Global Sends: Bogliacino, Hammelmüller, Madere & Costanza Raise the Bar
The global climbing scene continues to heat up this fall, with standout ascents from Italy, Austria, and the United States. Lorenzo Bogliacino, Eva Hammelmüller, Maya Madere, and Melina Costanza have each made impressive sends, marking milestones in their respective careers.
🇮🇹 Lorenzo Bogliacino Ticks Lapsus (9a+) in Andonno
Italian powerhouse Lorenzo Bogliacino has climbed Lapsus (9a+) in Andonno—Italy’s first confirmed 9a+ and a benchmark route first climbed by Stefano Ghisolfi in 2015.
Fresh off a trip to Rodellar, where he sent four 9a’s and another 9a+, Bogliacino says his recent success is the product of deliberate training and renewed motivation.
“Three years later I have become a crusher. The knees — you’ve got to know how to use them too!” he joked after the send.
After recovering from a pulley injury last year, Bogliacino focused on rehabilitation with physiotherapist Filippo Oliva and spent months rebuilding strength before returning to the rock.
“I dedicated myself entirely to training, saving vacation days for the summer season. The combination of physical climbing in Rodellar and strength training gave me the balance I needed,” he explained.
His return to Lapsus came just after his autumn trip to Rodellar—this time, success came quickly:
“In three days, I finished what I had left unfinished three years ago after two long months of attempts.”
🇪🇸 Eva Hammelmüller Sends Two 8c+ Routes in Mallorca
Austrian climber Eva Hammelmüller wrapped up a powerful trip to Mallorca with sends of Odisey (8c+) and Mallorkaos L2 (8c+), alongside four more routes graded 8b+ to 8c.
“Climbing this massive line was a totally new experience for me — I had never climbed in such a steep roof before,” Hammelmüller said of Odisey. “The process of figuring out when to climb feet first and how to save energy through 360-degree turns was so much fun.”
She added that the hardest moment came near the lip:
“The dyno into a good pocket over the roof edge was nerve-wracking. I had to fight not only my forearm pump, but also my biceps and core!”
Her send of Mallorkaos L2 followed quickly after, requiring a mix of finger strength and dynamic movement on crimps, pockets, underclings, and gastons.
“I sent it surprisingly quickly on my third go. We propose 8c+, but we’ll see what others think,” she said, thanking the local community for their warm welcome.
🇺🇸 Maya Madere Sends Chocolate Jesus (8B) in Wild Basin
Team USA climber Maya Madere has sent Chocolate Jesus (8B / V13) in Wild Basin, Colorado — her first of the grade. The boulder, known for its intricate compression and precise footwork, offered the perfect challenge.
“My first of the grade and an absolute stunner,” Madere shared. “The small box crux suited me very well, but properly utilizing the large, slippery right foot on the lip was very tricky.”
Madere credited her close friend Helen Gillett for the inspiration to try the problem.
“Helen encouraged me to try it despite my hesitation. When she popped a pulley on a heartbreaking near-send, I vowed to finish it in her honor — and did so after two more sessions.”
🇺🇸 Melina Costanza Climbs Her Second V14
Rounding out a stellar season, Melina Costanza—fresh off earning her first IFSC World Championship medal—has climbed her second V14 in Utah. The American athlete continues to balance elite competition with high-end bouldering, proving her form on both plastic and stone.
🧗♀️ A Season of Momentum
From the limestone roofs of Mallorca to the granite blocs of Colorado, these ascents showcase the power of persistence and the joy of progress. Whether returning to unfinished business, battling back from injury, or celebrating personal breakthroughs, Bogliacino, Hammelmüller, Madere, and Costanza are closing 2025 with unforgettable performances — and plenty of motivation for what’s next.