The first EYC 2012 was held in Edinburgh (Scotland). I am now climbing in youth A (age group 16-17).
The qualifications went well, although I climbed too slow in the first route and I had a time-out. The second route was in the overhang. I could top out and I liked it very much.
Chloé Caulier climbed really strong! She topped the first route, but unfortunately she also had a time-out. She topped the second route too! Julia Chanourdie topped both routes.
Celine Cuypers (youth B, 14-15 years old) climbed fantastic in her first international competition. She topped both qualification routes!
Celine Cuypers (Photo: Yves Guérit)
There were 5 climbers from Belgium in the finals: Sébastien Berthe, Loïc Timmermans, Chloé Caulier, Celine Cuypers and me.
My final route was again in the overhang and it was really great. In the middle I did not see a foothold, but I managed to pass. I touched the final hold and won the competition. I am happy and thankfull! Salomé Romain (FRA) became 2nd and Julia Chanourdie (FRA) 3rd.
In my final route (Photo: Denis Timmermans)
Chloé Caulier climbed very well! She climbed as high as the 4th, but because of the new European rule of time she became 5th. Celine Cuypers became 3rd, which is really amazing! Loïc Timmermans became 3rd in the male youth A and Sébastien Berthe became 7th in juniors male.
Chloé Caulier (Photo: Denis Timmermans)
It was a great competition! In the Belgian team we were with 18 climbers. Afterwards we went walking in the Scottish Highlands which was really nice!
Belgian Team (Photo: Yves Guérit)