{titlu_result} The Ice Climbing World Cup season opened with a successful and adrenaline filled event in Daone, Italy between January 16 and 18. It was the first of four events on this year's World Cup calendar. 

Both the men's and women's winners in the Difficulty Lead discipline, Austria's Markus Bendler, competing under CAR license and Russia's Maria Tolokonina, proved they were a cut above their competitors.      
Finishing second and third behind Bendler in the men's event were two Swiss, Patrick Aufdenblatten and Samuel Anthamatten.

Women's Difficulty Lead

1. Maria Tolokonina,  Russia 
2. Stephanie Maureau, France
3. Lucie Hrozova, Czech Republic

Men's Difficulty Lead

1. Markus Bendler, Austria
2. Patrik Aufdenblatten, Switzerland
3. Samuel Anthamatten, Switzerland