1

INTRODUCTION

The “Mezzalama Trophy" is a ski-mountaineering race run with classical skiing equipment. It is an international event where participants start lined up and it is open to teams consisting of three athletes joined by rope.  The maximum number of teams admitted shall be decided irrevocably by the competition Board according to mountain conditions. The race is overseen by FISI (Italian Winter Sports Federation) over a route at high altitudes, which at certain points are above 4.000 metres and, therefore, with difficulties of a mountaineering nature. On the basis of these characteristics, participation in the Mezzalama Trophy involves: - a good knowledge of the terrain at high altitudes and the dangers of the environment and the ability to control any unforeseen circumstances; - a thorough physical and psychological preparation, team spirit and solidarity, unconditional acceptance of the following regulations and the decisions taken by the Event’s Board.

 

2	GENERAL RULES

 

2.1

Conditions for participation

Participation in the Mezzalama Trophy is open to teams composed of 3 athletes (reserve optional) who are regularly enrolled with a skiing association in their country. The athlete shall have a proper medical certificate stating his/her fitness to practise sport for the season underway and shall be at least 21 years old at the time of the race. The team leader shall present and sign, under his/her liability, a ski-mountaineering resumé and a short mountaineering resumé of each team  member, certifying their thorough knowledge of high altitudes. The name given to the team shall refer to the Skiing Club or Sports Association the team belongs to. In no cases will invented names be accepted.

 

2.2

Registration

The registration fee is € 600.00 for each team admitted and, in addition to safety and assistance during the event, includes a competition pack, one day’s half-board, bus shuttle between Gressoney-La-Trinité and Breuil-Cervinia, lunch on the day of the competition and snack at arrival area for every athlete.   The registration fee for teams not intending to take advantage of half-board in the hotel is € 540.00. Athletes have to present their registration to the Trophy’s Organizing Committee which, after having examined each team member’s requisites, shall confirm participation further to medical certification of fitness. Those who have achieved best results in the most prestigious specialist events will have precedence. By registering, all athletes exonerate the organizers from all liability regarding damage to persons or things that may occur before, during or after the event or in relation to the event. Registration must be done exclusively through the web site www.trofeomezzalama.it   Information: Fondazione Trofeo Mezzalama – Frachey, 11020  Ayas  AO Tel. +39-3485252973 Fax. +39-0125307078 E-mail:  mezzalama@trofeomezzalama.it Advance registration: From the 6th  December 2010 to the 28th February 2011 Confirmations and payment of registration fee:   From the 1st to the 31st March 2011   Teams who do not pay the fee within 31st March 2011 will be automatically eliminated without any notice from the organisers.

 

2.3

Hospitality

The organization will provide a day’s half-board (evening meal-overnight stay-breakfast) for each athlete registered, excluding any reserve athletes. If the race should be delayed owing to adverse weather conditions or force majeure causes, the second night will be at the expense of the athletes and the Foundation will agree a special price. Athletes who require hotel accommodation shall indicate this clearly on the enrolment form. The Foundation will not pay for any rooms booked directly by the athletes or those accompanying them.

 

2.4	Categories
	Female teams (single category) Male teams (single category)   Mixed teams fall into the male category.

 

2.5	Results
	The overall results and the female results will be published

 

2.6	Prizes
	A participation prize is envisaged for all athletes. Overall Male Results 1st € 4,500 + gold medal 2nd € 3,000 + silver medal 3rd € 2,250 + bronze medal 4th € 1,500 5th € 750    Overall Female Results 1st € 4,500 + gold medal 2nd € 3,000 + silver medal 3rd € 2.250 + bronze medal Numerous prizes in kind will also be drawn.

