French Clubs Target Medals at 2026 European Club Cup in Bulgaria

Seven French archery clubs are preparing to compete in the upcoming European Club Cup, returning to Bulgaria for the continental tournament.

French Clubs Return to Bulgaria

The 2026 European Club Cup will take place in Bulgaria, marking a return to the country where the tournament was hosted in 2024. Last year’s competition in Turkey saw two French clubs secure podium finishes, with the Nîmes women’s team and the Clermont-Ferrand men’s squad both claiming bronze medals. Both organizations have confirmed their participation for the 2026 event, aiming to improve upon their prior results.

French clubs field national team representatives

The competing French clubs are fielding high-profile lineups featuring national team representatives. Nîmes is set to compete in both the women’s and men’s categories, with a roster that includes Victoria Sebastian, Mila Fremery-Delestan, Baptiste Addis, and Jean-Charles Valladont. Clermont-Ferrand’s squad will feature French international Thomas Chirault alongside Romain Viale, who recently joined the INSEP training center.

Rennes, home to 2026 French champion Nicolas Bernardi, is also sending both men’s and women’s teams. Saint-Avertin and Brienon will round out the French contingent, each represented by their respective women’s squads.

D1 rankings determine European competition qualification

The selection of these clubs follows a competitive domestic season. In the women’s D1 rankings, Nîmes finished at the top of the standings, followed by Saint-Avertin and Rennes. In the men’s D1, Rennes secured second place, while Nîmes finished third. These placements serve as the foundation for the French representation in the European competition, providing a reward for the clubs’ performances throughout the year.

Which clubs and archers represent France?

Which clubs are representing France in the women’s category?

The French women’s contingent includes teams from Nîmes, Saint-Avertin, Rennes, and Brienon. These clubs qualified based on their performances in the national D1 circuit.

Who are the notable individual archers to watch in the French squads?

Key participants include national team members Baptiste Addis and Jean-Charles Valladont for the Nîmes men’s team, and Thomas Chirault for Clermont-Ferrand. Nicolas Bernardi, the 2026 French champion from Rennes, is also scheduled to compete.

Where was the previous European Club Cup held?

The 2025 edition of the European Club Cup was hosted in Antalya, Turkey. During that event, French clubs Nîmes and Clermont-Ferrand both achieved bronze medal finishes.