Luca Zardini flashes Shalom 8b+

The Italian Luca Zardini flashes Shalom 8b+ at Covolo, Italy

October 2001

Luca ‘Canon’ Zardini has done it once again! On the 6th of October the Italian effectively remote-control flashed ‘Shalom’, 8b+ at Covolo, one of Italy's hardest crags.

This is what he had to say about his ascent and 2001:

9/10/2001
“After three years absence I returned to Covolo, the great crag near Vicenza which, in the past, has been the scene of some my best ascents. These include ‘Progetto’ in ’92, ‘Federic le Magnifique’ in ’97 and ‘Nagay’ (just 4 attempts) in 1998.

Despite poor conditions I flashed the crag’s most recent addition, ‘Shalom’ 8b+. Or, to put it better, my ascent was more via remote-control then flash, as I hadn’t seen anyone try the route. Instead I carried out the sequence of moves while my belayer, Luigi Billoro, shouted them out to me.

I’m really pleased with this ascent and it comes about thanks to my training regime. In competitions this year, for various reasons, I’ve failed to do myself justice.

‘Shalom’ can be added to another 8b at Ceuse which I flashed, “L’ami de tut le Monde’ and my on-sight of ‘Parana” 8a/8a+ at Cala Gonone in Sardinia. And this year I also climbed ‘Diabloluna’ 8c fourth try and re-repeated ‘The last way’ 8c/8c+ at Erto after the famous hold broke off”.

Bye for now. Canon

Photo: Luca climbing to victory in MalÃ¨ Climbing 2001

Luca Zardini frees "The Big Mother" 8c+/9a at Erto (04/08/2000)
'The last way' at Erto freed by Luca Giupponi (05/04/2001)

Latest news

30/01/2026

Esteban Daligault repeats Bon Voyage at Annot

29/01/2026

Watch Matteo Della Bordella, Marco Majori make first winter ascent of Casarotto route on Fitz Roy in Patagonia

29/01/2026

Out of the Dark established on Laserz in Austria by Simon Gietl, Vittorio Messini

28/01/2026

Melloblocco 2026: new areas, same spirit

27/01/2026

Sean Bailey makes first ascent of Duality of Man (9c) at Dry Canyon

26/01/2026

Raimundo De Andraca, Fernanda Carabias establish big new climb on La Zaranda in Patagonia

Show all latest news

Expo / News

Singing Rock

17/12/2025

Lumír Fajkoš makes rope solo ascent of Gekón (8c) in Slovakia

C.A.M.P.

12/12/2025

C.A.M.P. becomes the official sponsor of the Italian ski mountaineering team

Ferrino

03/12/2025

The film 'Transcardus - A BalkanSki Story' is live on the Ferrino Video YouTube channel

HDry

28/11/2025

Last days to get an exclusive preview of the HDry gloves: selection open for 3 mountain enthusiasts!

Ferrino

28/11/2025

Ferrino presets its new products for autumn-winter 2026

C.A.M.P.

25/11/2025

C.A.M.P. presents the new X-Dream axe

Show news

Expo / Products

AKU Mountaineering boots AKU Aurai DFS GTX

Technical footwear for high altitude mountaineering and ice climbing.

Singing Rock Lightweight skitouring harness Singing Rock Serac

Lightweight skitouring and mountaineering harness by Singing Rock.

Petzl Petzl Irvis Hybrid - crampons for ski touring and approaches involving glacier travel

Petzl Irvis Hybrid crampons for ski touring and approaches involving glacier travel.

Ocun Ocun Diamond S - climbing shoes

Ocun Diamond S climbing shoes designed for maximum performance, comfort, and precision

HDry HDry - SCARPA Ribelle Tech 3 HD

Revolutionary fast & light mountaineering boot SCARPA RIBELLE TECH 3 HD, with superior waterproof and breathable protection thanks to HDry technology.

Scott Scott Patrol Ultralight E2 25 - backpack with avalanche bag

25 Liter backpack with avalanche bag

Show products