 

2.7

Description of route

Breuil Cervinia 2,020 m. start Breithorn Peak 3,826 m. 1st hourly check Verra Pass 3,848 m. Check Castore 4,226 m. Check Felik Peak 4,068 m. Check Felik Glacier 3,720 m. 2nd hourly check Lyskamm Ridge Pass 4,100 m. Check Città di Mantova Hut 3,500 m. Check Endre Alp 2,609 m. Check Gabiet Alp 2,342 m. Check Gressoney La Trinité 1,637 m. Finish   Overall approximate distance   45 km.   Altitude differences uphill 2,862 m.   downhill 3,145 m.   The route covered by the race may undergo variations during the competition according to the environmental conditions. The decision will be made irrevocably by the Event’s Board. The track will be fully marked with coloured poles: the stretches to be covered on foot, with ropes or on crampons, as given in point 3.2, will be properly indicated by the judges. It is mandatory to follow the signs on the route and all indications by the Event’s Board entirely, upon pain of disqualification. For teams forced to withdraw or beyond maximum time, two routes for returning downhill will be marked out in addition to the return via the Breithorn Peak on Breuil Cervinia along the skiing pistes: 1 - Verra Pass (return to Valle d'Ayas) - Guide della Val d'Ayas Hut (3,425 m.)- Mezzalama Hut (3,036 m.)- Pian di Verra Sup. (2,380 m.) - Saint Jacques (1,689 m.) 2 - Felik Glacier (3,720 m.) (return to Gressoney Valley)- Quintino Sella Hut (3,585 m.) - Bettolina Pass (2,905 m.) - Bettaforca Peak (2,672 m.) - Stafal (1,825 m.)

 

2.8

Equipment

Personal and team materials will be checked on arrival  at Gressoney La Trinité and at any time during the race if the judges feel it is necessary. During the race, replacement of equipment is allowed only in the event of ascertained rupture. Such ascertainment is to be made by the nearest control station. All irregularities noted will signify immediate disqualification of the team. If there are any doubts as to the material, the athletes can have it checked and stamped on 29 April on team arrival.

 

2.9

Obligatory individual equipment

- a pair of skis with metallic edges along their entire length, and a minimum width of at least 60 mm under the boot; ski length must be at least 160cm for men and 150cm for women or in proportion to their height. The declared length of the manufacturer is taken as valid. - bindings: possibility to block the boot during descent and have front and lateral safety release; may or may not be equipped with security straps; - a pair of alpine or cross-country ski poles (carbon or other material) with maximum diameter of 25 mm and non-metallic baskets; - a pair of removable anti-slipping skins. When not applied to the skis, they must be put away in the rucksack or ski suit. Use of adhesive tape or an equivalent system to enhance gliding is strictly forbidden for environmental reasons; - boots covering the ankles; they must have good thermal quality and allow rapid and safe attachment of crampons. Notched soles in Vibram or equivalent covering at least 75% of the boot surface with minimum depth of the notches of 4 mm. 1 cm2 per notch and with at least 2 buckles. Cross-country ski boots and bindings are strictly forbidden; - a pair of metallic crampons (UIAA standard 153) with at least 10 spikes, of which two are frontal spikes, minimum length 3 cm, without any modifications, adjusted to fit the competitor's boots and with safety straps; - an avalanche transceiver, also called ARVA, set to the international frequency of 457 kHz. Each competitor must wear this apparatus against the body, under all clothing in transmitting mode. This device must never be visible; - a harness (UIAA standard 105). Homemade harness are not accepted; - a rucksack with ski straps and sufficient capacity to hold all the equipment. Minimum capacity 20 litres; - clothes for lower part of body: two layers. A pair of trousers or ski-suit in competitor’s size and a pair of wind-proof trousers in same size; - clothes for upper part of body: three layers with long sleeves in competitor’s size, one of which has to be wind-proof; - a pair of gloves covering the whole hand up to the wrist and worn throughout the duration of the race; - a second pair of gloves or over-gloves; - UV-protection sunglasses; - 2 connectors with type K automatic locking devices (Klettersteige) (UIAA standard 121); - a survival blanket of minimum 1.00 x 1.80 meters; - a helmet compliant with UIAA 106 standard. It must be worn (strapped under the chin) for the entire race; - 1 "Via Ferrata” certified lanyard with energy absorbing system (UIAA standard 128); - a snow shovel minimum 0.2 m x 0.2 m UIAA approved without any modifications subsequent to manufacture. The term "snow shovel" is defined by the manufacturer; - a snow probe of minimum length 2.40 m and minimum diameter 10 mm, without any modifications subsequent to manufacture. The term "snow probe" is defined by the manufacturer;

