Italy to lead the way in La Baule

The Italian team will get the action underway when the 2004 Samsung Super League series begins in La Baule tomorrow, Friday May 7th. The draw was made at the French venue today and the teams will start in the following order: 1, Italy; 2, Great Britain; 3, The Netherlands; 4, Belgium; 5, France; 6, Germany; 7, Ireland; 8, USA. At 2pm the course-walk will take place followed by the parade of teams at 2.30pm. and the first round of the first leg of the 2004 Samsung Super League begins at 3pm, with round two at 4.45pm and the prize-giving at approximately 6.15pm. The official opening of the renewly renovated showgrounds at La Baule took place today and Rene Pasquier, President of the Organisation Committee, said "I am particularly delighted to offer this beautiful new stadium to the Samsung Super League". FEI Sports Director, Michael Stone, commented that "the facilities are absolutely top class and raise, without doubt, the standard of the Samsung Super League series". During today’s draw, much of the discussion between the Chefs d’Equipe of the eight teams revolved around their plans for the forthcoming Olympic Games in Athens, but Jean-Maurice Bonneau, who steered the French to a sensational series-victory last season, made particular mention of the participation of the American squad. "It is great that the US team is here. The Samsung Super League is now a truly global competition" he said. "We are very pleased to be taking part and we hope to stay in the Samsung Super League for some time" said American Chef d’Equipe Mark Leone. For full details and results from La Baule see website www.labaule-cheval.com or email contact@unidfox.com. THE MBPtv BROADCAST SCHEDULE FOR THE SAMSUNG NATIONS CUP COMPETITION AT LA BAULE IS AS FOLLOWS: Equidia (France) Live/Delayed Live 7 May 18.00 hrs, Repeat 9 May 22.30/16 May 22.00 Eurosport (Pan Europe) Highlights 12 May 22.30, Repeat 20 May 09.00 CNBC Europe Highlights 5 June ESPN Star Sports (Asia) Highlights 19 May 18.00 hrs M-Net (Pan Africa) Highlights 28 May 20.00 hrs, Repeat 29 May/1 June RTE (Ireland) Live/Delayed Live TVE (Spain) Live/Delayed Live RAI (Italy) Live/?Delayed Live Finnish Sport TV Company (Finland) Highlights Sport TV (Portugal) Highlights XXP (Germany) Highlights CNBC Europe Highlights Horse TV (USA) Highlights SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE – NATIONAL PRIDE, INTERNATIONAL PASSION! Don’t forget that Biographies on all Riders competing in the series are available at http://bios.horsesport.org. The Samsung Super League consists of the eight most prestigious horse shows at which the world’s eight best national teams compare their merit. The Super League is connected to the Samsung Nations Cup Series through a promotion/relegation system at the end of each season. Samsung Electronics, one of the world’s largest electronics companies, is committed to supporting international sporting events thereby returning corporate profits to the public and working towards a more harmonious and equitable society. For more information: FEI Communications Muriel Faienza m.faienza@horsesport.org or consult FEI website www.horsesport.org. FEI Super League News mailing list : This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list fei.superleague@horsesport.org. If you no longer wish to receive the FEI Super League News, unsubscribe by E-mail to: fei.superleague-off@horsesport.org (no subject required). Send administrative queries to fei.superleague-request@horsesport.org.