Mezzalama trophy, the pure ski alpinism
On 19 April 2009 will be disputed, the 17th edition of the Trofeo Mezzalama, beginning at Breuil Cervinia, through the Val d'Ayas and ends in Gressoney Valley. A marathon with classic equipment, whether international, starting in line open to teams of three athletes / and roped. A challenge along a difficult path that winds especially over three thousand meters, passing in two even four thousand. The pre-enrollment for the year 2009 came to 397 teams, compared with 260 two years ago to 115, 2005. Each team has three athletes. A contract is regulated by FISI (Italian Federation of Winter Sports) and the 'ISMF (International Ski Mountaineering Federation).
It is a race that falls under the programs, and dreams of all the ski racers. Breuil-Cervinia from the track with salt conviction going to embrace the group of Monte Rosa, and so after his departure, at an elevation of 2000 meters, the athletes face 1800 m. climb and reach the time control of the Colle del Breithorn to 3826 meters. After this point the route goes on the "plateau" dominated by the same Breithorn, arrives at the Passo di Verra and continues to Punta Castore, where 4226 meters really feel all the more treacherous stretch of the trail, that the competitors face a foot trim alpinistico.Dalla departure of Breuil Cervinia up to Colle del Breithorn is possible untied, as well as from the foot of Lyskamm (glacier conditions permitting) or from Rifugio Città di Mantova until (Gressoney La Trinité). From the Hill is Breithorn waived rope tied in to the base east of the Nose of LyskammOr up to Rifugio Città di Mantova in the case of bad conditions of the glacier. From the Passo di Verra Summit Castore of up to Colle del Felik and the foot of the Lyskamm nose to the base of the eastern teams must henceforth proceed with the crampons, as in any other situation indicated by the Race Direction. Prior to Gressoney is a final grouping of the components of each team must reach the finish line together.
In addition to the characters of exclusivity Trophy Mezzalama a historic race being born in 1933, which arose during the first ski resorts and first ski lifts. Mezzalama The trophy has remained faithful to the authentic sci-adventure of the pioneers at that time as today faces the mountain without any mechanical aid, the real terrain is uphill, and downhill.
The development of skiing since the Great War he was promoted to the intensity of exploratory activity torinese Ottorino Mezzalamathat in the early thirties, one segment after another, was now able to test a haute-route in the Alps, the Ligurian Alps to the Brenner. When Mezzalama February 23 1931 he fell victim to an avalanche at Vipiteno, Friends of Turin Cai, the Ski Club Torino and of the Academic Alpine Club decided to remember and pass on his passion with an international competition in the high mountains of sport unprecedented agreed to open three elements: the Trofeo Mezzalama.
Its history is rather busy for the heavy burden organization which, for the harsh and volatile weather conditions in high altitude, is divided into three periods separated by long breaks.
From 1933 to 1938 will be played the first six consecutive years that tested the path boldly mountaineering for the period. Then they departed from the Teodulo Colle (3300 m) to reach the goal to 'Gabiet Alpe (2400 m), passing through the peak of Castor and the Passo del Naso.After the initial success of guides Valtournenche and miners of La Thuile, since 1935 the race was dominated by the regular teams of the School of Military Alpina Aosta. Equipped with light cross-country skiing and scientifically trained the winners of the Alpine Mezzalama snatch the gold medal favorites Scandinavian nell'analoga race on patrol in the Olympics in Garmisch in 1936. From the eve of the Second World War the race disappears.
After thirty years of interruption, the legendary, unforgettable Mezzalama reborn through the initiative of Gressonari Romano Cugnetto. From 1971 to 1978 will be played four times, which follows the same path as the thirties. Always win the military teams, and alpine forest. The edition of 1975 applies as 1st World Championship scialpinismo. In 1981, the weather sends up any attempt to start a new edition, while organizers are forced to surrender.
With the spread of skiing sports, it also resurrected the Mezzalama thanks to a foundation supported by Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta, which organizes the competition every two years.In spite of the vagaries of weather and large organizational costs, thanks to the imposing staff of guides, ski instructors, soldiers and volunteers from the direct guidance of Champoluc Adriano Favre, the modern race has played regularly since 1997 in odd years for six editions. Mezzalama historical remains of the three teams in the group, but the path was very long on the head and tail: the start is placed at the bottom of the pistes of Cervinia (2020 m) and the finish line in Gressoney-la Trinité (1637 m ). Since 2001, the Regulation prohibits cross-country skiing, beloved by the military teams, requiring all the skis used in large international competitions scialpinismo. Unchanged distance of 45 km, identical and the 2862 meters in altitude of the sun climbs with spectacular passages on the slopes at high altitudes over 4000 meters. To ensure the safety of the competitors are less experienced at the "gates" that the barrier to transit those arriving later than 2h30 '(2:45 a.m.' for females) to the Colle del Breithorn, 5:30 a.m. and beyond 'and the 5:45 a.m.' to Glacier Felik .If you decide to be at the start of the Trofeo Mezzalama knows that the race is challenging and you must have excellent technical skills, but above all be familiar with the deep mountains, facing sometimes extreme conditions.
In 2005 the winners were Brosse-Blanc-Giacomelli and shall be the reference time was 4h18'47 ".
In 2007 it was the turn of Pellisier-Giacomelli-Troillet and shall be the reference time was 4h22'41 ".
More Info:
Foundation Trophy Mezzalama
Loc Frachey, Ch 6 Crocetta
11020 Ayas AO
Web: www.trofeomezzalama.org Consorzio Turistico Val d'Ayas Monte Rosa
www.valdayas-monterosa.it
Consorzio Gressoney Monterosa
www.gressoneymonterosa.it
Monte Rosa Walser AIAT
www.aiatmonterosawalser.it
Stampa
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