Arco Rock Masters 2010

The town of Arco in the Sarca Valley, Italy has just been host to the 2010 IFSC Rock Master World Championships. Founded in 1987 the Rock Masters has enjoyed 22 years of uninterrupted climbing competition, and has since its existence been considered ‘ahead of its time,' as far as climbing competitions go.

The Rock Masters saw one of the first ever artificial walls built and in 2000 Arco Town Council spent over half a million Euro's re-developing the wall. The competition has come a long way since its inaugural event now 23 years ago, from humble beginnings climbing the Rupe del Castello wall on real rock, to the insitu competition wall where media coverage from the event now spreads across the globe.

It's not just the wall that's seen re-development over the years, the nature of the competition has also changed, what was once an invitation only event where 16 of the world's best climbers fought it out, now sees entries from anyone prepared to pay the competition fee.

The increased number of climbers entered in to the event creates not only more for the spectator to view, but also seems to add something to the atmosphere of the competition, perhaps it's the searing 35 degree heat - having seen the competition moved from September to July - or something in the Italian psyche that extracts high drama from competitors, not only is the climbing hotter than ever, so are the tempers of those involved, with so much at stake and a competition with pedigree heritage it's perhaps understandable.

Five competitions now take place as part of the Rock Masters; lead, bouldering, speed, duel, and team speed.

Melisse Le Neve in action 

The main wall during day 1, lead qualifying session.

Chris Sharma... during his under-par performance in the semi final.

Alizee Dufraisse practising the moves... Alizee is the RockMaster boulder comp winner from 2009. This year she decided to concentrate on the lead competition.

The speed climbing competition.

Gaz Parry finished the competition in 26th position. 

RockMaster Anna Stohr, 4 time RockMaster boulder competition winner... In 2010 she was head to head against strong Olga Shalagina and Akiyo Noguchi. 

Natalija Gros executing impressive moves on block no.4 during the semi-final.

Olga Bibik in the final.

RockMaster Anna Stohr, celebrates on top of bloc no.4 in the women's final.

Akiyo Naguchi in the awards ceremony.

Ondra receives the SalewaRockAward for his impressive achievements and ability to interpret climbing as one great adventure.

The LaSportiva Competition Award went to Akiyo Noguchi for her victories and positive competition spririt. Akiyo is the Boulder World Cup winner from 2009.

All Images - Lukasz Warzecha LW Images