French rider Simon Delestre (n°1 world ranking) & Hermès Ryan will compete in the CSIO 5* of France. Photo: PSV Jean Morel.
Some of the sports events have a unique flavour. The Jumping of La Baule belongs to this exceptional category. Second leg of the European 1st Division of the world circuit of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, and 2nd leg of the national circuit FFE French Tour, the Longines Jumping International of La Baule, also known as “Officiel de France”, is to horse riding what Roland Garros is to tennis, what the Six Nations Championship is to Rugby, or what the Tour de France is to cycling.
If on each Olympic year the international jumping competitions 5 stars (CSI 5*) are given special attention, those which carry the “O” label (CSIO 5*) are even of greater importance. Only 19 in number around the world, the CSIO 5* remind that only this format of competition is similar to the Olympic Games.
From 12 to 15 May, La Baule holds the unique CSIO 5* de France, and the only 5 star competition of the Pentecost week end. Before all eyes turn towards Brazil, three months away from the beginning of the Equestrian Events of the Rio Olympic Games, it is actually in Loire Atlantique that the show jumping enthusiasts will smell this Olympic perfume… with the best riders and horses on the starting list, and many highlights during the show.
Véronique GAUTHIER / Agence Consulis
veronique-gauthier@club-internet.fr
mob: +33 672 770 600
Bruno OPPENHEIM / O.I.C
bruno.oppenheim@wanadoo.fr
mob: +33 614 422 795