Bird’s Nest” under floodlights. Photo (c) Longines Beijing Masters/Arnd Bronkhorst
With Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Simon Delestre (FRA), the top two in the Longines ranking list are competing, as well as Jeroen Dubbeldam, the reigning World and European Champion of the show-jumpers. An exquisite field of participants is taking part in the meanwhile 6th Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters.
From Thursday onwards ten international top stars will be competing against the best riders in China in the “Bird’s Nest”, the legendary Olympic Stadium in Peking. “It is this special concept that makes the show so unique,” explained the co-organiser Frank Kemperman. “One can only develop at a high level if one can take on the challenge from the best in the world,” stated Kemperman. So, in order to bring forward the equestrian sport in China, the organisers developed the “Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters” platform. The international riders not only compete in the ring, they also take on the role of trainers. They support their Chinese colleagues both in practical and theoretical terms.
The highlight is the Longines Grand Prix on Sunday, however prior to this an extraordinary class is on the agenda for the top Asiatic riders on Friday evening: In the team competition they compete together with their European colleagues – under floodlights. “To ride in the team in this fantastic floodlit arena, is a thrilling experience,” commented Kemperman.
Due to the quarantine regulations in China all of the international riders will be competing on borrowed horses. The Chinese organisers are being supported by the show-jumper, Ludger Beerbaum, who will also be in action in the saddle himself, as well as by the organisers of the CHIO Aachen, led by Frank Kemperman and Michael Mronz. The latter is particularly delighted that not only the show itself, but also the coverage has developed excellently: “Among others, BTV Sports, Guangdong Sports and CCTV will be broadcasting coverage in China, Eurosport in Europe. Live images from the “Bird’s Nest” will also be available on ClipMyHorse.tv,” noted Mronz.
International riders at the 6th Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters:
Ahlmann, Christian (GER)
Beerbaum, Ludger (GER)
Bost, Roger-Yves (FRA)
Delestre, Simon (FRA)
Dubbeldam, Jeroen (NED)
Kutscher, Marco (GER)
Richard, Jane (SUI)
Schröder, Gerco (NED)
Wathelet, Gregory (BEL)
Whitaker, John (GB)
Source: Press release Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters / Picture © Longines Beijing Masters/Arnd Bronkhorst
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