Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer rode a phenomenal round with PSG Junior (Cornet Obolensky x Lando) to take the title in the first CSI5* class of the day, racing to the line in 53.67s. Maikel van der Vleuten was in the lead for much of the round, however was pipped to the post by Pius’ time, after his stunning round with Kisby (Kaiserwind x Lohberg) in 54.05s. Both lead the rest of the field by a three second margin, with third place going to Ukraine's Ferenc Szentirmai.

The speed course set the pulses racing as 39 top combinations took to the stage for their turn around the course designed by Italy’s Uliano Vezzani. The pace of the class was initially set by Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, who completed a strong round in 61.36s and was the early time to beat. Faults were spread evenly throughout the course, typical of the fast paced class where riders took extra tight turns and shorter approaches to every fence where possible. A double coming towards home and the tight turn to a water tray which caught out a few people, including many legends of the sport such as John Whitaker.

Darragh Kenny was last to go with his grey Gatsby (Simba x Cruise On). Showing his speed, he went for it all the way but clipped the last fence - a real shame as his 51.84s would have put him in the lead with an incredible time. Brother and sister, Emanuele Bianchi (ITA) and Matilde Giorgia Bianchi (ITA) took 5th and 6th place respectively, much to the delight of the local crowd.

Source: Press release from LGCT.