Edited press release from Brussels Stephex Masters

Switzerland, with the newly crowned Olympic silver medalist Steve Guerdat riding Is-Minka (Mylord Carthago x Flyinge Quite Easy 958) alongside Janika Sprunger on Orelie (Emerald x Nabab de Reve), Pius Schwizer on Chelsea Z (Chellano Alpha Z x Cicero Z) and Martin Fuchs aboard Conner Jei (Connor 48 x Cosimo) won Friday's CSIO5* 1.60m Henders&Hazel Nations Cup at the Brussels Stephex Masters with nine penalty points.

Belgium followed in second place with 20 penalty points, while the Netherlands collected 22 penalty points and finished third. Germany – last year's winner of the Belgian Nations Cup – came in fourth with 24 penalty points. 

Only the best is good enough for the Brussels Stephex Masters, and that applied to the courses too. Designed by Grégory Bodo, the co-course builder for the Paris Olympic Games, the rounds were technically challenging but fair, with danger lurking at every turn and jump.

Switzerland started the second round strongly with a clear round from Steve Guerdat and Is-Minka and when Martin Fuchs, riding Connor Jei, also finished clear as the last rider, the victory was secured.

The Swiss team was thrilled with their win, and some riders were even more impressed by the event, the location and the atmosphere. For Janika Sprunger, it was her first time in Brussels. “I hope to come back often. Winning isn’t the only thing that matters,” she joked. “What makes this event special is how it blends tradition with modernity, which is quite unique. It’s a privilege to ride here." 

Pius Schwizer, who has competed in many events over his 62 years, also experienced the Brussels Stephex Masters for the first time: “This is amazing, something I’ve never seen before, and I’ve seen a lot. Stephan Conter has set a new standard with his event."