Switzerland wins the Young Riders Nations Cup
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Young Rider Nations Cup was the first big class of this 2009 CSIOJ-YR of Reims (France). 9 teams entered and all got problems to resolve the difficult course imagined by the course designer Jean-Paul Lepetit. 12 fences, a triple n°5 followed by a big vertical in n°6, and the hardest part, a triple bar then a river then a double with two verticals at 1,45m. 26 faults have been madeonly on these 4 fences! Sadly, the Great-Britain, the Denmark and the Sweden were not qualified for the second round. Spain, Switzerland and France were leading the board with 8 faults. And after a second round full of faults (25 points for Belgium, 20 pts for France, Italy and Germany!), it’s finally the Swiss team who made it easier, thanks to two amazing clear rounds of Melanie Freimuller and Stefanie Lauber. With a total of 16 points, Switzerland bring back home the trophy. “This team will be the one who will participate to the European Championships” said Albert Lischer, the chef d’équipe. After their team gold medal in 2008, Swiss young riders seem to be stronger than ever!
The course was difficult too even if heights were not as big as last year. Only 8 couples qualified for the jump off, almost one per country. But with two riders, Belgium had two lucks to win. After the deception of the Young Rider Nations Cup, Hervé Daout, Belgian chef d’équipe, could finally enjoy himself thanks to 17 year old Matthias de Muynck. Riding his Belgian mare Valencia that he trained since she was three, he finished with the fastest clear round. Living in Eeklo (between Gand and Brugge), he studies electromechanical and rides at home 2 grand prix horses and a few young horses. He hopes to participate to the European Championships next July.
Filed Under
Showjumping
