Team France was flawless in the Longines League of Nations™-leg in Rotterdam, taking the win on a total score of zero after stellar performances from Henk Nooren's quartet – just five weeks ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Sweden followed in second, while Great Britain completed the podium as third.
Through the magical lens of Mackenzie Clark, we take a look back at the action as ten teams battled it out in the last leg of the Longines League of Nations 2024-season – with qualification for the Longines League of Nations™ Final at stake. For many of the riders, it was also a last chance to leave an impression on their selectors ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris.
First out, Dutch Chef d'Equipe Jos Lansink leading the host team.
All photos © Mackenzie Clark.
On each other's team: Henrik von Eckermann and Janika Sprunger – married and competing against each other in the Longines League of Nations as part of the Swedish and Swiss squads.
Big enough...
Laura Kraut and Baloutinue taking a moment.
Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom delivered a clear for the Brazilian team in round one, and look ready for Paris!
Thumbs up from Christian Kukuk after a clear aboard Checker 47 for the Germans.
Flying the Swiss flag: Edouard Schmitz and Gamin van't Naasteveldhof.
Current world number two Ben Maher and Point Break jumped double clear for Great Britain, helping the team finish third.
Behind the scenes with Team Great Britain.
King Edward and Henrik von Eckermann delivered a much needed double clear for the Swedes.
Never not thankful!
Ireland's Daniel Coyle and Legacy entering the arena at Kralingse Bos.
The future looks bright for Belgium's Pieter Devos and the homebred 9-year-old Casual DV Z who delivered another impressive performance with a double clear round.
It was not to be for the hosts, with the Dutch team finishing 6th. Here Leopold van Asten and VDL Groep Iron Z, who jumped clear in round one.
Delivering seven clear rounds, the French team were unbeatable – here Simon Delestre and the talented I Amelusina R 51.
As the anchor pair, it was left to Julien Epaillard and Donatello d'Auge to seal the deal for the French.
Five weeks out from the Olympic Games on home soil, Henk Nooren's French quartet is gaining the right momentum...
Olivier Perreau's lovely homebred GL Events Dorai d'Aiguilly.
No sore losers here: Sweden's Henrik von Eckermann congratulating France's Simon Delestre.
Julien Epaillard's homebred Donatello d'Auge was the star of the day, securing the French win with a final clear – here pictured with his breeder, Epaillard's wife Susana.
Tot ziens Rotterdam!
And see you in October Barcelona!
Then