Roberts, Bridgens, Peetermans, and McNeice lead the way into the Semi-Finals at the British Lead Championships
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The qualification round of the 2025 British Lead Championships concluded this evening, with Olympian Toby Roberts top of the Senior Men and a three-way tie at the top of the Senior Women.
Senior Women’s Qualification
At the end of the women's qualification, Connie Bridgens, Zoe Peetermans, and Erin McNeice are tied at the top, with all three athletes successfully topping Routes A and B.
16-year-old Connie Bridgens, making her debut in the Senior Lead Championships, impressed by being one of three athletes to top Route A and one of six to top Route B. Meanwhile, McNeice and Peetermans are no strangers to the British Lead Championships, both having previously claimed podium finishes.
On finishing her qualification heat, Peetermans said:
"Making it to the finals would mean a lot. I have come second at this event three years in a row, and I want to make it four. I want to be behind Erin, our Olympic finalist."
Senior Men’s Qualification
Toby Roberts secured the top spot in the Senior Men’s qualification round after being the only male athlete to achieve two tops. Rhys Conlon qualified in second place after reaching hold 33 on Route A and topping Route B.
Tied for third place are reigning British Lead Champion Jack MacDougall, Oliver Goodwin, and Sam Hammond. They were the only other men to secure a top in the qualification round, all completing Route B. They finished marginally behind Conlon, achieving 32+ on Route A.
The top 26 athletes from today’s Senior qualification rounds advance to tomorrow’s semi-final.
Men’s U17 Qualification
In the Men’s U17 category, Isaac Sutton was the only athlete to top both routes, securing his place at the top of the leaderboard. Tom Bouwknegt qualified in second place, while Harveer Seikham finished third, commenting later:
“I’d say [the qualification round] went quite well. The second route was a lot harder than the first one, but I think I’ve done alright. I was absolutely boxed when trying to get the clip, but my fingers just uncurled.”
Women’s U17 Qualification
Iggy Rinaldi delivered a dominant performance in the qualification round, securing tops on both routes. Mia Gallagher and Bella Ryder qualified in second and third, separated by the smallest of margins. Both athletes reached 41+ on Route A, while Gallagher edged ahead with 31+ over Ryder’s 30+ on Route B.
The top 16 athletes from U17 will start in tomorrow’s semi-final.
Where to Watch
The BMC is delighted to bring you live coverage of the British Lead Championships via the BMC YouTube channel. Coverage will start and approximately end at the following times:
Sunday 9 February
10:00 – Men’s and Women’s Lead Semi-finals
17:15 – Men’s and Women’s U17 Final
18:30 – Men’s and Women’s Senior Final
Results from the event can be viewed here.
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