ISA European Tree Climbing Championship, Nantes, France, 6-7th May 2006
The beautiful town of Nantes in Brittany, France was the setting for the annual Euro tree-climbing bash. Climbers from throughout Europe converged to compete for this year’s event staged earlier than usual by 6 weeks. It had followed on from the French Open Championship that had taken place on the Thursday & Friday. Many of the attendees had already taken up camp both on the ground & in the ever increasing forms that tree-sleeping systems are taking these days.
We (Treeworker crew), arrived at the event late on Saturday night, (due to the successes of the Celebration of Trees event at Capel Manor, the rigidness of Ryanair & my lack of ability to be anywhere on time!). A positive party atmosphere was well underway with an excellent eclectic jazz band playing in the main tent, hot food being cooked on massive open fires & plenty of local beer & wine being served at the pumps. All in all a recipe fit for the ETCC regulars.
Most of Sundays climbing took place in mixed weather conditions but the climbers were relentless in their enthusiasm for climbing whatever the weathergods were to throw at them. The biggest cheer going out to Jelte Buddingh of the Dutch Chapter who showed grit & determination to complete his masters climb in a torrential downpour for the whole 20 minutes. This being just one of the aspects that sets the standards within which competition climbers excel.
The event, as usual, came & went so swiftly. Trees derigged, trade stands vanished, sculptures moved to the ISA European Congress hall for the following days conference & only a few weary feet left to tick the closing boxes. An excellent start to this years TCC’s, and hopefully one that will lead the way throughout this coming season. Thanks go out to all public, climbers, technicians, judges & helpers, the European organising committee & anyone who does not fit these titles.
Best wishes
NodOh yes! PS If you have an urge to find the results please check out this link:
http://www.isa-tcc.co.uk/EUROPEANS 2006 RESULTS.xls
