Italian Marco Zanone succeeds in the famous Val Bavona route Coup de Grâce (9a). On LACRUX Marco publishes the story around the ascent of the Dave Graham route.
“In 2016 I tried to climb the route for the first time. I was still struggling with a finger injury and considered planning the route more like training. In addition, I was able to rehearse the route in the hope of being able to score points after my recovery, ”Marco explains to LACRUX.
In October 2017 drove Marco together with his brother several times Val Bavona and worked on the route. While Marco made steady progress in the route, but she could not score, his brother succeeded Andrea Zanone on the 22. October 2017 the red dot ascension (LACRUX reported).
Bad conditions in the year 2018
Even in the year 2018 Marco took the route in attack, but he was denied boarding. “I fell several times after the roof passage. The route was also mostly wet, which is why I often couldn't make a serious attempt. " He found better conditions in the areas of Céüse, La Saume and Zillertal, where he spent some time of the year 2018.
The year 2019 started better. After this FRAME the routes A Muerte (8c+), La Ley Innata (8c+) and L'odi Social (8c+) in Spain He was prepared to return to the Val Bavona and attack Coup de Grâce. On the second day everything came together, he clipped the diverter of the route.
"Only a few times in my life have I felt as overwhelmed as after the ascent of Cou de Grace."
Coup de Grâce was first acquired by American Dave Graham in the year 2005 and quickly developed into a popular 9a route in the Val Bavona.
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Credits: Marco Zanone