Today, Saturday 24th May, was the day of the junior and veteran categories in the British Lead Climbing Championships (BLCCs) held at the awesome Blackpool Towers outdoor climbing walls. For a full report read on.

The day started early with all competitors doing two qualifying climbs, these they had seen demonstrated by the route-setters and could then also watch other competitors on, to decide who would go through to each of the respective finals.

Three categories were competing today: junior males (12 to 15 years), junior females (12 to 15 years) and veteran males 45+.  Sadly, no veteran females entered for the championships. 

The second qualifying route for the junior females had a real stopper move quite high up that most climbers got to but only a few managed to pull through. 

Amazingly, in both the male junior and male veteran categories all the competitors topped out on the first route but on their second route only Jonathan Stocking and Luke Tilley topped out in these two categories.

Those that went through to the finals then had to sit in isolation for a time while the routes for the finals were set.  They then got 6 minutes to look at the routes before attempting them on-sight.

In the final of the male junior category Jonathan, Luke and Ross Kirkland topped out. So as Luke and Jonathan had topped out on all three routes a nail biting super-final was held to decide between them.

In the female junior category Shauna Coxsey took the title for the second year running to confirm her status as one of our very best up and coming young competitors.

In the male veteran category Ian Dunn had written in his competitors' blurb that his main aim in today's competition was to beat Nick Colton.  Unhappily for Ian he slipped off the final route low down whereas Nick went on to touch the very last hold.

Results

Female Junior
1st  Shauna Coxsey
2nd Kitty Wallace
3rd  Rebbecca Hall

Male Junior
1st   Jonathan Stocking 
2nd  Luke Tilley
3rd   Ross Kirkland

Male Veteran
1st   Nick Colton
2nd  Ian Dunn
3rd   Mike Watson

Full results

The male and female senior categories (16 to 44 years) took place on Sunday 25th May. See here for a report and results from these categories. 

For more information about the event please click here.

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