Andrea Locatelli, 13, makes another 8a+ onsight

Andrea Locatelli, who last year onsighted eigth routes 8a or 8a+, has onsighted Cerutti Gino (8a+) in Arco. Andreas father Davide, gives us the background.

The ascent of Andrea's last 8a+ onsight came by chance... The day before in Arco, Andrea took part in a selection meeting of the Italian national team and we decided to stay an extra day to climb outside. We have few opportunities to climb on the rock precisely because of competitive commitments. We spent a few hours at the Bassilandia crag and on the advice of some local climbers, whom I thank, Andrea tried Cerutti Gino, a slab of about 30 meters with two bouldery sections separated by a good rest. It was a good fight especially because of the second boulder problem which was difficult to read on sight and because Andrea was climbing with two annoyed [thin skinned] fingertips, worn out from training the day before.

Andrea replies regarding this year's objectives: “This year I will be very busy with competitive commitments, I would like to join the youth national team but it will be very difficult at my current height [150 cm]. I would also like to climb the first 9a! But first of all have fun.”