For the first time this year, IFSC decided to organize a European Youth Championship. This competition was held in Gemozac, a village located 100 km away from Bordeaux.

As often in France, the Youth A and Junior categories had their qualification and final rounds on the same day. I had a good start in the first qualification route but I made a mistake when clipping in the last quarter of the route, which made me fall prematurately. I therefore had no other option but topping the second route in order to qualify for the final, which I did.

There was a great atmosphere during the final, which was commented by Christopher, the famous French speaker. I started climbing well but my hand slid when tightening a small hold. I finally ranked 9th.

It was a good week-end for the Belgian team, which managed to qualify 5 climbers in the final round. One of us (Loïc, also a Five Ten athlete) did even get a gold medal.