and volunteers skinned up the mountain. Reaching the refuge in the middle of the storm proved difficult. Down in the valley the heavy rain dashed all hopes. A sleepless night at altitude was accompanied by strong winds.

All woke up early. Outside Eolo did’t want to subside. At times there were some clear spells. We skinned up the glacier illuminated by our headtorches. Strong gusts forced us to stop. We caught our breaths. Restarted.

Down in the valley the competition had already begun. The last ropes were fixed on the mountain. Braking trail was difficult. And unnecessary. The wind covered it all up again. Inside the bivouacs hot tea was being prepared.

Adriano Favre (Mezzalama race director ed) flew over the course, dodging clouds. Checking the most demanding slopes. Examining the more delicate sections. Making the most dangerous slopes safe. Making sure the course was safe before the athletes arrived.

At altitude all the teams had reached their stations. Waiting for the competitors, exposed to strong winds. As forecast the skies cleared. The first competitors already made their way up the Aquila gully. All were overjoyed to see the first teams whiz by.

The first time check, rifugio Mantova, had to be reached within three hours. 15 minutes more for women's teams. It proved hard to find the right rhythm. To find the right balance between speed ​​and saving energy for the most challenging parts.

The wind was still strong up on the Lyskamm Nose. The first teams had to break trail through the fresh powder accumulated by the wind. The race was proving extremely challenging. It felt like a competition of times past by. The reversed course proved more technical. Conditions were very difficult for the athletes and also for those who maintained the course.

Faces were hard to recognize. Everyone tried to take shelter from the elements. Few words were spoked. Muscles were sore from the cold. The descent down the steps cut in the ice was difficult. Followed by an easier section up to Quintino Sella. Refurbish with hot tea and energy drinks.

Then the famous ascent to Castor. The ridge was exposed to the wind. Delicate sections before going down the West face with crampons. Then the last climb up to Colle del Breithorn.

The huge crowd cheered on the athletes. Then the fast and fun descent to Cervinia. Arrival with music and celebration. For all it was an unforgettable edition. Hard earned, much suffering and dreamt about by many!

by Marco Spataro