Archers de l’Autize Shine in Home Regional Championship Opener in Ardin
ARDIN, France — April 28, 2026
The Archers de l’Autize delivered a commanding performance in front of their home crowd this weekend, capturing multiple titles at the regional team archery championship held in Ardin, France. The two-day event, which concluded on Sunday, April 26, marked the first leg of the 2026 regional circuit and served as a critical early-season test for clubs across Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Competing at their home range in the Salle des Étoffes in Coulonges-sur-l’Autize, the Archers de l’Autize demonstrated depth and precision, particularly in the team categories. Official results from the French Archery Federation (FFTA) confirm that the club secured first-place finishes in the senior men’s, senior women’s, and mixed team divisions. The victories propel the Archers into early contention for the regional title, with the next round of competition scheduled for June in Bordeaux.
Key Performances and Turning Points
The championship, which featured 12 clubs and over 150 archers, unfolded over two days of intense competition. The Archers de l’Autize opened the event on Saturday with a strong showing in the 18-meter indoor round, where their senior men’s team—comprising veterans Thomas Moreau, Lucas Dubois, and club captain Antoine Lefèvre—posted a combined score of 1,723 points, edging out second-place Club de Tir à l’Arc de Niort by a margin of 17 points. The result was particularly significant given Niort’s status as the defending regional champions.
Sunday’s field round, held under partly cloudy skies with light winds, proved to be the turning point for the home team. The Archers’ senior women’s team, led by 2025 regional individual champion Élodie Girard, dominated the 50-meter round with a cumulative score of 1,689 points. Girard, who too competed in the individual category, finished second overall with a total of 642 points, just three points behind the winner, Marie Laurent of Club de Bordeaux.
“This weekend was about consistency and teamwork,” said Girard in a post-event interview with La Nouvelle République. “We’ve been training hard since January, and to see everyone step up when it mattered most is incredibly rewarding. The support from our home crowd gave us that extra push, especially on Sunday.”
Standings and Season Implications
The Archers de l’Autize now sit atop the regional team standings with 20 points, followed by Niort (15 points) and Bordeaux (12 points). The FFTA’s regional circuit operates on a cumulative points system, with clubs earning points based on their finish in each of the five scheduled events. The top three clubs at the conclude of the season will qualify for the national championships in Paris later this year.
For the Archers, the early success comes on the heels of a strong 2025 campaign, where they finished third in the region. The club’s youth program has also shown promise, with 17 junior archers (ages 10-18) competing in the recent “Tir en Campagne” event in Parthenay. Among them, 13-year-old Lilou Martin emerged as a standout, finishing fourth in the U13 category—a result that bodes well for the club’s future.
What’s Next for the Archers de l’Autize
The Archers will return to action on May 17-18 for the second leg of the regional circuit, which will be held in La Rochelle. The event will feature a 70-meter outdoor round, a format that favors archers with strong long-distance accuracy. With Girard and Moreau both nursing minor shoulder strains from this weekend’s competition, the club’s coaching staff has indicated they will adjust training loads in the coming weeks to ensure full recovery.
“La Rochelle is always a tough venue,” said head coach Pierre Lambert. “The wind conditions can be unpredictable, and the competition will be even fiercer. But we’re confident in our preparation. The goal is to build on this momentum even as keeping our archers healthy for the long season ahead.”
How to Follow the Archers de l’Autize
Fans can stay updated on the Archers de l’Autize through the following official channels:
- Official Club Website (French)
- Facebook Page (Live updates, photos, and event schedules)
- French Archery Federation (FFTA) (Official results and standings)
Key Takeaways
- Home Advantage: The Archers de l’Autize secured three team titles in front of their home crowd in Ardin, marking their strongest start to a regional season in five years.
- Standings Boost: The victories place the club in first place in the regional team standings, with 20 points—five ahead of their nearest rivals.
- Youth Development: Junior archer Lilou Martin’s fourth-place finish in Parthenay highlights the club’s growing talent pipeline.
- Injury Watch: Key archers Élodie Girard and Thomas Moreau are managing minor shoulder strains, with adjusted training planned ahead of the next event in La Rochelle.
- Next Challenge: The Archers will compete in La Rochelle on May 17-18, where they will face a 70-meter outdoor round under potentially windy conditions.
Why This Weekend Mattered
For the Archers de l’Autize, this weekend’s results were more than just early-season wins—they were a statement. The club has spent the past two years rebuilding its senior roster and investing in youth development, and the performances in Ardin suggest those efforts are paying off. With the national championships on the horizon, the Archers are positioning themselves as serious contenders, not just in the region, but on the national stage.
The regional circuit also serves as a critical proving ground for archers eyeing selection for the French national team. Girard’s strong showing in the individual category, coupled with her leadership in the women’s team, keeps her in the conversation for potential national call-ups later this year. Similarly, Moreau’s consistency in the senior men’s division could earn him a spot in upcoming international trials.
For fans of the sport, the Archers de l’Autize offer a compelling narrative: a club on the rise, blending experienced veterans with emerging talent, all while fostering a strong community presence in the Deux-Sèvres department. As the 2026 season unfolds, their progress will be one to watch.
What do you consider of the Archers de l’Autize’s start to the season? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media using #Archysport.
