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Federation
Equestre Internationale News
FEI Eventing World Cup News
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WHAT
The ninth leg of the FEI Eventing World Cup will take place within
the scope of the Rodderberg Park Derby (GER) from 22 to 25 May.
This is the first time that a World Cup qualifier is held in Germany.
The
Eventing World Cup is organised as a three-star level CIC (One
Day Event) qualifiers and a three-star level Final.
To
make the competition more thrilling and easier to follow for spectators,
Rodderberg organisers have placed the Cross Country start and
finish line within the Jumping Showground. Also, just in time
for the World Cup, the surface of the 4,200 m long Cross Country
track has been significantly improved. It was first sand back-filled
with 1,200 tons of special silicate sand; then, hundreds of thousands
of little holes were drilled and filled with sand; and finally,
the track was newly seeded and rolled. Thanks to this method,
the rooting of the grass has been enhanced and the ground takes
in more water than before. Says show manager Dirk Schneider: "At
Rodderberg we canter on cloud nine now. We have achieved ideal
absorbability and elasticity and the strains that weigh down the
horses have lessened
decisively." However, participants have to be more than well
prepared since the steep course demands strong stamina.
Another
exciting feature are the eight newly added obstacles located around
the nearby Omya Pool. "They will be rather tricky",
reveals course designer Wilfried Thiebes.
WHO
Sixty-five riders representing 20 nations are expected to take
part in the FEI Eventing World Cup qualifier at Rodderberg. Amongst
them are
.
Andrew Hoy (AUS), three-time Olympic champion Team (Barcelona
1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000) and an Olympic silver medallist
Individual in Sydney 2000. This is Hoy's second World Cup participation,
his first one being the inaugural qualifier at Gatcombe (GBR)
where he placed 7th and won 14 points counting toward the final
standings. He has been competing regularly at Rodderberg where
he won in 1999 and 2001.
.
Matt Ryan (AUS), three-time Olympic champion (Team in Barcelona
1992 and Sydney 2000 and Individual in Sydney 2000). He competed
at Gatcombe with his Olympic horse from Sydney Kibah Sandstone.
He also took part at Chatsworth two weeks ago where he placed
fourth riding Bonza Puzzle. For the Rodderberg qualifier he has
entered Bonza Katoomba.
.
Pia Pantsu (FIN), bronze medallist at the 2002 World Equestrian
Games, and Andreas Dibowski (GER) will also be present. With 30
points they are in the lead of the World Cup standings along with
Philip Dutton (AUS), William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Andrew Nicholson
(NZL), Jean Teulere (FRA), Gina Miles (USA) and Gustavo Mourao
(BRA).
Riders
from Austria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Ireland,
Italy, The Netherlands, The Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand,
Switzerland or Sweden will also be among the participants.
WHEN
Thursday, 22 May
10.30 Riders' briefing
11.00 Course walk
15.30 Dressage Test (1st part)
Friday,
23 May
07.00 Dressage Test (2nd part)
13.00 Veterinary inspection
15.30 Jumping Test
Saturday,
24 May
12.00 Cross Country Test
17.00 Prize-giving ceremony
www.horsesport.org
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