Career Highlights

I have qualifications that few have: national instructor of mountain guides, helicopter rescue technician and national instructor of mountain rescue.

    Interview

    • Climbing

      When and how did you get into climbing and what kept you interested / fascinated in the sport?

      I started climbing at 10 years old in the gym and then immediately after outside, first doing bouldering and then lead, mountaineering, multipitch etc. I was always motivated by being able to see new places and then turn this passion into a job.

      Who was your childhood hero and do you consider yourself a role model now? Does it influence you at all that other people look up to you?

      I didn't have a hero growing up. I could be considered a role model when it comes to perseverance in achieving one's goals. It doesn't affect me negatively and I hope I can be an example to some young people.

      What were the most important milestones in your life so far, both in climbing and in everyday life? Did you immediately recognize them as such or only later on?

      My main achievements have been related to my work as a guide and rescuer. Passing the exams to become a national instructor in both areas were significant achievements that required a great deal of commitment and extremely high technical and teaching skills. As a guide, I enjoy climbing, even challenging climbs, and traveling the world.

      What were your greatest failures / setbacks / injuries? How did you cope with them and how did you come back from them?

      My business underwent some changes when I broke my leg and a vertebra, and my son was born. With motivation, commitment, and the help of loved ones, little by little, everything can be overcome.

      What is you favorite climbing related story / experience?

      Patrick Berhault and his companions' crossing of the Alps in 2000 was something crazy and visionary.

    • Training

      Do you have a strict training schedule for when and how you train throughout the year?

      No, I adapt my activity based on the season. In any case, I try to keep everything at a minimum level.

      What do you think of indoor climbing gyms in relation to climbing on actual rock?

      Gyms have forever changed the face of this activity, popularizing a discipline previously reserved for a select few. Like all activities, there are pros and cons, but I'm absolutely in favor.

      What advice can you give to somebody looking to improve their training routine?

      Be followed by a qualified trainer especially for the indoor part.

      Are you able to do a one-arm pull-up? How about a single finger?

      One arm yes, one finger no

      How much of the success as a pro climber is due to show and how much due to actual climbing skill?

      Today we must be careful not to be influenced too much by social media, there are excellent athletes who are not known because they have a low profile and others who are not very good but instead seem to be top level.

    • Psychology

      Is it possible for anybody to eventually perform a one-armed pull-up or get to the top of the Eiger/Matterhorn, or do you really have to be born for it?

      With hard work it is possible for everyone, those who believe in it of course.

      How important is it to set goals in professional sports? What are your goals / targets you are working towards in climbing and in life?

      It's important to set ambitious and meaningful goals for yourself. Sometimes goals need to become an obsession, especially at a young age, so you can achieve results when your body is at its peak. Today, however, I believe it's more important for me to balance sports with travel and other cultures.

      How to you deal with extremely hard climbing problems? Do you ever get frustrated and give up on them or do they motivate you even more?

      It happens that you feel frustrated if you don't reach your goal, but today you want everything immediately, while instead with dedication and patience and time, taking small steps it is more likely to achieve the result.

    • Future of rock climbing

      Is there anything you would like to change about the current developments in climbing?

      Yes, don't hang out too much in trendy spots with incredible crowds but go to new places, maybe with a drill, and open your own line.

      Where do you see the sport going in the next years, what will change and what is your role going to be in it?

      In the coming years, at least in Italy, I believe the issue of rebolting and maintaining cliffs will arise, and I hope that municipalities will understand the problem and intervene financially. For my part, I can continue to raise awareness among both municipalities and climbers.