Ben – BMC YCS national finals at Ratho

BMC YCS national finals at Ratho April 2015 

We arrived at Ratho fairly early, so we had plenty of time to look at the routes and warm up. After studying all the routes and boulders I was feeling fairly confident, only worried about a few moves on some of the problems. The comp started; I was about middle in the group for the first climb. When it came to me I could feel the pressure, luckily though I managed to top the first route, great start!

Next was Boulder One, after seeing a few people top this and a few fall off I was a little nervous, but the problem wasn't too difficult and I managed a top out on my first go.

 

Up now was Boulder Two. I knew I could top it if I climbed my best, but it was going to be hard! I was first on this problem, the first few moves felt good, there was a big dynamic 'pop' in the middle of the route and unfortunately I wasn’t able to get the move on any of my three attempts.

 

 

The next climb would be route two. I knew I had to get high on this to be able to reach my goal of top ten. Knowing that the demo climber fell off this route, I knew it was hard! It was my turn; only one person had the high point so I started the climb knowing where I needed to get to. I pulled through the first crux and got one hold from the high point before falling. I was happy with my attempt.

 

 

The next two climbs were going to be the hardest!

 

It was Boulder Three next. The crux was two small crimps to an undercut, this route hurt! One climber in our group managed a top, I was second highest on this problem and went in to route three confident.

 

I was near last on the final climb so I got a chance to watch other competitors. The first climber topped out, no others did and there was a clear crux where most people were falling. It came to my go; from the first few moves I realised the wall was steeper than I first thought. I got halfway through the crux, clipped and just fell. I was disappointed with my attempt and just hoped it was enough.

Luckily, it was enough for my goal: I finished tenth! I know I couldn't have achieved this without the support I got from High Sports, whom I proudly represented at Ratho.

 

 

Profile:

Name: Ben Preston 
Location: Surrey 
Twitter: @ClimbBen
Instagram: @climbing_surrey