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Anna Torretta
Italian ice climbing champion and vice World Champion 2002. Anna Torretta is one of the most complete Italian ice climbers, both in competitions and outdoors: her recent ascent of Pymà M9+ in Valsavaranche is testament to this. Her passion for all vertical sports, in particular ice climbing, render her extremely competent in introducing the Ice World Cup.
Ice World Cup, finally it's underway...
The winter season took a long time to come and up until recently it felt more like spring. Then suddenly in just two days it felt like Siberia! Brrr... beware of the first icefalls - they'll be like... crystal! Our Romolo (President of the Valle di Daone Comitato Pareti di Cristallo) was in direct contact with the ice Gods, and after numerous prayers it finally arrived, even more frozen than usual. The intense cold has made all organisers of the World Cup breathe a sigh of relief, in particular in Daone.
Are you ready for the cold from 16 - 19 January?
We're all are eagerly awaiting what is widely regarded to be the competition in the entire circuit. No doubt Mauri Gallo will surprise us with his super ice structure, and no doubt the large enthusiastic crowd will give everybody a warm welcome.
Competition preparations
Many athletes got together to train for this year's World Cup - on Pitztal's glacier - since there wasn't any ice lower down. There were many of us, from Harry Berger to Ines Pappert, to name but a few. Valle di Daone was often talked about: it's hard to forget the welcome we received there.
Who should we look out for this year?
Ines Papert is unstoppable! Then there's a strong group that includes Kirsten Buchmann from Germany, Petra Müller from Switzerland, Sandra Wielenobski from Austria and myself. The American Abby Watkins arrived in Europe 2 days ago and will be an excellent competitor and friend! Mi-sun Go always holds some surprise up here sleeve - hot from Korea! the Russians have endured –20° for three months and Ksenia will be on top form. In short - the ones to look out for this year are the ones who placed highest in 2002.
What can you tell us about the female Ice Team Italy?
The Ice Team Italy will be comprised of: Orietta Bonaldo, Monica Gemelli and Claudia Colussi. Then new this year there's Francesca Chenal from Aosta - no doubt she'll hold a few surprises in store.
And what about in the men's event?
Unlike in the women's event there are plenty of newcomers this year that could place high. As usual Harry Berger is on top form, and although I know nothing about the French, I'm sure they won't have been doing nothing! Kurt Astner is someone to look out for from the italian team, as is Massimo Farina... We'll see! Good luck to all, especially the Team Grivel.
PS It's a real shame that the final of the IWC isn't held in Daone!
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- Anna Torretta
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Anna Torretta
Anna Torretta, born in Turin in 1971, has lived in Innsbruck since 1988. She studied architecture before becoming a Mountain Guide. She is a member of the “Ice Team Italy” and placed 7th overall in the Ice World Cup 2001. Founder of the female climbing school Avventura Donna. |
 Avventura Donna |
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Anna Torretta competing in the Ice Master Valle di Daone 2002
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