On the 3rd July 2014 nine members of the GB Paraclimbing Team set off for Austria to compete in the IFSC Paraclimbing Cup in Imst.

This was the largest team of Paraclimbers from the UK ever to attend an international competition.

The team was accompanied by Andy Coltart (Asst. Manager) and Mark McGowen (Team Coach).

After travelling to Munich by plane and on to Innsbruck to their hotel the team stayed overnight before their 78km ride to the climbing venue in Imst. 

The competition format was different to anything the international athletes had experienced before as there was no qualifiers or finals.  All the athletes climbed six 18m routes ranging from 5c to 7a in difficulty.  The total of the holds reached then provided a score for the 6 climbs and rankings were then established.

On Friday 4th the heat (33c) and the altitude (approx 2,800ft) proved a challenge along with the strong wind blowing through the valley.  However, many routes were topped and team spirits remained high.  The 5th brought more cloud and a cooler day but much tougher routes!  The team were psyched for the challenge and quickly focused their attentions to the top. After several hours and three routes later the results were in.

Fran Brown 1st women's NPD B, Nick Middleton 1st men's Arm Amputee, Esme Harte 1st women's Leg Amputee, Sianagh Gallagher 1st women's Arm Amputee, Dave Bowes 2nd men's NPD A, Adam Hoolahan 2nd men's B1, Gwynfor Roberts 2nd and John Churcher 3rd mens B2 and Reanne Racktoo 4th women's B2.

A huge congratulations to the team on achieving 8 medals, bringing the teams total to 12 podiums in the first two competitions of the season.

The team are psyched and ready for the challenge of Rockmasters in Arco, Italy, and the World Championships in Gijon, Spain later in August and September.  They are also looking forward to inviting athletes from around the world to Sheffield in October for the IFSC Paraclimbing Cup.

After a days rest in Innsbruck the team headed back to the UK on the 7th July. For now it's back to training and preparing for the rest of the season.

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