Event organizers cancel UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup in Rabenstein (Italy) due to bad weather

The decision was made today by event organizers after they met with local government officials to assess the situation in the village after more than 2 meters of snowfall in the past few days.

Snow has blocked the road to the village and created the danger of avalanches in the area. Local organizers said the decision to cancel the event was made because they could not guarantee the safety of athletes and spectators.

UIAA Ice Climbing president Urs Stoecker said the decision to cancel the event was made in consultation with local organizers who are best positioned to assess the situation.

"This is an unprecedented situation and the safety of our athletes who attend the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup was the most important factor in making this regretful decision," said Stoecker.

The 2014 UIAA Ice Climbing World takes place in six venues. Events have already been in Cheongsong (Korea), Busteni (Romania), Saas Fee (Switzerland) and Champagny-en-Vanoise (France). The last competition in the tour after Rabenstein takes place in Ufa, Russia from 28 February - 2 March. Winners are declared at each stage of the competition and overall champions based on a cumulative point system are announced at the end of the season.