The Archers du Val d’Ay from Satillieu, France, opened their 2026 competitive season with a strong showing in the first round of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional archery challenge, finishing sixth among 15 teams in Saint-Chamond on April 25. The result positions the Ardèche-based club for a potential climb in the standings as the four-group tournament progresses to its next stage in Viviers next month.

What Happened in Saint-Chamond

The challenge’s opening round took place at the facilities of the Compagnie des Archers de La Jeanne d’Arc d’Izieux in Saint-Chamond, Loire, where 15 teams from across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region competed in a two-phase format. The Archers du Val d’Ay—comprising Adrien Monteyremard, Philippe Veyrier, Louka Sassolas, and Maryse Regal—began the day with morning qualifications that saw them sit third overall. Afternoon duels against other teams pushed them to a final sixth-place finish, a respectable debut in a field that included some of the region’s most established clubs.

“After the qualifications, we were feeling good about our position,” said a team spokesperson, reflecting on the morning’s performance. “The duels were tougher, but the team fought hard. Sixth place is a solid start, and we know we can improve.”

Key Performances and Turning Points

The Archers du Val d’Ay’s path to sixth place was marked by a strong morning qualification round, where they trailed only two teams. The afternoon duels, but, presented a stiffer challenge. Although specific scores for each archer were not released, the team’s collective performance in the duels—where they faced off against other squads in head-to-head matchups—determined their final standing.

Monteyremard, Veyrier, Sassolas, and Regal each contributed to the team’s effort, though the format of the challenge emphasizes team cohesion over individual scores. The regional challenge, organized by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Archery Committee, is designed to foster competition among clubs while providing a platform for archers to test their skills in a team setting.

Understanding the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Challenge

The 2026 edition of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional challenge is the first to feature four groups, a change from previous years aimed at accommodating more teams. The challenge spans three stages:

• Manche 1 (April 25-26): Held across four locations—Saint-Chamond (Groupe 3), Saint-Laurent-de-Chamousset, Prévessin-Moëns, and Annecy. The Archers du Val d’Ay competed in Saint-Chamond.
• Manche 2 (May 23): Scheduled for Viviers (Ardèche), Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule, Grenoble, and Lezoux.
• Finale (June 6): The top teams from each group will advance to the final round in Saint-Priest.

Each round consists of morning qualifications followed by afternoon duels, with cumulative scores determining advancement to the final. The challenge is open to teams from across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which includes 12 departments and is one of France’s most competitive archery hubs.

What Sixth Place Means for the Archers du Val d’Ay

For the Archers du Val d’Ay, sixth place in the opening round is a promising start, particularly given the strength of the competition. The team will now look to build on this performance in the second round, scheduled for May 23 in Viviers, just a short drive from their home base in Satillieu.

“Viviers is a familiar venue for us,” said the team spokesperson. “We know the conditions, and we know what we demand to do to improve. The goal is to climb the standings and secure a spot in the final.”

The Archers du Val d’Ay are no strangers to regional competition. The club, founded in 1985, has a long history of participation in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes circuit and has hosted its own events, including the Satillieu TAE Departmental Challenge, which features distances ranging from 20 to 70 meters. The club’s home range, Stade Jean Kerlidou in Satillieu, is a hub for local archery enthusiasts and a regular host of departmental and regional events.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Viviers

The Archers du Val d’Ay will have nearly a month to prepare for the second round in Viviers. The break between rounds is typical for regional challenges, allowing teams to regroup, analyze their performances, and make adjustments to their training regimens.

For fans and supporters, the next round offers an opportunity to see the team in action closer to home. Viviers, located in the Ardèche department, is approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of Satillieu, making it an accessible venue for local spectators. The event is expected to draw archery enthusiasts from across the region, with the top teams from each group vying for a spot in the June 6 final.

How to Follow the Archers du Val d’Ay

Fans interested in following the Archers du Val d’Ay’s progress in the regional challenge can stay updated through the following channels:

• Official Website: French Archery Federation (FFTA) – The FFTA provides official results, schedules, and standings for all sanctioned events, including the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional challenge.
• Regional Committee: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Archery Committee – The regional body publishes updates on local competitions, including the challenge.
• Club Contact: The Archers du Val d’Ay can be reached at ybmartel@gmail.com or by phone at +33 4 75 67 44 84 for inquiries about training sessions, events, and membership.

Key Takeaways

• Result: The Archers du Val d’Ay finished sixth out of 15 teams in the first round of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional challenge in Saint-Chamond.
• Team: Adrien Monteyremard, Philippe Veyrier, Louka Sassolas, and Maryse Regal represented the club.
• Format: The challenge consists of three rounds—April 25-26, May 23, and June 6—with cumulative scores determining advancement to the final.
• Next Round: The team will compete in Viviers on May 23, with the goal of improving their standing and securing a spot in the final.
• Home Advantage: Viviers is located in Ardèche, just 30 kilometers from Satillieu, making it a convenient venue for local supporters.
• Stakes: The regional challenge is a key event for clubs in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, offering a platform for archers to showcase their skills and compete for regional honors.

What’s Next

The Archers du Val d’Ay will return to action on May 23 in Viviers for the second round of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional challenge. The event is open to the public, and fans are encouraged to attend to support the team as they aim for a top finish. For updates on the challenge, including schedules and results, visit the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Archery Committee’s official website.

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