The Escola Lucense de Tiro con Arco delivered its strongest performance of the season in the third round of the Liga Gallega de Aire Libre, held this past weekend at the Club Meigarco facilities in Redondela. The Lugo-based club’s archers overcame significant training challenges to post their best results yet in the 2026 Ranking Autonómico Unificado de Aire Libre (RAUAL), with standout performances across multiple categories.

Standout Results in Competitive Field

The competition, which serves as a key qualifier for the regional unified rankings, featured archers from across Galicia competing in four distinct categories: Tradicional +50, LongBow +50, and Recurvo sénior. The Escola Lucense team, which has struggled with limited outdoor training facilities, saw several of its members climb the leaderboard in dramatic fashion.

In the Tradicional +50 femenino category, veteran archer Ana Isabel Villar Fernández improved her standing significantly, finishing in 5th place with a total score of 312 points. This marked a notable jump from her 8th-place finish in the previous round (294 points) and represents her best performance of the season. Villar Fernández’s consistency at the 30-meter distance, shooting at 80-centimeter targets, has develop into a hallmark of her competitive approach.

The men’s Tradicional +50 category saw Fon Villamiel deliver a breakout performance, securing 2nd place with 548 points. Villamiel, who had previously finished 4th in the second round (521 points), came within 12 points of the category leader, demonstrating the club’s growing depth in the traditional bow discipline. His score was particularly impressive given the challenging wind conditions that affected the outdoor venue.

José Ángel Otero Martínez continued his strong season in the LongBow +50 masculino category, finishing 3rd with 467 points. Competing at 30 meters on 122-centimeter targets, Otero Martínez has now placed in the top five in all three rounds of the league, establishing himself as one of the most consistent performers in this specialized discipline. His technical precision with the longbow, which requires a distinct shooting style compared to other bow types, has drawn praise from league officials.

In the Recurvo sénior masculino category, Juan Andrés Casaleiro Piña posted his best result of the season with a 12th-place finish (438 points), improving from his 15th-place showing in the previous round (415 points). The recurve bow category, which features the Olympic-style bow, is the most competitive in the league, with archers shooting at 70 meters on 122-centimeter targets. Casaleiro Piña’s progress reflects the club’s investment in developing its recurve program despite limited training resources.

Training Challenges Add Context to Success

The Escola Lucense de Tiro con Arco has faced significant obstacles this season due to the lack of dedicated outdoor training facilities in Lugo. Club officials confirmed that their archers have been forced to adapt their preparation routines, often traveling to neighboring provinces for practice sessions or training in suboptimal conditions. This challenge is particularly acute for outdoor disciplines, which represent approximately 50% of the competitive season in Galician archery.

“Our athletes have shown remarkable resilience,” said a club spokesperson in a statement following the competition. “The fact that they’re improving their scores despite these limitations speaks volumes about their dedication and the quality of our coaching staff. We’re competing against clubs with year-round access to outdoor ranges, and our results this weekend prove we can hold our own.”

The training constraints have been most pronounced for the club’s recurve archers, who require longer distances for proper preparation. While traditional and longbow archers can adapt more easily to shorter ranges, recurve shooters typically need a minimum of 70 meters to simulate competition conditions. The Escola Lucense has been working with local authorities to secure temporary permits for outdoor training, but no permanent solution has been announced.

League Format and Season Implications

The Liga Gallega de Aire Libre operates under a unified ranking system that combines results from multiple rounds to determine the Ranking Autonómico Unificado de Aire Libre (RAUAL). The 2026 season features six rounds, with the top performers from each category qualifying for the Galician Championships later this year.

The league’s format includes distinct scoring systems for each bow type:

• Tradicional: 30 meters, 80cm targets (40 arrows)
• LongBow: 30 meters, 122cm targets (40 arrows)
• Recurvo: 70 meters, 122cm targets (72 arrows)

With three rounds completed, the Escola Lucense’s archers are positioning themselves for strong finishes in several categories. Villamiel’s 2nd-place showing in Tradicional +50 masculino places him just 28 points behind the category leader, while Otero Martínez’s consistent top-five finishes in LongBow +50 have him in contention for a podium finish at season’s end.

What’s Next for the Lucense Archers

The fourth round of the Liga Gallega de Aire Libre is scheduled for May 18-19, 2026, with the competition returning to Pontevedra. The Escola Lucense team will look to build on their momentum as they enter the second half of the season, with particular focus on improving their recurve program’s standings.

Club officials have indicated they will continue to advocate for improved training facilities, noting that consistent outdoor access could dramatically improve their archers’ competitiveness in future seasons. For now, the team is celebrating their best collective performance of the year while preparing for the challenges ahead.

How to Follow the Liga Gallega de Aire Libre

For official results, rankings, and future competition schedules, visit the Federación Galega de Tiro con Arco website. The Real Federación Española de Tiro con Arco as well provides updates on national archery competitions and development programs.

What do you think about the Escola Lucense’s performance this season? Can they maintain this momentum in the second half of the league? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow Archysport for more coverage of international archery competitions.