Michiel Nieuwenhuijsen ticks Adularia (8C)

Michiel Nieuwenhuijsen has had a great tip to Val Daone and Gottardo sending five 8B’s and Adularia (8C) (Insta video). The 38-year-old is at an all-time high score, having sent a dozen boulders 8B and beyond, including one flash the last five months.

Can you tell us more about the trip and the 8C ascent?
We were on a 3-week summer trip between Val Daone and Gottardo. Both are beautiful places. Daone is a bit better for the holiday vibes, a bit warmer, and the Italian vibes are always chill. Gottardo is a bit better for hardcore climbing in the middle of summer. Combining those places was super fun.

Last year Adularia was on the top of my list, but gave me a proper ass whipping. Could do nothing with it. So, for this year, I did not even plan to try it. But then came some classic Alpine weather, lots of rain pockets combined with wind and colder temperatures. For some reason, it all felt so good from the first touches. The race was on!

Getting really close on day two, but out of nowhere it started raining and we had to bail 🤬 Only two days left. The last day looked grim on the forecast, but I also needed a rest day to recover both skin and body. I decided to gamble a bit, ignore the sore muscles and give it my all. All moves were dailed. Knew exactly what I had to do. Did a few moves one last time as a warmup and went for it. It did not feel as good as the day before. But giving up was not an option. Had to dig deep for that last far move to the finishing jug...all or nothing. Luckily, the gamble paid off 🥳