Now that the Olympic excitement is gradually subsiding, the FEI Eventing World Cup series will resume for its 16th and penultimate qualifier. The Grand Complet of Martinvast, 6 km away from Cherbourg in Northern France, is the place to be for all Eventing enthusiasts this weekend. No less than 46 riders and 52 horses representing Australia, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, South Africa and Sweden have confirmed their participation in the competitions 10th edition. The presence of such renowned riders as Great Britains Polly Stockton on Sir Lancelot and Zara Phillips on Springleaze Macaroo or of Olympians Karin Donkers of Belgium on Idem and Steelbok, Heidi Antikatzides of Greece on Fairfax or Frances own Rodolphe Scherer on Bandolero III should definitely not go unnoticed. But, first and foremost, the newly crowned team Olympic Champions Jean Teulère and Arnaud Boiteau will also be among the participants. Jean Teulère, who is also the reigning World Champion, will be riding the 15-year old gelding Bambi de Brière*Ecolit, with whom Rodolphe Scherer placed 4th at the Sydney Olympic Games four years ago. Arnaud Boiteau will be back on his faithful 12-year old gelding Expo du Moulin, which is encouraging after the unfortunate fall the couple suffered in Athens.
France has been among the worlds leading Eventing nations over the last few years with individual gold and team silver at the 2002 World Equestrian Games, individual gold and team silver at the 2003 European Championship and team gold at the 2004 Olympic Games. To celebrate these extraordinary sporting achievements, the French team coach Thierry Touzaint along with his golden team members Nicolas Touzaint and Cédric Lyard will make an appearance at Martinvast, where they will meet with their numerous fans and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The FEI Eventing World Cup qualifier will begin with Dressage on Friday, 27 August, from 14h to 17h55. It will resume on Saturday 28 morning from 8h30 to 12h30. Jumping will follow from 11h00 to 13h00. Cross Country will come last as of 8h30 on Sunday. The green and naturally hilly ground has been cleverly used Cross Designer Pierre Le Goupil. The 3,600 m long exciting cross counts 22 fences and 36 jumping efforts, among which no less than seven double, two triple and one quadruple combinations and four water jumps.
This is the third time that the Grand Complet of Martinvast is hosting an FEI Eventing World Cup qualifier. A special tribute should be paid to all the volunteers, no less than 200 this year, without whose zeal and untiring helping hands this wonderful event would not have come into being.
Contacts:
André-Jacques Le Goupil (organiser)
Mobile : + 33 6 80 58 07 20
Email : ajlegoupil@yahoo.fr
An excellent press service is provided by Xavier Boudon, Pixizone Public Relations Agency.
Mobile: + 33 6 08 82 94 86
Email: presse@pixizone.com.
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