Danilo Callegari's high altitude test in preparation for Africa Extreme 2015
After the first test of the 20 km swim (10.7 miles) in Lignano Sabbiadoro, which was a great success, the scenery changed: it was the spectacular glacier of Monte Rosa that provided the backdrop for Danilo in this mountaineering test that saw him cover an altitude difference from + 3,400 m to - 3,400 m in less than 24 hours.
Leaving at 11.40 p.m. on Wednesday, 29 July from Gressoney Saint Jean, he reached the Mantova Refuge at 3,498 metres above sea level at 5 a.m.. After a short stop, at around 6.15 a.m., he resumed the ascent towards the Capanna Regina Margherita, at an altitude of 4,554 metres above sea level, and then reached the Zumstein peak at 4,563 metres above sea level, at 11.15 a.m. Having reached his destination, Danilo immediately started the descent to Gressoney Saint Jean, where he arrived at 22.50.
"That went as well. I achieved my goal of ascending and descending in 24 hours, starting from Gressoney Saint Jean (1,380 m asl), without mechanical aids. I am a little tried with pains in my legs, some blisters in my feet and back pain, predictable annoyances. I had a few moments of difficulty due to sleep and fatigue accumulated over the previous days. I am, however, spiritually much more charged up. Mind, body and technical equipment responded very well to this test."
Photos: Lorenzo Franco Santin