 

2.10	Obligatory team equipment
	- a dynamic rope (UIAA standard 101), 8 mm diameter, length 20 m. Elastic supports are not allowed; - 1 spare pair of sunglasses; - 1 ice-axe min height 45 cm. compliant with UIAA standard 152.

 

2.11	Cancellation Should adverse weather conditions not permit the race to take place on the established day or on that foreseen as an alternative, registration fees will NOT be reimbursed
3	BEHAVIOUR DURING RACE

 

3.1	Start
	Start lined up. The teams shall come to the starting line before sunrise. According to the number of teams registered, phased starts may be organized. Athletes shall go to the start line at least an hour before start to have their equipment checked. In this phase the A.R.V.A. device shall be turned on and worn in contact with the body.

 

3.2

Route

From start at Breuil Cervinia to the Breithorn Peak participants can proceed individually, as from the foot of the Lyskamm Ridge (providing favourable glacier conditions prevail) or from the Città di Mantova Hut to finish (Gressoney La Trinité). From the Breithorn Peak participants must proceed roped together to the eastern base of the Lyskamm Ridge or to the Città di Mantova Hut in the event of adverse glacier conditions. From the Verra Pass to the Castore Summit to the Felik Peak and from the foot of the Lyskamm Ridge to the base of its eastern face the teams must proceed with crampons, as in all other situations indicated by the Event’s Board. Before reaching Gressoney a final grouping of members of each team is envisaged as each team shall have to reach the finish as a joint unit.

 

3.3

Controls

The teams shall proceed and present themselves at the control stations as a joint unit. Breast badges must be fully visible. At every control station there will be a medical check and the medical team may decide to forbid continuation of the race by athletes who show clear and serious signs of fatigue or other ailments. Maximum time control at the Breithorn Peak is 2.30 hours from start (2.45 hours for female and mixed teams). Teams who are outside this time may not proceed and shall have to return to Breuil Cervinia. Maximum time control at the Felik Glacier is 5.30 hours from start (5.45 hours for female and mixed teams). Teams who are outside this team shall have to abandon the race and return to the Q.Sella Hut. From here they will be accompanied downhill by ski patrol aid.

 

3.4	Abandoning the race
	In the event of being forced to abandon the race, teams shall have to pass through the closest control station and give notice: they will then be handed over to the ski patrol aid. If 1 or 2 team members should be obliged to withdraw, the remaining members are absolutely forbidden to continue the race, even outside the classification.

 

3.5	Accidents
	In the event of an accident warn the closest control station or Ski Patrol block on the track.

 

3.6	Complaints
	These shall be made in writing to the jury 15 min. after the team has reached the finishing line, with just cause, and accompanied by the sum of €50.00. All decisions taken by the Jury will be irrevocable.

 

3.7	Disqualification
	Loss of crampons or any other behaviour that compromises the safety of the group or the other competitors in the race will lead to immediate disqualification.  Rubbish left along the track: 3 minutes penalty. For all aspects not covered by this regulation reference shall be made to the National and International Regulations.

 

3.8	Supplies and external aid
	No type of technical assistance is allowed to athletes. External supplies are admitted in the designated areas for official controls
3.9	Doping
	Doping is strictly prohibited. Control procedures and sanctions correspond to recommendations from IOC, WADA, the ISMF antidoping committee and the ISMF disciplinary committee. The official list of prohibited substances is that established by WADA.

 

XVIII Mezzalama Trophy – 30^th April 2011 (or 1^st  May)

Event sponsored by the Tourist Department of the Autonomous Region of the Valle d’Aosta

 

 

 

REGULATIONS