Valence, France
The Boulders team had an unbelievable final few days in the Ceuse/Orpierre area, including tackling some 7a/7b projects, and some more multi-pitch climbing in a newer “secret” climbing area.
Our guides, Regis Leroy and Michel Paccalet, were perfect. The gite was amazing, and the food – well – Kimanda, Phil and Seb worked hard in the kitchen.
We are all in Valence, awaiting the start of the World Youth Climbing Championships. First qualifiers for difficulty start tomorrow morning at 10:30am. Maegan’s running order is 70th out of 73rd. Second qualifiers start at 9am on Friday, and Maegan will likely start in the middle of the group.
Speed takes places on the new and “official” speed wall, in a different venue from difficulty. The wall has a 5 degree overhang, and the new “standard” routes are a bit harder than normal. The wall is set up in the Champs de Mar, a large square in downtown Valence. Qualifiers are at 3pm on Friday.
On Saturday, difficulty semi-finals start at noon, finals at 7:30, with the awards ceremony at 10pm
Sunday is speed again, starting at 11am.
Thanks again to everyone who has donated their time and money to make this trip possible.
