THE PEAK!!!

Max and Lauren have done it! They have reached the peak of the Monte Bianco! At 3:15pm Italian time, August 2 the news arrived: " We just returned to the shelter at Cosmiques, we are tired but we are well." After 12 hours of climbing they accomplished their dream and are happy. Oscar and I, with tears of delight in our eyes, embraced each other after hearing their success. As we had decided they did not call us until they had arrived at the end: the essence of this wonderful mountain does not deserve to be contaminated by cellular phones. We endured the wait and it was worth it.

You are great, guys! Enjoy your deserved rest and the satisfaction of having reached your dream, you earned it! In a little we will share all the details of the climb.

THE WAITING CONTINUES

No news from Valle d'Aosta. The uncertain weather will not allow them to ascend Monte Bianco. Lauren and Max hope the weather changes, perhaps on Thursday, and in the mean time continue to hike in the forest, and collect mushrooms and wild fruit. The mountains in summer are always full of generous surprises, with flourishing meadows of delightful food. We wish our kids luck in realizing their dream, for now they must just wait and hope. Good luck, we are all with you!

WAITING

Lauren and Max, after much training, are waiting to leave for their adventure: to climb to the top of the Monte Bianco. It is a dream they have had for months and have gotten ready for with much enthusiasm. Unfortunately the weather conditions these days are not favorable: to face this challenge the weather conditions must be perfect, because as you climb to higher altitudes, a small problem can become a great drama. The recent misfortune of a Dutch family teaches us the importance of treating the highest mountain in Europe, like every other peak, with respect and intelligence. With our kids there will be their friend, Loris, who is sporty and very attentive, and a guide who will lead them with experience. We are here waiting for news from Valle d'Aosta......

FIRST STEPS

New Frontier has just began its route and has already begun to grow. Everyday friends, well-known supporters and strangers, fascinated with athletics and adventure, and also non-athletic normal people, send their support by e-mail and direct contact for all that will happen between October and November. The enthusiasm of everyone that is accompanying us in this fantastic project makes it worth all the labor and brings us much satisfaction. A heartfelt thanks also from Fabio for the support you offer him. New Frontier came to life under a beautiful star and we are very proud of it.

NEW FRONTIER IS BORN!

It is official: New Frontier, the first mini marathon for the disabled will happen!! Milan, a city with a big heart, will host the first annual walk specifically for people with all degrees of disabilities, together with their friends, sponsors and supporters, who want to make the public aware of the problems faced by handicapped individuals. There is a 5 kilometer course through the city, to bring a message of hope and this will accompany the departure of Fabio and I for our new adventure in the desert. We will great all the participants from a big screen projection that is prepared to directly follow our departure, uniting the enthusiasm and the desire to demonstrate that all dreams, also those that seems impossible can be achieved. We are waiting for the numbers for October, and in a short while will announce the precise dates.
A heart-felt thanks to Comune di Milano, in particular to the Counselor of Health, Dr. Landi di Chiavenna, for the support and for believing in the project, who's proceeds will go to support charities for the disabled youth participating in sports.

Grand Trail Valdigne

A beautiful race was held Saturday the 12th in Valle d'Aosta. Seven hundred competitors raced in some of the most beautiful areas in two groups, one course was 47 kilometers and the other 87 km, reaching an altitude of almost 3000 meters. The winner, an Italian, completed the race in 10 hours and 19 minutes, while the last finisher arrived to Dolonne after 25 hours. The first woman, an Argentinian finished 25th overall and all were absolutely fantastic. The aspect that is the most striking is the extreme simplicity and modesty of the men and women that trained a long time to have the endurance to carry through with this mentally and physically hard competition, not for fame and without earning anything more than a t-shirt and personal satisfaction. If we think about the soccer players fame and accolades, we realize how far they are from the real values of sports.

Common Challenges

Fabio and I are working hard on a big challenge. In a little while we will meet with the technicians that must prepare our materials to take in the desert, in particulate the backpacks and the tent that are fundamental for our success in the desert.
Just when they will be ready, begins the test to find out if they work and to see the respective weight. In the next weekends I will begin hiking in the mountains with Max and Lauren: they are preparing to for Monte Bianco and me for the Sahara. It is beautiful to have a athletic project in common, and to train with my son and with his girlfriend. It is a fantastic experience that I wish for every parent.