Bordeaux, February 2015 – For the fourth time in a row the Jumping International de Bordeaux is ready to host the FEI World Cup Driving Final 2015. Considered one of the highlights on the international equestrian calendar, this weekend the French arena will be the scenario of the great battle between the best six four-in-hand drivers in the world, representing four nations.
The qualification phase of the series took place over seven legs held from November 2014 to January 2015: Stuttgart, Stockholm, Budapest, Geneva, London, Mechelen and Leipzig, with four victories achieved by the defending champion Boyd Exell, and three by the Dutch Koos de Ronde, winner in the last one in Germany.
“I won in 2013 in Leipzig. Back then it had been the last competition before the Final too which I won – said Koos after the competition – I hope this victory brings me good luck for the Final this year as well. I have a good feeling.”
Five-time FEI World Cup Driving champion, the Australian driver is still the favourite to conquer the 2015 title, but it won’t be an easy job for him, who will face his Dutch rival and other fierce opponents: the Germans Christoph Sandmann and Georg Von Stein, the wild card from France, Sébastien Mourier, the other Dutch driver, Ijsbrand Chardon and the Swedish Fredrik Persson.
The competitors have earned their tickets to what is set to be a breath-taking event, on the course designed by the Swedish Dan Henriksson.
In the provisional ranking the World Champion in Normandy 2014 is obviously on top, with 30 points, followed by De Ronde (25) and by Persson and Chardon (24), both in the third position.
The rendez-vous with the FEI World Cup Driving Final is scheduled on Saturday 7th February at 23.30 and Sunday 8th February at 13.35.
6 February 2015
