Tradition Triumphs in Béziers: Lucile Sicard and Enzo Soria Crowned ‘Roys’ of the Archers Biterrois

In the sun-drenched landscapes of the Hérault region in southern France, archery is more than a sport—it is a living history. On May 8, the Archers Biterrois club revived one of its most cherished ancestral customs, the Tir du Roy, culminating in a celebration of precision, and community. This year, the prestigious titles of “Roy” were claimed by Lucile Sicard and Enzo Soria Iravedra, who outlasted their peers in a test of nerves and accuracy.

For those unfamiliar with the regional customs of Béziers, the Archers Biterrois Tir du Roy is not a standard tournament. It is a ceremonial competition rooted in the traditions of medieval archery guilds. Rather than chasing a high score on a standard target, the archers compete in the “tir à l’oiseau”—the bird shoot. The objective is singular and demanding: strike a small wooden bird perched at the center of a decorated target.

The 2026 event saw a diverse field of competitors, but two names rose above the rest. Lucile Sicard secured the title of Roy for the classic bow category, while Enzo Soria Iravedra took the crown for the compound bow division. The victory is as much about prestige within the club as it is about technical skill, marking them as the reigning champions of their respective disciplines for the year.

The Mechanics of the ‘Tir à l’Oiseau’

To a global audience, the concept of shooting a wooden bird might seem like a novelty, but in the context of European archery, it represents a critical bridge between modern sport and historical practice. The “tir à l’oiseau” requires a different psychological approach than Olympic-style target archery. While target archery focuses on repetitive consistency across multiple rings, the Tir du Roy is a high-stakes “hit or miss” scenario. The pressure mounts as the field narrows, and the wooden bird becomes a tantalizingly small target.

The event also ensures the next generation is integrated into the fold. This year, the title of “Roitelet”—the youth equivalent of the Roy—was awarded to Maëline Blau-Belmonte. By introducing children to these traditions, the Archers Biterrois ensure that the cultural fabric of the sport remains intact even as equipment evolves from longbows to high-tech carbon fiber.

Editor’s Note: For those new to the sport, the “Roitelet” title is a traditional way to encourage youth participation, giving younger archers a goal that mirrors the adult competition but is tailored to their skill level.

Classic vs. Compound: A Tale of Two Bows

The crowning of two different “Roys” highlights the technical divide in modern archery. Lucile Sicard’s victory with the arc classique (classic or recurve bow) is particularly notable. The recurve bow requires significant physical strength and a keen intuition for the arrow’s trajectory, as the archer must manage the bow’s energy without the aid of mechanical let-off.

Conversely, Enzo Soria Iravedra utilized the arc à poulies (compound bow). Compound bows use a system of cables and pulleys to reduce the holding weight at full draw, allowing the archer to aim with extreme precision for longer periods. While the compound bow is often viewed as the more “accurate” tool due to its mechanical advantages, the pressure of a traditional “Tir du Roy” can level the playing field, making the mental game the deciding factor.

The decision to crown winners in both categories reflects the modern reality of the Archers Biterrois club, blending the rigorous standards of contemporary competition with the spirit of the 14th-century guilds.

More Than a Trophy: The Social Fabric of Béziers

While the competitive aspect of the day provided the headline, the underlying narrative was one of social cohesion. The club emphasized that the event served as a vital gathering point for multiple generations. In an era where sports are increasingly professionalized and isolated, the Tir du Roy remains a “journée de partage”—a day of sharing.

The atmosphere in Béziers was characterized by conviviality and friendship, values that the club considers as important as the trophies themselves. By bringing together veteran archers and novices, the event reinforces the community bonds that sustain amateur sports in the Hérault department. The shared experience of the “tir à l’oiseau” creates a common language between the oldest and youngest members of the club.

This commitment to community is a hallmark of French regional sports clubs, where the “clubhouse” culture often outweighs the competitive rankings. For the Archers Biterrois, the tradition is a way to honor their ancestors while celebrating the current membership’s growth.

Key Takeaways from the 2026 Tir du Roy

• The Winners: Lucile Sicard (Classic Bow) and Enzo Soria Iravedra (Compound Bow) are the 2026 “Roys.”
• Youth Success: Maëline Blau-Belmonte earned the title of “Roitelet.”
• The Format: The competition centered on the “tir à l’oiseau,” aiming for a wooden bird on a decorated target.
• The Venue: The event took place on May 8 in Béziers, France, hosted by the Archers Biterrois.
• Core Values: The event prioritized multigenerational friendship and the preservation of archery traditions.

Looking Ahead

The crowning of Sicard and Soria marks the peak of the club’s traditional calendar, but the focus now shifts toward the regular competitive season. The Archers Biterrois continue to be a pillar of the sporting community in the Hérault region, balancing their ancestral roots with the demands of modern archery.

For those following the progress of these athletes, the next checkpoint will be the regional qualifiers and club championships, where the new “Roys” will look to translate their traditional success into tournament victories.

Do you think traditional events like the Tir du Roy help or hinder the professionalization of archery? Let us know in the comments below.

For more updates on regional archery and international competitions, follow our coverage here at Archysport. Detailed reports on the event can be found via Midi Libre.