Madrid (ESP), 14 September 2011 – The French head both the team and individual standings after an exciting opening competition at the FEI European Jumping Championships 2011 in Madrid, Spain today. Just four of the 67 starters were left to go when Olivier Guillon steered Lord de Theize home to snatch the advantage from long-time leaders Beat Mandli (SUI) and Louis. The Swiss partnership were then further demoted to third when the last horse-and-rider into the ring, the surprising Stefan Eder from Austria and his stallion Chili Van Dijk, edged them out with a great run to slot into second.

The 13-fence track set by Spanish course designer Santiago Vareles produced the perfect introduction to the tough week ahead, and there is plenty of tension in the air as, apart from the all-important Championship medals, so many nations are vying for the coveted three remaining qualifying spots available for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

CONVERTED INTO PENALTIES
In the team rankings, Germany lies second after today’s results were converted into penalties, while Sweden is in third ahead of The Netherlands in fourth and Great Britain in fifth. The Swedes were very impressive this afternoon and look to have one of the Olympic qualifying spots well within their sights. These will be allocated to the three highest-placed nations not already qualified. As it stands this evening, Sweden, The Netherlands and the host nation of Spain have the London tickets in their grasp, but they will need to hold on very tight indeed over the next two days as Italy, Ireland and the defending European team champions from Switzerland are hot on their heels.

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