Pippo Nolasco, 40, ticks two 9a’s

Giuseppe Nolasco, who sent his third 9a in 2022, has during the same week sent Goldrake (9a+) in Cornalba and
Prima Classe (9a) in La Stazione. In the 40+ ranking game the 160 cm tall Italian is #2.

Can you tell us more about the ascents and the amazing sending week?
It’s been a busy few weeks. I’d been feeling fit for a while, but Goldrake had stayed wet for weeks on end. I first started trying Goldrake back in 2023 and came very close, falling at the final hard grip. In 2024, I barely managed to get on it at all—the route was constantly wet. This spring, I returned to Cornalba with high hopes, but after a few sessions where I wasn’t feeling great, Goldrake got wet again and stayed that way for two months.

At the beginning of June, I went back just to collect my gear, thinking the season was over. But I decided to give it one more try—and fell again at the last hard move. That attempt rekindled my motivation. Just a few days later, I finally sent Goldrake, clipping the chains after a long journey. This route has truly helped me grow as a climber.

A few days after that, I returned to the Station, where I’d been working on another project—one I alternated with Goldrake whenever it was too wet. I was feeling good. After a rough first try, I gave it another go, and it all came together. In the span of a week, I managed to send both Goldrake (9a/+) and First Class (9a).

Is it possible to keep progressing at age 40?
Yes, of course, it's possible to be in shape at 40. I'm talking about physical fitness—and above all, mental fitness. Training and pushing yourself shouldn’t feel like a burden; instead, try different approaches and train in the ways that suit you best.

Nothing happens by chance. If you're challenging yourself, there will be both low moments and high ones. You just need to recognize when it's time to adjust your strategy—but never give up on your goal. Consistency and passion have no age.