Arsac, France – A surge in participation marked the recent Concours nature de tir à l’arc (nature archery competition) held in Arsac, France, as 124 archers from 26 clubs vied for coveted qualifying spots for the upcoming French National Championships in Marmande. The event, hosted by the Archers d’Arsac, saw a significant increase in competitors, exceeding typical attendance figures and creating a vibrant atmosphere for the sport.
The competition, held on Sunday, March 8th, presented archers with a challenging parcours des gravières – a countryside course featuring 21 targets spread across two starting points. Archers fired two arrows at each target, with a maximum possible score of 35 points per target, totaling 735 points. The event’s success underscores the growing popularity of field archery within France and the allure of competing in Marmande, a prominent hub for the sport.
Strong Performances Highlight Competitive Field
The competition wasn’t just about numbers; it showcased a high level of skill. A total of 17 archers surpassed the 600-point mark, and four exceeded 700 points. Leading the charge was Margot Laget (Périgord), who topped the women’s barebow category with a score of 655 points. In the men’s compound bow division, Bastien Lagardère Castan (Arsac) achieved the highest score of the day, totaling 720 points.
Close behind were Jean Duret (Saint-Laurent), Eddy Séguy (Blanquefort), and Arnaud Lacrouts (Libourne), all achieving scores of 715 points in the compound bow category. These archers are now well-positioned to secure their places at the French National Championships in Marmande, a testament to their dedication and precision.
The event was overseen by experienced arbiters, Messieurs Sacquard and Séguy, ensuring fair play and accurate scoring throughout the day. Patrick Borde, a member of the organizing committee, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and the smooth execution of the event. “Usually, we approach 100 participants without exceeding it. Today, it’s a real popular success,” Borde stated, highlighting the positive energy and collaborative spirit among the competitors and organizers.
Marmande Championships Beckon
The French National Championships, set to take place in Marmande later this year, represent a pinnacle of achievement for French archers. Marmande, a town with a strong archery tradition, is a familiar and respected venue within the sport. The city is home to the Archers Club Marmandais, which has been a cornerstone of the local archery community for 15 years, providing coaching, organizing events, and supporting young athletes. The club recently honored long-time volunteer Patrick Peyre for his dedication to the sport.
For those unfamiliar with field archery, the discipline emphasizes accuracy and adaptability. Unlike target archery, which is typically practiced on a flat, controlled range, field archery takes place on uneven terrain, often incorporating natural obstacles. Archers must adjust their technique and strategy to account for varying distances, wind conditions, and inclines, making it a demanding yet rewarding test of skill.
The success of the Arsac competition signals a healthy and growing archery community in France. The enthusiasm displayed by the 124 participants, combined with the dedication of organizers and arbiters, bodes well for the future of the sport. The upcoming championships in Marmande promise to be a thrilling showcase of talent and a celebration of archery’s enduring appeal.
What’s Next: The qualifying period for the French National Championships continues with upcoming competitions across France. Archers will be looking to refine their skills and secure their spots in Marmande. Official updates and schedules can be found on the Comité Régional Nouvelle-Aquitaine Tir à l’Arc (CRNATA) website.
