Iacopo Perelli Cazzola climbs Coup de Grace (9a)

Iacopo Perelli Cazzola skips 8c+ and ticks Coup de Grace (9a) in Sonlerto, after projecting it for seven days. ”My first of the grade, and one of the most beautiful pitches I’ve ever seen. The only flaw is that after even a little rain, the pitch tends to seep a lot and takes quite a long time to dry. Unfortunately, a small injury and the almost constantly prohibitive conditions due to wet weather significantly extended the process. The consistently poor conditions, combined with the inexorable approach of summer, made the crux a real psychological test and one of the most challenging climbs of my life. Fortunately, the very physical style suits me well.

Despite the high difficulty of the first problem, the route remains more of an endurance climb, I think—at least for me it was, though perhaps I’m lacking in endurance. In particular, the final moves in the upper section must be done quickly to avoid getting pumped. From the rest to the final hold, the section still feels around a 7c/+ problem, but I could be mistaken. Thanks to my father, Filippo Rossi, Guglielmo Giorgini, Marzio, Viola Novaria, and all the others who couldn’t be here these days, but without whom this ascent wouldn’t have been possible.”

What is your climbing background?
I’m 21 years old. During my teenage years, I competed regularly in the Italian Cup circuit, which gave me a strong technical foundation and a disciplined approach to training.

Around the age of 18, I gradually shifted my focus toward alpinism. For about two years, I dedicated most of my energy to multi-pitch routes, trad climbing, mixed terrain, and ice climbing. That period shaped me significantly as a climber—it strengthened my decision-making, resilience, and composure in serious environments. It also led me to climb some of the “great minor classics” of the Alps, such as the North Face of Piz Badile and the South Ridge of the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey, to name just two that were particularly meaningful to me.

Last year, I gradually returned to sport climbing with a more structured mindset. In less than a full season back on rock, I was able to complete several routes that represented meaningful milestones for me. For me, that progression was less about grades and more about integrating the discipline of competition climbing with the mental strength I developed in the mountains. Right now, I’m focused on continuing along this path and progressing further at the 9a level with a long-term perspective.