The first competition of the Belgian Youth Cup took place on January 19th. Climbers from all over Belgium and even its neighbouring countries came to Klimax (Puurs).

Klimax in Puurs (Photo: Tom Van den Eynde)

It was the first time in the Belgian climbing history that a paraclimbing competition was organised. Cheered on by the public Pavitra Vandenhoven (female youth B) and Daphne Glazema (female youth D) both topped their qualification and final routes!

Pavitra Vandenhoven Belgian Youth Cup Klimax 2013

Daphne Glazema

Chloé Caulier and I topped out our qualification routes. I also managed to top out the final route which Chloé just missed by searching for a heelhook. I ended up 1st, Chloé 2nd and Margot Verhaeren 3rd. My friend Celine Cuypers won in female youth B!

Chloé and me reading the final route (Photo: Tom Van den Eynde)

Meeting everyone again after the winter break was really nice! The next cup will be on February 2nd in L’Escale in the south of Belgium where there will be a paraclimbing competition too.

Celine and I having fun