In recent years, Bressanone has earned a reputation as a town in which the theme of “mountains” plays a central role through various initiatives. The Boulder World Cup fits seamlessly into this – which is somewhat surprising considering that in the beginning of June 2022 this major event took place in the Cathedral city more or less as an accident. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Moscow stage was cancelled and given to Bressanone at short notice. Thanks to the perfect organisation of the premier, the South Tyrolean stage could even become a fix point in the international calendar in the medium term. This is likely to be one of the longer goals of the team surrounding Ralf Preindl and Alexandra Ladurner, which has put a great deal of effort into the preparations for the Boulder World Cup 2023.
“Last year, everything had to happen in quick succession, after all, we only received the final confirmation for the World Cup in March. After that, the entire organisation had to be in place in just two months. This year we had much more lead time in this respect, which of course helps us immensely in planning this big event. Preparations are progressing quickly and we are looking forward to the second edition of the Boulder World Cup in the Vertikale in Bressanone. This anticipation can already be felt in the city itself when we talk to people,” Ralf Preindl, President of the organising committee, commented.
Stars close enough to touch in Bressanone
For all fans of climbing – a sport that traditionally has many followers in South Tyrol – the second weekend in June offers the chance to join in with the champions as they perform daring moves and acrobatic feats. “Of course we hope to welcome the strong Japanese climbers Yoshiyuki Ogata, Tomoa Narasaki or Kokoro Fujii in Bressanone as well as crowd favourite and last year’s winner Yannick Flohé from Germany or impressive Mejdi Schalck from France. Among the women, last year’s winner Natalia Grossmann (USA) excited our fans. We hope she will participate, as well as her compatriot Brooke Raboutou, Miho Nonaka from Japan or Oriane Bertone from France,” Alexandra Ladurner, who for many years had been one Italy’s strongest climbers, explained.
Of the local climbers, Filip Schenk is almost certainly in the mix. The athlete from Val Gardena caused a stir at the European Championships in Munich last August, where he shone with strong performances and counted fifth place in bouldering among his achievements. With his compatriot Michael Piccolruaz, a second South Tyrolean climber could be at the start of the home World Cup in June, which would make local fans particularly happy. Camilla Moroni and Giorgia Tesio are likely to excel in the women’s competition. Other members of the Italian team fighting for important World Cup points in Bressanone should be announced in the next few weeks.
Colourful supporting programme – ticket sales are open
At the sixth stage of the 2023 World Cup, which will start on 21 April in Hachioji, Japan, the Bressanone organisers are not only relying on top sporting performances, but also on a colourful supporting programme. Well-known Austrian singer-songwriter Hubert von Goisern will give an open-air concert in the Vertikale on Friday, 2 June and thus one week before the big showdown. On Thursday, 8 June, a film evening will be organised in the Vertikale, with free admission and, in keeping with the theme, a mountain film will be shown. After the qualifying rounds on Friday evening (9 June), the live band “Spremuta” will ensure a party atmosphere, while on Saturday, 10 June “Shanty Powa” and a DJ will bring the Vertikale to life.
Tickets for the Boulder World Cup in Bressanone, as well as the concert by Hubert von Goisern, are already available on the official website of the event at https://climbingfestival-brixen.it/en/tickets/.
