The enthusiastic crowd in La Baule supporting their home team that finished second.

Thumbs up from Philipp Weishaupt in the parade of nations ahead of the competition.

Understatement.... “I can handle pressure quite well,” Philipp Weishaupt commented about his nerves after delivering another clear in the second round, which was needed to secure the win for Germany, riding the phenomenal Zineday.

"I wish that everybody that does equestrian sports once in their life gets to have a feeling like on this one; it is pretty special to ride Zineday. I am extremely happy and thankful that I have a chance to ride a horse like him," Philipp Weishaupt said about his 10-year-old Zineday that secured the German victory with a double clear round.

Olivier Robert and Iglesias D.V. delivered a double clear for the French team.

As did Francois Xavier Boudant and Brazyl du Mezel.

Allez Bosty! In round one, French anchors Roger Yves Bost and Delph de Denat HDC made a splash of the open water, but delivered a much needed clear in the second round to help France finish second.

Bosty's clear in round two kept the French team total on five and piled pressure on the German anchors.

Keeping a close eye on the rivals... With the traditional format with a dropscore, the excitement was palpable until the very end.

One of the six double clears in the Barrière Nations Cup: Belgium's Wilm Vermeir and Iq van het Steentje, who helped the Belgian team finish third.

After the first round, the US team was still in contention for the win with a beautiful clear from Lillie Keenan and Argan de Beliard...

... as well as from Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque.

However, it was not going to be plain sailing...Kent Farrington and Landon were eliminated after two refusals in round one on this double at 9ab...

... and after the unexpected exit in the first round, Farrington opted to withdraw from the second round, leaving the US team with three horse-and-rider combinations and an uphill battle. Eventually, they finished 6th.

The Swiss came prepared...

Steve Guerdat and Albfuehren's Iashin Sitte flying the flag for the Swiss, that finished fourth.

Full focus from Pius Schwizer and Vancouver de Lanlore.

The Swede's did not have a good day at the office, with Petronella Andersson and Odina van Klapscheut being their best combination on a score of 0/4. The Swedes ended 8th and second-last.

“Of course I am feeling very pleased with my horse, who is only 9-years-old,” Kendra Claricia Brinkop said about Tabasco de Toxandria Z after the pair delivered a clear for the Germans in round two.

All set at the launchpad... Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque waiting for their turn.

Lots of love for Francois Xavier Boudant's Brazyl du Mezel.

Edouard Schmitz and Gamin van'T Naastveldhof jumped clear in round two.

Lillie Keenan's groom Cory Teal supporting her every step of the way.

Simon Delestre's I Amelusina R 51 flying over the open water at fence eight.

The French team spirit... Simon Delestre congratulates Francois Xavier Boudant after a double clear performance.

Kisses for the incredible Quel Homme de Hus, who jumped clear in round two for Belgium.

"If you know you have these guys in the team, you want to keep up," Kendra Claricia Brinkop said about her German teammates.

“I am blessed with this horse and I am lucky to have gotten the chance to come here,” Andre Thieme said about his DSP Chakaria.

...and he obviously isn't the only one that loves her!

The second placed home team was in high spirits.

Cheers! Team Germany could celebrate a Nations Cup win in La Baule after a 16 year draught.

Merci! "Thank you to the organizers and to the incredible crowd here,” Philipp Weishaupt said after the Barrière Nations Cup.