European Youth Series 2009
Round 3 EICA: Ratho
Report by Kevin Howett

The 3^rd round of the EYS was held at Ratho last weekend. 134 competitors from across Europe attended. This was the first time a European series had been held in the UK and the first real test of the awesome Hanger Wall: the International Difficulty Wall built last year for just such a competition.

There are 6 categories in the event (male & female youth A; male & female youth B; male & female Juniors). Each nation is invited to send 4 entries for each of the categories, whilst the home nation is able to select 6. This meant a British Team of 36 could be competing for Britain.

The BMC manage the British Team and they do not normally have that number in the team. Hence an EYS Selection Day was held at Ratho in July and further results taken from the BLCC helped decide on an expanded team to compete.

There was a strong Scottish contingent in the team and this expanded team membership meant children who would not ordinarily be able to attend such a prestigious competition were given the opportunity on home soil.

The standard of climbing was very high. The determination from these children beggars belief with some incredible performances. One standout performance was Mario Lechner from Austria who injured his knee on the Saturday. Mario limped to below the final route on Sunday and proceeded to power his way through the main roof of the Hanger Wall hardly using his leg. He fell just short of the chains to claim the win in the Junior category.

Scotland’s powerhouse competition climbers did well against tough opposition with Natalie Berry gaining 4^th in the Female Junior and Jonathan Stocking getting a 5^th place after ‘countback’ separated him from an equal 4^th in the Male Youth A Category (Note: junior is the older age category!).

The team acquitted themselves well and for many it was a great opportunity to experience an international competition.

Thanks go to all the volunteers (mainly parents – judging, belaying, chaperoning etc) who made the event happen, the BMC and the British Team management and not least EICA for hosting it.

We are now looking forward to the even bigger World Youth Championship at Ratho next year.

Full Results of the EYS can be had from the IFSC website.

Scottish Climbers Results:

Male Youth A
5^th Jonathan Stocking
16^th Paul Williamson
17^th Jonathan Field
20^th Ross Kirkland

Female Youth A
18^th Ellen Macaskill
22^nd Jessica Macaskey

Male Youth B
20th Steven Addison
22^nd Alasdair Johnston

Male Junior
14^th Robert Makenzie
20^th Robert Philips

Female Junior
4^th Natalie berry