After top performances in October at the European Youth Series in Linz, Austria (Shauna Coxsey got 4th in the female youth B category), the British Youth Team travelled to Kranj, Slovenia for the final round of the 2007 European Youth Series (24th-25th November) where Natalie Berry achieved top spot in the Youth A Female category.

Lucy Creamer reports:

European Youth Series, Kranj 24th-25th November.

Natalie Berry who is 15 (16 in December) competes in the Youth A category and was one of the youngest climbers at Kranje. She qualified for the final after a 14th place in the qualifying rounds (they have to climb two qualification routes) and then pulled it out the bag to grab first place when she climbed almost to the top of the final route. She was four holds from the top. The route would have been about 7c+/8a; this is the standard these girls are climbing at.

This result has bumped her up to third place overall in the European Youth Series, youth A category. Natalie comes from Glasgow, Scotland and trains at Ratho.

More excellent results from 14 year old Shauna Coxsey ,Youth B category, who came a fantastic 7th. Michaela Tracey, 16 years, Youth A category, qualified to the final in 7th and ended up coming 9th overall, a very good result.

Out of the boys Tony Musslebrook, 18 yrs, did the best and achieved a creditable 15th place.

Well done to these climbers, they are really flying the flag for British competition climbing.

View a selection of photos from the Slovenia competition by Mark Alderson at britishclimbingteam.com