Novices Capture Center Stage at the 3rd Trophée des Arcs de Bois in Lanneplaà
The quiet of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques was replaced by the rhythmic thrum of bowstrings on Sunday, March 15, 2026, as Lanneplaà played host to the 3rd Trophée des Arcs de Bois. Organized by the local club Les Robins Béarnais, the event served as a critical introduction to competitive archery for 62 novice archers from across the Adour basin and Béarn.
For many of the participants, this wasn’t just a tournament—it was their first taste of competitive pressure. The competition was strictly reserved for beginners in their first year of licensure who had never previously competed, ensuring a level playing field for those just starting their journey in the sport.
A Level Playing Field: The “Initiation” Format
To keep the competition fair and focused on fundamental skill rather than expensive equipment, the Trophée des Arcs de Bois mandated the employ of “Initiation” bows. This standardization prevents gear advantages from overshadowing raw talent and technique during a shooter’s first year.
The event took place at the salle polyvalente (multi-purpose hall) in Lanneplaà, utilizing an indoor format of 2 x 15-meter distances. This shorter range is ideal for beginners, allowing them to build confidence and accuracy before moving to the longer distances found in professional outdoor circuits.
Note for those new to the sport: Indoor archery focuses heavily on precision and consistency over a shorter distance, making every millimeter of deviation from the center of the target significantly more impactful on the final score.
Standout Performances and Local Pride
While the atmosphere remained friendly and supportive, the competitive drive was evident. The day began with the first arrows flying at 9:30 AM and concluded with the podium ceremonies at 5:00 PM (17:00 local time).
The host club, Les Robins Béarnais, had plenty to celebrate as their own members secured top honors in multiple categories. Nina Bordes delivered a standout performance to claim the gold medal in the U 18 girls category, while Murielle Chin earned a silver medal in the Seniors 2 division.
The depth of the field was bolstered by archers traveling from several neighboring regions, including:
- Urrugne
- Biarritz
- Anglet
- Oloron
- Lescar
More Than Just a Competition
Beyond the target faces, the event highlighted the community-driven nature of regional French archery. Volunteers from Les Robins Béarnais managed the logistics and the midday break, providing a heated dining area where competitors could recharge with a traditional meal of chicken blanquette and pastries.
The schedule was rigorous; after the lunch break, archers returned to the non-heated shooting hall to continue their rounds until 4:30 PM, testing not only their aim but their concentration and endurance.
Quick Facts: Trophée des Arcs de Bois
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | March 15, 2026 |
| Location | Lanneplaà, France |
| Total Participants | 62 Beginner Archers |
| Distance | 2 x 15 meters (Indoor) |
| Equipment | Initiation Bows |
For those interested in joining the sport or contacting the organizers, Les Robins Béarnais can be reached via email at les.robins.bearnais64@gmail.com or by phone at 06 21 88 68 24.
With the 3rd edition now complete, these 62 archers have officially transitioned from trainees to competitors, setting the stage for their progression into higher-tier regional events.
What’s next: Local clubs in the Adour basin typically transition to outdoor training and competitions as the spring season progresses. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming regional qualifiers.
Do you have a favorite memory from your first archery competition? Share your experience in the comments below.
