Gianluca Daniele frees Grandi Gesti at the Grotta dell’Areonauta, Italy

Daniele explains: "the route is completely natural. It's comprised of a first 8a+ section (Super Daytona) which leads to a good rest. From here a boulder section through the roo leads to a difficult clip (8b+ up to this point). I had already climbed this section avoiding the clip and exiting right on good holds (Piccoli Gesti 8b+). Grandi gesti continues past the clip with the real crux comprised of 6 hard moves on small holds (8c/+ or 8c+ up to this point) and then climbs the crux moved of Invidia (8b+) without any rests. I want to dedicate this route to my son Alessio and my wife Chiara who accompanied me on weekends to this marvellous cave."

Gianluca Daniele, based in Rome and brother of the famous Stefania Daniele, is a silent and precise person. His approach to climbing is extremely scientific: he trains at home on a finger and campus board, at times at 7.00 am before going to work. Despite his managerial role he still manages to climb and dedicate time to his family.

Daniele's constancy and methodical approach has reaped rewards, in particular in the Sperlonga Cace, where in the last two years he has climbed "Zatopec" (8b+)," Mascherina" (8c), "Piccoli Gesti" (8b+), "Viaggio uguale infinito" (8b+), "Ciccio Formaggio" (8c), "Invidia" (8b+), "Eternauta" a Isili (8b+). The 11 January ascent of Grandi Gesti is the first ascent and obviously awaits repeats for confirmation of the 9a grade.

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Gianluca Daniele, Grandi gesti, Grotta dell’Areonauta: