Sportroccia
Sportroccia was the very first international competition for rock climbing. Four annual Sportroccia editions were held in 1985, 1986, 1988, and 1989, in the village of Bardonecchia in Arco, Italy. History. The first edition of Sportroccia was organized in 1985 on the initiative of Andrea Mellano, a strong climber of the '60s and a member of the Italian Academic Alpine Club, and the journalist and writer Emmanuel Cassara. The jury was composed of Riccardo Cassin, Oscar Soravito, Maurizio Zanolla and Heinz Mariacher. The competition was contested on the Parete dei Militi (Wall of the Soldiers) in Valle Stretta, near  Bardonecchia. The fact that the races were held on the rock and not on artificial walls put the organizers in the vanguard of several issues that eventually led to moving climbing competitions to artificial walls only. Editions. Sportroccia 85. The competition was held from July 5 to 7. Best Italian (men): Roberto Bassi (7th), Andrea Gallo (8th). Sportroccia 86. The competition was held from July 11 to 13. Only Patrick Edlinger finished the final climb, which was named "Caduta degli dei", 7c+ ("Damned"). Best Italian: Roberto Bassi (men) (10th) and Rosanna Manfrini (women). Sportroccia 88. The competition was held from  July 15 to 17. Sportroccia 89. The competition was held from July 14 to 16. The 1989 edition of Sportroccia also represents the third stage of the Lead Climbing World Cup, 1989. Best Italian: Nicola Sartori (men) (4th).