Boulder World Cup in South Tyrol: The premiere is supposed to be this spectacular

The short lead time poses major challenges for the organizers. Ralf Preindl and Günther Meraner from AVS tell us what they are.

S+: Moscow was no longer an option as a venue from one day to the next. Brixen has applied as an alternative location. How realistic was the chance of winning the contract?

Günther Meraner: “We knew that we could offer perfect conditions as a location. The bouldering facility in Brixen is known beyond the borders and is one of the best in the climbing scene. The gate can be opened for competitions so that the audience has a perfect view of the competition from the stands. We already had the contract for the European Cup, which took place at the beginning of May, in our pockets. There weren’t many applicants who would have been able to organize such an event in such a short time.”

What were the first organizational steps?

Ralf Preindl: “First and foremost, we had to raise funds, which we received thanks to the public sector and long-standing private supporters. It was fortunate that we were able to rely on an experienced vertical team as well as Alexandra Ladurner, herself a former competitive athlete. There are also around 150 volunteers on duty. The competition area in Brixen also needs to be prepared for an event of this magnitude. The European Cup at the beginning of May could be used as an ideal dress rehearsal.”

<a data-caption="Ralf Preindl und Günther Meraner (von links) vom Boulder-Weltcup-OK-Team vor dem Kletterzentrum Vertikale in Brixen (im Hintergrund)." data-fancybox="inline-114050" target="_image" href="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x1280/img/2022/05/ralf-preindl-und-guenther-meraner-von-links-vom-boulder-weltcup-ok-team-vor-dem-kletterzentrum-vertikale-in-brixen-im-hintergrund.jpg"> Ralf Preindl and Günther Meraner (from left) from the Boulder World Cup OK team in front of the Vertikale climbing center in Brixen (in the background).

Was it a successful event?

Meraner: “Yes, the European Cup was a sports festival. A lot of spectators watched the competitions live and were thrilled - there was a lot of excitement, emotions and sportsmanship. You have to keep in mind that the majority of European Cup athletes do not have permission to start at the World Cup. This shows how narrow and elite the field is in sport climbing and how high the level will be that we will experience in Brixen from June 8th to 12th.”

For the first time, South Tyrol has a bouldering world cup on its doorstep. How big an audience does the AVS expect?

Preindl: “The AVS organizes the event together with the international climbing association IFSC, as a World Cup event requires much more organization than a European Cup. We are building an additional grandstand at the beginning of June and are expecting around 2000 spectators. We are convinced that it will be an absolute highlight - with a lot of atmosphere, supporting program, party and of course top sporting performances. The event will also help to further increase interest in sport climbing in South Tyrol. Climbing is rooted in South Tyrol and has a long tradition and history - so this event takes place in the right setting. Not only climbing fans, but also other people will realize how exciting a bouldering competition can be. Local hero Michael Piccolruaz, who is a role model for many young climbers in South Tyrol, will also be on the wall.”

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Boulder World Cup in South Tyrol: The premiere is supposed to be this spectacular

2 months ago, the AVS Südtirol found out that a stage of the Climbing World Cup would be held from June 8th to 12th in the Brixen Vertical Climbing Center.

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