The BMC YCS.
what the heck is that?
well for young climbers around the UK it is the largest climbing competition of it type. The competition runs in a regional format to start with 2 rounds held in south wales, the winners of these rounds go through to a welsh final, with the top climbers then headed over for the big UK final to battle it out with young climbers from all over the UK.
This year the 1st round was held in Cardiff at Boulders climbing centre, and it was a fantastic day with climbers from all over south wales taking part showing how much climbing is blossoming in south wales at present.
The comp is split into age categories with 8-11, 11-14, 14-16 being a rough guide (although it is done on date of birth so can be a little more complicated.) the climbers then have the chance to climb 3 routes and 3 boulder problems with a score being given for each, depending on how far up each route they climbed. there score are put together and hey presto we have a winner!
You may have noticed our Junior climbing team training at the centre for the past few months, for alot of them this is there big competition for the year, so with great anticipation we headed off to Cardiff.
The Team @ The BMC YCS Round 1
The climbers were then split up into there categories were they met climbers in there age group and set about attempting the routes and boulder problems layed out for them.
For alot of our team it was there first competition and first visit to another climbing centre and they seemed to really enjoy the experience with some tremendous moments from each and every one of them.
Ethan reaching the top at his first competition
Some of the highlights of the day included Noah and Ethan battling out in a super final after performing so well in the round that they could not be separated. Madeline and Yas climbing very confidently and taking 1st and 2nd place. Chris and Rowan also showing what the future has in store with great displays in the tough older boys categories. Emily, Naomi and Kaya took 1st, 2nd & 4th which is even more impressive when you consider that for Emily and Naomi this was their first comp!
Yas pulling hard in the bouldering section
Robin Cloak continued his march to world domination by breezing past the rest of the Field to take victory, with Ricardo taking equal and impressive 2nd place!
we took two other climbers from our team who both deserve special mention the first Ross showed great fighting spirit considering, see below
Ross showing that a broken arm isn't enough to hold her back!!
also Ashleigh on his first outing in the YCS had the crowd on there feet cheering with his brilliant final climb, topping out on the hardest route of the day!!!
A massive well done to all that took part including all the parents that had to travel ( in some cases long distances) to Peter Cloak for his tireless behind the scenes work, and to Paul Walters for organizing and running a brilliant days climbing for all involved!
Finlay I would like to say well done to all team members for an ace day and see you all at training soon.
The Team with Certificates!
Round 2 is to be held at Dynamic Rock on sat 28th March starting at 09.30 those wishing to take part need to register with the BMC this is done on there website www.thebmc.co.uk or ask me (simon for assistance at the center)
for full results check out http://indoorsout.co.uk/#brycs2009results.htm
happy climbing
simon
