The Saône-et-Loire departmental archery championship for adults took place recently, drawing competitors from across the region to test their skills in a disciplined sport where precision and focus reign supreme. Hosted under the auspices of the Comité départemental de tir à l’arc de Saône et Loire, the event served as both a local showcase and a qualifying pathway for higher-level competitions. Archers from various clubs participated, with particular attention on representatives from Mâcon, whose performances reflected months of dedicated training and preparation.
According to verified results published by the departmental committee, the competition featured multiple categories based on equipment type and age division, with adult archers competing in recurve, compound, and traditional bow disciplines. Scores were calculated according to World Archery Federation standards, with qualification rounds determining seeding for elimination matches where applicable. The event adhered strictly to safety protocols and competition rules governing national and international archery events.
Among the standout performers were several archers affiliated with the Compagnie des Archers Mâconnais, who demonstrated strong consistency throughout the qualification rounds. Manuel Fernandes, competing in the CD Vétéran arc classique category, secured a third-place finish with 314 points, earning a bronze medal under competition rules that did not require a classification duel due to his standing. His teammate Daniel Harms participated in the same category, recording 429 points to place seventh overall. Michaël Van Den Plas also competed in the CD Vétéran arc classique division, achieving an impressive second-place finish with 489 points, which qualified him for the quarterfinal elimination duels.
Notably absent from the Mâconnais contingent were Florian Bournet and Joël Bernigal, both of whom had qualified for the championship but were unable to attend due to health-related issues. Bournet missed qualifying rounds entirely because of illness, while Bernigal, despite earning a qualification spot, withdrew prior to the event citing medical reasons. Their absences were acknowledged by team officials as unfortunate but unavoidable circumstances affecting athlete availability.
The championship results contribute to the regional ranking system used to select archers for interdepartmental and national team considerations. Points earned in such events factor into selection committees’ evaluations for higher-profile tournaments, including potential pathways to French national championships. For veteran archers like those from Mâcon, strong performances at the departmental level maintain visibility within the competitive archery circuit and support continued participation in age-appropriate divisions.
Looking ahead, the archers from Mâcon will now turn their focus toward upcoming regional and national qualifying events, with the French Para Archery Championship serving as a recent benchmark for form. The duo of Van Den Plas and Fernandes, both medal contenders at the national para level just weeks prior, aim to carry that momentum into able-bodied competitions. Their recent success at the Championnat de France Para Tir à l’Arc — where Van Den Plas and Fernandes secured medals — underscores their current competitive readiness.
As the outdoor archery season progresses, departmental championships like this one in Saône-et-Loire remain vital touchpoints for athlete development and community engagement. They provide measurable benchmarks for individual improvement while fostering camaraderie among clubs across the département. For now, the Archers Mâconnais return to training with confirmed results in hand, using their departmental outing as both a performance evaluation and motivation for the challenges ahead on the national stage.
