The 3rd EYC of 2012 took place in Voiron (France). We were only with 5 climbers from Belgium because this competition was just in the period of exams. After a fluent journey by car we arrived at the hotel with a nice view on a park and on rocks. When the coaches returned from the registration we all received a big bag with posters, a drink, … A great welcome!

Qualifications

On Saturday the qualifications went well and I could top the first route. I also topped the second route and I was very happy to be in the finals! I found the qualification routes difficult, but I liked them.

Maëlys Gillart (female youth B) climbed fantastic! Unfortunately she became just 11^th. Koen Baekelandt (male youth A) who started this year with national and international competitions, became 29^th.

Celine Cuypers (female youth B) and Loïc Timmermans (male youth A) were both qualified for the finals.

Finals

The finals were at the same day. The first move of the final route looked a bit strange and I was happy that I managed to do it. I fell two moves before the top and I was very pumped. I am really thankful that I could win! Tereza Svobodova (CZE) became 2^nd and Jessica Pilz (AUT) 3^rd.

Celine climbed well and found a no-hands rest with a knee bar! Unfortunately she fell too early and became 10^th. Still well done!

Loïc climbed the highest together with Geoffray De Flaugergues (FRA). He became 2^nd because of the new European rule of time.

It was a great competition with a fantastic atmosphere. The French speaker Christopher Hardy said funny things and you could understand his English very well.

I was really happy that I could go to France because it is such a nice country. It was also super that I met so many friendly girls from other countries again.

Photo: Climb2Climb