Thursday 20 November 2008

European Championships


I had a really relaxing trip to Paris on the train. For some reason it felt a lot less tiresome than flying which was good as I was still a little poorly with a chesty cough. The hotel was in a good place - right next door to a huge supermarket for supplies. Super.




The comp venue was amazing a big glass and grass mound. The qualifier's were held in a side hall populated with hundreds of school children cheering us on. The blocs were pretty easy with only one strong move. Unfortunately, I only managed to flash 3 of the 5 and didn't manage to top the other 2 despite probably doing the hardest moves.

Unusually it was my technique that let me down rather than anything else. I had my knees facing the wrong way both times! I was also climbing a bit slowly so did not have time to rectify my mistakes once I realised what I had to do.

We climbed in two groups. I came 17th in my group, 33rd overall.

The lead, speed and boulder semis and finals were all held in the main omnisport arena. We watched all the finals, and all the bouldering - cheering on Ned who made it to the semis. Well done Ned.


In between we had time for some sight seeing. As you can see we went to all tourist attractions - Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame etc. Also, a very skilled football acrobat balancing on a pillar playing keepie uppie. I was a Paris newbie and thoroughly enjoyed the trip.









Next time I will climb better...