With its exceptional setting, atmosphere and audience, the Jumping International de La Baule - Officiel de France is undeniably one of the world's finest competitions. With eight classes scheduled, seven of which count towards the world ranking, the 2024 edition of the Jumping International de La Baule - Officiel de France promises to deliver top-class entertainment and thrills.
The world's top show jumpers have gathered at La Baule's François-André stadium since Thursday in anticipation of four days of top-level sport. From the very first day, the stakes were high for all the riders, as each sought to make their mark in the qualifying rounds. The equestrian world is abuzz with the announcement of the couples that qualified for the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule 2024.
Thursday June 6, CSIO5* 1m50 against the clock.
Showing in their home country, French riders monopolized the podium in the Prix FFE (1m50 timed event). Simon Delestre, who started in the middle of the event, won with OLGA VAN DE KRUISHOEVE in 60.59 seconds. He beat Olympic team champion Kevin Staut, riding BEAU DE LAUBRY Z, and Marc Dilasser, with ARIOTO DU GEVRES.
Friday June 7, Nations Cup CSIO5* 1m60.
The Barrière Nations Cup was held on Friday afternoon and crowned Germany, while France took second place. The top 18 couples from the first round have secured their spots for tomorrow's Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule. When Philipp Weishaupt, the last German rider, got on the course with ZINEDAY, you could feel the tension in the audience. After a perfect first round, Weishaupt shone again and carried his team to their seventh victory at La Baule, their first since 2007.
Saturday June 8, CSIO5* 1m50 with jump-off.
Today the riders faced off in the final qualifying round of this Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule. Of the 58 couples competing in the 5* 1m50 event, nine completed the perfect course to qualify for the jump-off. The Dutch Lars Kersten, with FUNKY FRED MARIENSHOF Z, won thanks to two exemplary performances. McLain Ward, with CALLAS and Shane Sweetnam, with RR COMBELLA, completed the podium, both also with double clear rounds.
Rolex Grand Prix, Sunday June 9 at 2.00 pm
The 50 riders at the start of this Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule will be striving to reclaim the title from Belgium's Nicola Philippaerts, last year’s winner with KATANGA VAN HET DINGESHOF.
In the packed Stadium François Andrés, the French riders like François Xavier Boudant, Olivier Robert, Marc Dilasser, will attempt to succeed Nicolas Delmotte, the last Veste Bleue to win in 2021 with Urvoso du Roch. We'll also be joined by some of the most famous names on the international equestrian scene, including Steve Guerdat, Jérôme Guery, Karl Cook, Kent Farrington, Martin Fuchs and Peder Fredricson.
From 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, all eyes will turn to the prestigious grass course of the Stadium François-André. The event promises to be captivating with competitors ready to battle it out on a demanding course designed by Grégory Bodo. The Rolex Grand Prix Ville de la Baule promises to deliver a breathtaking competition and spectacular show for equestrian sport enthusiasts.
Lars KERSTEN // (c) Rolex Series
This is Olga's eighth or ninth international victory in 4- and 5-star shows since September, the Lorraine-based rider joyfully explains. She had a magnificent run. She's very fast and very respectful. Our aim is to get her into the 5-star Grand Prix. She's a mare for the top sport, and she has everything it takes to have a great career, including championships. In this event, I attacked straight away with a big tempo and then I stayed with it. Mentally speaking, it's always good to start a competition this way. I'm on a good run at the moment with my horses, who are jumping really well. We'll just have to surf that wave.
That's the very exciting part of the Nations Cups when you're the last to go and you know you have to achieve a clear round. Riding a horse like Zineday is pure joy and I am really lucky. I'd like to thank the public at La Baule for their incredible fair play. They were very respectful when I entered the ring, knowing I could have stolen a victory from France. And after my lap, they applauded loudly. To be such great sport is not common everywhere. But all the riders feel very welcome here. Really, thank you for that. I had the opportunity of getting into the Nations Cup I wanted to before the Olympic Games, and for me, it was obvious to come to La Baule. Every year, the competition gets even better.
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