Melloblocco day 2: Allez, it's a jug!

"Allez, it's a jug! Venga! You got this!" Encouragement, in all its varied forms, echoed across the valley today as boulders were attempted, studied, courted, retried and, sometimes, finally sent! Today was Day 2 of Melloblocco 2025, and those who had spent the night in tents under the rain were rewarded not only with a "crisp" morning but also with a breathtaking view: blue skies and snow-capped mountains — distant yet close enough to touch, rising above the chilly valley floor and the swollen river signaling the arrival of spring.

After breakfast, pastries, coffee, and the inevitable "Ah, let’s grab another one," climbers scattered left and right, up into the forest, down toward to flower-strewn meadows—seeking everything and nothing all at once. It was, and is, a ritual repeated for years: the never-ending search for performance and pure fun, harmony with nature amid a crowd of kindred spirits. Quick hugs with old friends, long conversations, spotting climbers just met sharing the same crash pad. They’re told, with absolute conviction, that the next hold is a jug… even when it’s not. The key is believe it is. And being here at Melloblocco. That’s the magic of this event.

Some of the "big names" worked their magic todat. James Pearson’s ascent in the blistering sun of Cristallica comes to mind, as does Silvio Reffo’s rain-soaked ascent of the same bloc. Trusting chief route-setter Matteo De Zaiacomo’s beta, Reffo lunged for the jug, For the record, it was nothing more than a small crimp. But hey, for Reffo, almost every hold is a jug. The same goes for Barbara Zangerl, whose sends here today proved exactly why she crushed her first 9a+ last week. She’s among the world’s best, regardless of gender, and having her in the valley feels like a royal gift. The same goes for Solenne Piret here at her first Melloblocco — watching her climb without a forearm leaves you utterly speechless.

As mentioned, the day began brightly, with snowy peaks standing out against blue skies. But by early afternoon, clouds rolled in, bringing rain again. Until then though conditions were perfect, the valley buzzing with just the right level of excitement. Then rain stopped play and everyone retreated to campers, tents, or the Village. To eat, play, and… keep talking about those crimps that definitely weren’t jugs!