Pamiers-based archers recently showcased their skills at the French Indoor Archery Championships, held in both Paris and Yzeure. The competitions saw strong performances and hard-fought battles from the local competitors as they transitioned into the outdoor season.
In Paris, Emmanuel Dupuis and Philippe Pagnutti, representing Compagnie d’arc Pamiers in the senior 2 category, navigated a highly competitive field to advance past the initial cut. According to Eddy Gobbatto, president of the club, “Our two selections, senior 2 category, had a quality first day by passing the Cut in a remarkably high and tight session where several arrows were measured to the millimeter.” Dupuis finished 14th with a score of 559, whereas Pagnutti secured 28th place with 553, as reported by both La Dépêche and Compagnie d’Arc de Pamiers’ Facebook page.
Despite a strong showing in the qualifying rounds, both archers faced tough opposition in the first match, ultimately falling short. Dupuis lost 2-6, and Pagnutti was defeated 3-7. Gobbatto noted that they were “slightly less precise than their opponents,” but expressed confidence in their preparation for the upcoming outdoor season, anticipating they will “again aim for the bullseye.”
Meanwhile, Marine Hequet competed at the French Indoor Championships in Yzeure, building on her success as a two-time champion of the Ligue Occitanie. Hequet, after a somewhat inconsistent qualification round, delivered a commendable performance, according to the source material. She ultimately lost a close match in the eighth final, 4-6. Despite the defeat, she expressed satisfaction with her performance and is now focused on the outdoor season, which promises to be a busy one.
The Compagnie d’arc Pamiers is now shifting its focus to outdoor training. Until the end of March, training will continue indoors at the Salle Multisports du Foulon. Following that, the team will move to the Las Parets site, which has recently been upgraded with a new long-distance Olympic shooting range. This new facility will be used for all national and individual team rankings, providing excellent preparation for the regional excellence division season, which begins in early April.
The French Archery Federation (FFTA) is overseeing these championships and the broader development of the sport in France. The FFTA website provides information on national events and athlete profiles, including recent highlights featuring Romane Blondel.
The transition from indoor to outdoor archery requires adjustments in technique and strategy. Archers must account for wind conditions, varying light, and longer distances. The Las Parets facility will provide the Compagnie d’arc Pamiers’ athletes with the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and prepare for the challenges of the outdoor season. The upcoming regional excellence division promises competitive action, and the club is aiming for strong results.
The dedication of the archers and the support of the Compagnie d’arc Pamiers, led by Eddy Gobbatto, are key factors in their continued success. The club’s commitment to providing quality training facilities and fostering a competitive spirit will undoubtedly contribute to their performance throughout the season.
Looking ahead, the archers will be aiming to build on their experiences from the indoor championships and translate that momentum into success in the outdoor season. The regional excellence division will be a key proving ground, and the team is determined to make a strong showing.
