In the last week leading up to the Longines FEI World Cup Final, WoSJ catch up with some of the world’s best riders as they head for Gothenburg. Here, world no. 1 Steve Guerdat (SUI) fills us in on his plans for the final.
Which horse will you be riding in the final?
“I will bring Alamo and that has been my plan since Geneva. I started him off in Oliva where he did some small classes, and then he did a national show before he did two medium classes in Den Bosch. Last weekend he was in Paris where he jumped the Grand Prix and he felt really good. I also prepared Bianca for the final, as the horse you bring really needs to be in top form but after Paris I decided that my first choice will be Alamo.”
Who do you think will win?
“That is a question no one can really answer. But Daniel Deusser and Tobago as well as Martin Fuchs and Clooney have been the most consistent during the last half-year, so my bet is on them. But you never really know and there are so many that have the chance to win. I could name at least ten riders that wouldn’t surprise me at all if they won.”
How special is it to compete in the Longines FEI World Cup Final?
“For me the goals during the indoor season is Geneva and then to qualify for the World Cup Final. The final itself is amazing and that will never change. It is a championship that really can change your career. Those are the kind of events that I like. And Gothenburg is the best venue for the final – it all started there, so it is like going back to the roots. For me that is the place the final should be.”
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