Sean McCall - 21 years old [CANADA]
3 competition problems sent
" I'm on a four-month trip in Europe and I plan to participate in as many events as possible, (World Cups, Roc Trips, climbing festivals, etc.) I naturally chose to come here after the World Cup in Hall with my friends. It's my first time and Whoa ! There are so many boulders to climb!!! I'm staying around for a full week afterwards. I really like the after-climbing scene with the movies, parties and music."



Sean fighting his way up "Magic Bus" 8a+


Daniel Woods - 19 years old [USA]
2 competition problems sent
" This is my second time attending this event. After the World Cup In Hall last week, it's really cool to be here, taking part in this gathering with climbers of all levels. The competition aspect is managed in a mellow atmosphere with no pressure. It's a great opportunity to see old friends, meet new people and share the spirit of climbing. It’s the 'Woodstock of climbing!' "

                                                                                  Daniel Woods


Jorg Verhoeven - 23 years old [NEDERLANDS]
1 competition problem sent
" It's my first time in the valley. It's really beautiful here and there are so many things to climb. It's hard for me to stay concentrated on the boulders with all these big walls and high mountains around – I like the feeling. Even with a lot of people, being here is not just about climbing. I'm really motivated to come again later for more action."

                                                                                  Jorg Verhoeven


Enzo Oddo - 14 years old [FRANCE]
1 competition problem sent (but alas, no judge was present)
" It's really new for me to take part in a bouldering festival. I'm not a competition climber and most of all and I had never bouldered on granite before… I've been a few times to Fontainebleau where the climbing is maybe a little less reachy. I mostly climb limestone routes. It's a challenge for me to adapt to climbing on granite. I would love to come again next fall for more climbing. Melloblocco was a good experience for me to meet the other climbers of the team."

                                                                                  Enzo Oddo

                                                                 Enzo Oddo on one "prized problem"


The Tifosi - 22 years old [ITALY]
Volonteer spotter for the women's problems
" I missed the soccer stadium exit on the highway in Milano, I don't know how, but I ended up here… It's nice to be able to speak directly to the players, without needing a special 'All Access' pass. Incredible, the game lasted for three days instead of 90 minutes. That's a long time… "




The Rooster - 18 months old [ITALY]
No competition problems sent
" The hens and I had a great time watching all the climbers shred their tips on the Magic Bus boulder. It's cool – we live in the shack right next to it and all this great action is happening just outside our door. Now that Melloblocco is over, our life is going to be pretty boring... We can't wait for next year!"



The Crimp - 5000000 years old [ITALY]
Part of a competition problem
" Even under torture we were unable to obtain an answer… We just guessed she enjoyed getting groped all day long..."


Photos - Lafouche