Although for the majority, "the third time's the charm", for the Dénia mountaineer Juan Tomás, two attempts were enough to conquer the summit of the highest point in the European Union, Mont Blanc. At the end of August, and together with his partner Pablo Miravalles, they managed to conquer the summit of what is known as Montaña Maldita in a hard day in which, luckily, the weather was favorable.
Four years ago, but with another partner, John tried the ascent to the peak, but altitude sickness played a trick and had to abandon its efforts. But this time all the conditions were favorable for it could be completed the feat, and it was.
John and Paul made the ascent of one of the most dangerous routes by avalanches suffering with a positive slope of 1.600 meters, and to avoid the problems caused by altitude sickness (headache, weakness and nausea) were taken time to complete the last 500 meters, dedicating to that stretch about two hours. In total, these two mountaineering enthusiasts dedicated 14 hours up and down the summit of Mont Blanc. Another challenge is now imposes: the ascent of the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
This ascent was the reward for months of training, mountain races and tests "that give you the energy." And, three weeks before the climb, they participated in the Benasque marathon, one of the toughest on the calendar.
But you don't have to go that far to train. John admits that the Montgo It is a perfect mountain to run for being stony and very technical at the top. That's why he spends a lot of the free time left by his job - he's an adventure sports guide - in The Vell Montgó.
