On 7-8 July 2007 the second round of the European Youth Series took place in the cultural city of Leipzig, Germany - the home of Johan Sebastian Bach. Great Britain was represented by a seven strong team in four categories.

Report from team coach Dave Binney

Arriving late on Thursday evening, not sure whether the hostel was 8km or 38km away thanks to contradictory websites, the team was glad of the pre-ordered taxis when it transpired the latter was true.

The hostel entrance, a non descript set of brown doors, reminiscent of Berlin apartment blocks, opened onto the surreal vision of an oversized red leather chair underneath an artificial palm tree. Entering the dimly lit hallway we followed it leftwards to reception. The receptionist, sporting a Mohican and several piercings greeted us politely in English and the team was  efficiently (well it was Germany after all) deposited into their basic but comfortable rooms.

The following morning, after a filling traditional German breakfast, we scouted the route from our accommodation to the wall discovering a convenient Aldi next door which not only allowed us to stock up on provisions but provided some pre competition balance training. This left time for our final preparations (shopping in Leipzig city centre) and an early night.

Day one of the competition featured an early start as usual with two qualifying routes on flash. German efficiency ensured the day ran to time. Shauna Coxey, from Liverpool, despite a heavy cold and hacking cough, in this, her first EYS, showed her amazing talent qualifying in fourth place in the Junior B girls. Natalie Berry, climbing a little below her usual podium standard due to recent GCSEs, was pleased at her qualification in 8th place in the Junior A girls. Robert Mackenzie was also pleased with his performance qualifying 9th in the Junior A boys. Tony Musselbrook, Peter Johnstone, Adam Watson, and Michaela Tracey all in their first international competitions all gained invaluable competition experience coming 18th, 39th 29th and 26th.

Day two although sunny and warm was tense, especially for young Shauna. The girls route proved tricky with a low short roof followed by sustained technical climbing. Shauna’s foot popped unexpectedly above the roof, ending her hopes of a place on the podium putting her in 10th position. Natalie powered through the roof but fatigue set in early ending her climb finishing in 9th. The boys route was powerful and steep. Climbing quickly, Robert progressed well until a vital position to clip from was missed resulting in an acquired clip which sapped Roberts’s strength ending his attempt in a respectable 10th place.

After the climbing competition and several games of beach volleyball the team headed back to mission central for a well earned shower, food and a final tense competition of ten pin bowling.

The weekend passed far too quickly but the memories of it will be treasured. All in all, the weekend fostered everyone's enthusiasm for climbing with a sense of fun, enabling personal development for all in both their climbing and during the other activities.

The final results were very positive too:
Youth B Girls - Shauna Coxsey was 10th .
Youth A Girls - Natalie Berry was 9th and Micheal Tracy 26th.
Youth A Boys - Robert Mackenzie was 10th and Peter Johnstone
Junior Boys - Tony Musselbrook was 18th and Adam Watson was 28th.

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