All roads lead to Melloblocco

It’s true: all roads lead to Melloblocco. Whether the motorways that brought climbers and crash pads from all over Italy, the backroads cycled by the climber-journalist from France, or the endless railway tracks crisscrossing Europe—all, in early May, inevitably point in one direction: Melloblocco. Or rather, to the first hairpin turns that mark the geographical start of the world’s most famous climbing meeting. Beyond those curves, you finally enter Val Masino and Val di Mello physically, and psychologically, the magical world of Melloblocco. A realm of winding trails and cobblestone paths, forests and boulders, towering walls and icy rivers. Of rough granite, smooth moss, rain, and sun. And climbing and friends. It’s a kind of parallel universe. If all roads lead here, it’s equally true that only climbers know how to truly enter it.

That said, today many entered this world despite the rain, which dominated the first half of Day 3. True to tradition, Melloblockers weren’t discouraged. After a slow start—lingering in tents, cafés, or the Village—they vanished by early afternoon as soon as the rain stopped, hunting for dry boulders. At first, it seemed impossible—harder than sending the bloc itself—but within hours, the granite dried, and fingertips began to rejoice (and suffer).

Once again, the Melloblocco tribe delivered. By mid-afternoon, crash pads dotted the landscape. And once again, the big names made their mark. Michael "The Machine" Piccolruaz impressed with 4 competition sends today, but Barbara Zangerl stunned even more, leading the pack with 5 sends. These scores are provisional, destined to shift in hours—tomorrow is the main event. The forecast is perfect, and with Friday still unfolding, not everyone has entered this magical world. Those arriving tomorrow know which road to take.